NOW then, now then, guys and gals - top television personality Sir Jimmy Saville has joined the Daily Echo's Save our Ship campaign to keep the luxury liner QE2 in Southampton.

Sir Jimmy is the QE2's number one fan and he is determined to try to "Fix It'' for the world's most famous ship to remain in her home port.

The Daily Echo's SOS campaign was launched after Cunard said they were looking at the possibility of taking the prestigious flagship of the British merchant marine to another port due to concerns over the costs of docking the liner in Southampton.

The colourful personality is one of the most familiar and regular passengers on board the 70,327-ton luxury ship, having enjoyed a bumper total of 37 cruises on QE2 and he is determined his next voyage on the great Cunarder will again start from Southampton.

"It's always wonderful to come down to Southampton and get on board," he said.

"QE2 is without doubt my favourite ship. Life on board is wonderful. I always try to have the same cabin and I just enjoy the sunshine and the days at sea."

The Cunarder has become a vital part of Southampton docks scene since she first came into service more than 30 years ago.

Now top executives at the shipping line's Miami headquarters have ordered company representatives from Southampton to inspect other ports across the UK as possible bases for QE2 as negotiations continue between Cunard and Associated British Ports, who own and operate the city's docks, over a new contract.

"If it is commercially viable we will move her, though we have not yet made a final decision,'' said a Cunard spokesman.

Sir Jimmy, QE2's most colourful passenger, said he was shocked to hear the ship might be forced to move away.

"People who are selling things and who think they are in a seller's market sometimes get a nasty shock when the market disappears,'' said Sir Jimmy.

"The word on the street is that Southampton keeps jacking up its parking price for QE2 and while it would be a great sadness for it to leave Southampton, business is business and if Cunard can find somewhere at a lower price they can't be blamed.''

Not that Sir Jimmy was able to remain serious for long as he joked that he could possibly see QE2 alongside his home county.

"Personally I think this is a great chance for Yorkshire,'' he said. "I am opening negotiations with QE2 for it to move to Scarborough - we will even give everyone on board free Yorkshire puddings.''

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.