Monsieur Ernest "Dipstick" LeClerc is a fictional character in the BBC sitcom 'Allo 'Allo!, which ran from 1982 to 1992.
LeClerc arrived in Nouvion after his twin brother Roger visited him in prison and they decided to swap places, because Roger claimed that the food there was better than that of Madame Edith, to his brother's initial disbelief. Like his sibling, Ernest was an old flame of Madame Fanny - Edith's mother - and worked as a forger.
Behind the scenes[]
Ernest was created to replace his brother Roger after the actor portraying Roger, Jack Haig, died between seasons 5 and 6.
He was played by Derek Royle In series 6 in 1989, but Royle's sudden death the following year meant the character had to be hurriedly re-cast before filming began on the following series. The part was won by Robin Parkinson, who was actually much younger than the character but made up to appear older, and he continued in the role until the show ended in 1992, returning for the reunion special The Return of 'Allo 'Allo! in 2007.
Ernest Leclerc portrayed by Robin Parkinson