John Thaw and Dennis Waterman fight during Christmas treasure hunt
- The Christmas treasure hunt turned chaotic when John Thaw's father began cheating by stealing clues.
- The incident led to a real-life brawl involving John, Dennis, and his father Jack, attracting attention from neighbors.
- This humorous altercation is remembered as a light-hearted event among friends during the festive season.
In the 1970s, a notable incident occurred during a festive gathering involving John Thaw, Dame Sheila Hancock, and his best friend Dennis Waterman, known for their roles in the iconic British series The Sweeney. Hosted at the couple's home, the event aimed to create a light-hearted atmosphere through a treasure hunt designed by Sheila, who intended to engage their guests and enhance holiday cheer. However, the festivities took a tumultuous turn when John Thaw's father, Jack, who participated in the game, became overly competitive and misunderstood the clues hidden around the home. As tensions rose, Jack began stealing clues from John and Dennis, leading to an unexpected physical altercation involving all three men. The chaotic scene unfolded as the men started throwing punches, reminiscent of the confrontational style depicted in their police drama, The Sweeney, which aired from 1975 to 1978. Neighbours looked on, witnessing the unusual yet amusing spectacle of three grown men embroiled in a brawl over a friendly competition. Sheila, who was married to Thaw, recounted how she had devised clever hints for the treasure hunt; however, Jack's inability to decipher them sparked frustration and his competitive nature took over, igniting the conflict. This incident brought about a comedic rather than violent sense of rivalry as seen on television, highlighting the tensions that can arise even amongst friends and family during festive celebrations. Despite the brawl becoming a memorable story shared among friends, it was not the first instance of mischief during holiday gatherings. Sheila also mentioned that Thaw often indulged in drinking while preparing Christmas dinner, further illustrating the lighthearted chaos associated with their celebrations. However, the more amusing aspects of the occasion have allowed them to look back fondly rather than with disdain. John Thaw, remembered fondly by many for his contributions to British television, passed away in 2002, and Dennis Waterman followed in 2022, leaving behind cherished memories, including the day they engaged in a hilariously unexpected fight during what was intended to be a joyful challenge.