Flirty Ulrika Jonsson once tried to bag a date with Leslie Phillips, claimed the Carry On lothario famous for his “Ding dong!” and “He-llo!” catchphrases.
The notorious serial romancer, who died this month at the age of 98, was in his 70s at the time and 43 years her senior.
Leslie made the claim in an interview before his death this month at 98 –and spoke of his regret at turning her down.
The star of Carry On and Doctor films, famous for playing womanisers, called the former TV-am weathergirl, now 55, “a smashing-looking bird”.
After passing on her offer of lunch, the actor said he feared he’d blown his “big chance” with the Sweish-born Ulrika, then a huge name on game show Shooting Stars.
Leslie said: “She’s great fun, Ulrika. I’ve worked with her three times. She’s terribly attractive and very sexy. I think she’s a smashing-looking bird.
“She’s got kids. She’s had a tough time. I liked her very much indeed. She said to me, ‘Come and have lunch one day’ and I never did. Maybe I made a mistake, I don’t know.
“Could have been my big chance! But I never got anywhere like that, no.”
Like Ulrika, Leslie was wed three times and had four children, although Leslie’s were all with his first wife and Ulrika’s from her different relationships.
In 2000 she made worldwide headlines thanks to a four-month relationship with England football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, a fellow Swede 19 years older than her.
Leslie said of that romance: “I wouldn’t have been surprised at all with Ulrika and Sven.
“That would have been a natural get-together I would have thought.”
Leslie also revealed a fascination with former Tory minister Edwina Currie, who had an affair with ex-PM John Major.
Leslie said: “She was quite saucy. I was rather surprised actually. She was very friendly, gregarious and jokey.”
