Gavin Featherly



Gavin Featherly (born c.1961) is a pool attendant, and later Acting Deputy Manager of the leisure centre. His father is stated to be a retired army colonel, and his parents appear to live abroad; in series 7, episode 6, they note that returning to England has involved a 22-hour flight. He is one of four children; his brother Peter lives in Zambia, his sister Sally lives in Tokyo and another sister, Alice, lives in Brussels.

Gavin is gentle and caring, and gets on with his job under Brittas. He later develops a certain arrogance when being promoted to deputy manager. After this promotion, he occasionally clashes with the previous Deputy Manager "Wet", Colin Weatherby, claiming he only "cleans toilets".

The promotion causes a rift in his relationship with boyfriend and co-worker Tim Whistler, and also causes him to pick up some of his boss's mannerisms, in the form of what he says and hand gestures. Gavin falls out with his boyfriend on many occasions, because of either keeping secrets from him or the jealousy and jumping to conclusions on Tim's part.

The relationship between Gavin and Tim provides a humorous subplot, because Brittas, who is unable to detect the subtle communication between the two, remains unaware they are a couple. In the last episode of the first series, Brittas even asks Gavin to keep on eye on Tim, because Brittas suspects that Tim is gay. In series 7, episode 6, Colonel and Mrs. Featherley remark that they don't ever remember Gavin talking about anyone called Tim, suggesting that they are unaware of their son's sexual orientation.

Gavin is the only staff member who wears a tie and blazer (after his promotion), just like Brittas, showing just how seriously he takes his career in leisure management. The 1994 special 'In the Beginning' shows that in later life, Gavin becomes a Conservative MP.