Philip

Philip is a second generation African immigrant from Croydon, although for most of the series he claims to be an "African Prince" and the son of an African tribal King. Phillip's lies about his 'primitive' background seem most obviously an ironic response to Rigsby's racist remarks, and sometimes result in moments when Rigsby's gullibility and desperation lead to his belief in some aspect of Phillip's lore: for example, the 'love wood' which fails to excite Miss Jones (in the 'Charisma' episode, first broadcast 1974). Philip is an intelligent, educated man (more so than the moderately educated Alan and Miss Jones), he is sophisticated and suave; this makes Rigsby suspicious of him, particularly as Miss Jones openly fancies him. Philip does not reciprocate Miss Jones' romantic interest.

Croydon was not revealed to be the true birthplace of Phillip until the film version. Don Warrington commented in Britain's 50 Best Sitcoms on Channel 4, that this fact was planned to be a plot development in the TV series, but the death of Richard Beckinsale meant this was not possible.