Gus Ferris was a talent agent responsible for bookings at the Old Band Club. In July 1988, he was let down at the last minute by Ingrid and Her Talking Doberman, and so he turned to his friend and colleague Alec Gilroy for the loan of one of his acts for that evening's performance. An old eccentric type, Gus baffled Rovers barmaid Gloria Todd with strange compliments and threw his money around by buying doubles for himself and Alec. Although they made a show of being friends, Alec was pleased to see a rival in lumber and told him his acts were all booked up. Gus left disappointed, however Alec phoned him later to tell him he had an act for him after all, one Jack Duckworth.