The Krankies are a comedy duo of Scottish husband-and-wife team Janette and Ian Tough. They have an estimated net worth of $5 million. In the 1980s, they entertained millions with TV shows, records, and pantomimes.
The comedy group is known for portraying schoolboy Wee Jimmy Krankie (Janette) and his father figure (Ian Krankie), who often used double entendres and innuendos in their humor. The comedians were the first-ever couple to appear on The Real Marigold Hotel. In 2003, “Wee Jimmy Krankie” was voted “The Most Scottish Person in the World” by the readers of The Glasgow Herald.
But how much are The Krankies worth today, and how did they earn their fortune?
In this article, we will explore the Krankies’ net worth, careers, personal lives, awards and honors, and sources of income.
Below is an information table summarizing key details about The Krankies. Go through that before the rest of the article.
Profile summary
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 million |
| Sources of Income | Comedians, TV presenters, singers |
| Notable TV Programs | Crackerjack, The Krankies Club, Elektronik Komik, Krankies Television |
| Retirement Year | 2019 |
| Reason for Retirement | Janette’s osteoporosis diagnosis |
| Comedy Style | Double entendres, innuendos |
The Krankies Net Worth
The Krankies are estimated to have a net worth of around $5 million, which they earned from their successful careers as comedians, television presenters, and singers. They made millions from their TV shows, records, and pantomimes, which were particularly popular in the 1980s.
Their most notable TV programs include BBC’s Crackerjack, The Krankies Club, The Krankies Elektronik Komik, and Krankies Television. They also released a series of pop singles and an album, with their catchphrase “Fan-Dabi-Dozi” peaking at number 46 on the UK Singles Chart in February 1981.
In 2019, after celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, the Krankies retired from the entertainment industry. They did so because Janette was diagnosed with osteoporosis, a condition that affects her back and mobility.
Additionally, they felt that their comedy style was no longer suitable for the modern audience, as some might find it transphobic or offensive. However, they still have a loyal fan base that remembers them fondly for their fun and fandabidozi entertainment.
Janette and Ian also have successful acting careers, which contribute to their net worth outside of their joint comedy career as the KranKies.
The Krankies Career
The Krankies are a Scottish comedy duo composed of husband-and-wife team Janette and Ian Tough. They started their career as cabaret performers in the 1970s, playing various characters and working the comedy circuit. They gained popularity after appearing on the Royal Variety Performance in 1978, which led to several television shows in the 1980s.
Some of their most notable TV programs were Crackerjack, The Krankies Club, The Krankies Elektronik Komik, and Krankies Television. They also released a series of pop singles and an album, with their catchphrase “Fan-Dabi-Dozi” becoming a hit in 1981.
The Krankies are best known for portraying schoolboy Wee Jimmy Krankie (Janette) and paternal figure Ian Krankie (Ian). However, they also played other characters in their comedy act. Their humor often used double entendres and innuendos, which appealed to children and adults.
They also frequently appeared in pantomime, especially in Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk. They collaborated with other comedians, such as French Saunders and Bradley Walsh, who became their close friends.
After celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, the Krankies retired from showbiz in 2019. They decided to put their feet up after Janette was diagnosed with osteoporosis, which affected her back and mobility.
They also felt that their comedy style was no longer suitable for the modern audience, as some might find it transphobic or offensive. They still have a loyal fan base, who remember them fondly for their fun and fandabidozi entertainment.
The Krankies Awards and Honors
The Krankies have received several awards and honors for contributing to the entertainment industry and charity.
Some of their most notable achievements are:
- Comedy Act of the Year – Club Mirror Newspaper (1977)
- Royal Variety Show appearances (1978 & 7 additional shows between 1981-1987)
- Ambassador of The Year Award (2004, SSBF)
- Lifetime Achievement Award (2012, Great Scot Award, Daily Mirror)
- Best Double Act Award (2017, Great British Pantomime Awards)
- Janette: 50 Years In Showbusiness Award (2014, SSBF)
The Krankies have also been nominated for several other awards, such as the BAFTA Scotland Award, the Olivier Award, and the National Television Award. Many critics and celebrities have praised them for their comedic skills and charisma.
They have been described as “one of the most successful and enduring double acts in British showbusiness history” by The Guardian.
The Krankies Personal Lives
The Krankies have been married for over 50 years, having tied the knot in 1969 in Kirkintilloch. They met in 1966 when they were both 18 years old and working as entertainers in Glasgow. They fell in love and formed a comedy duo, performing as various characters and working the comedy circuit. They have no children but have a close bond with their nephew and niece, who often join them on their travels.
The couple have faced several challenges and controversies in their personal life. In 2004, they survived a near-fatal car crash in France, which left Janette with a broken collarbone and Ian with a fractured rib.
They also revealed in 2011, during an appearance on BBC Radio Scotland, that they had a swinging lifestyle in the 1970s and 80s, having the occasional “ding dong” with other people. They said they were not behind each other’s backs and stopped when they felt they were playing with fire.
The Krankies have also struggled with health issues in recent years. Janette was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2019, which affected her back and mobility.
She also suffered from depression and stage fright after she fell from a 10ft mechanical beanstalk in 2004, which could have killed her. Ian has also battled with prostate cancer and diabetes and has had several operations to treat his conditions.
Despite these difficulties, the couple, born 51 days apart, has remained supportive and committed to helping each other grow and hasn’t relentlessly pursued their dreams.
A little bit about each member of the Krankies.
Janette Tough
Janette Tough was born on May 16, 1947, in Queenzieburn, Stirlingshire, Scotland, UK. She is 77 years old. She is renowned for her role as Anadin Skywalker in the classic comedy series “French and Saunders” (1987), where she featured in 5 episodes.
Beyond her iconic role in “French and Saunders,” Janette Tough has graced both the big and small screens with her presence. From her unforgettable performance in “Blackpool Bonanza” (1978) as Wee Jimmy Krankie to her starring role in “The Krankies Elektronik Komik” as Jimmy Krankie. In 1999, Janette appeared in a season 4 episode of Murder Most Horrid (“Elvis, Jesus, and Zack”).
Her comedic journey extends to notable appearances in “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie,” “Benidorm,” and “Big Top,” among others. With diverse roles in TV shows like “Teachers” and “Absolutely Fabulous,” Janette Tough has proven her versatility and enduring influence in comedy.
Ian Tough
Ian Tough was born on March 26, 1947, in Glasgow, Scotland, UK. He is currently 77 years old.
Ian Tough’s acting credits include memorable roles in “3-2-1” (1978), “French and Saunders” (1987), and “Teachers” (2001). His comedic brilliance shines through in TV series like “Benidorm” and “Big Top,” as well as iconic appearances in “French and Saunders” and “Zig & Zag: Entertainment Cops.”
He also has noteworthy performances in shows such as “Krankies Television,” “The Krankies Elektronik Komik,” and “The Krankies Klub.”
Where Are The Krankies Now: Living Their Best Lives
Janette’s last appearance was in “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie” as Huki Muki in 2016, while Ian portrayed Pepe in “Benidorm” in 2014. However, their careers did not end there.
The Krankies appeared on the BBC One program Pointless on December 24, 2015. Though they lost to Su Pollard and Jeffrey Holland their presence and enduring charm were felt.
In 2019, the dynamic duo made a memorable appearance on Harry Hill’s Alien Fun Capsule, adding their unique brand of humor to the show. Fast-forward to April 8, 2022, and the Krankies again found themselves in the spotlight, this time on GB News’s “Mark Dolan Tonight.” Their charm and wit took center stage during Dolan’s Mark Meets segment, giving viewers a delightful dose of laughter.
Proving that their comedic prowess knows no bounds, Janette and Ian Tough stepped into the role of panelists on Dolan’s show once more on July 3, 2022. Their infectious energy and quick-witted banter undoubtedly contributed to the show’s entertaining atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression on loyal fans and new audiences alike.
Following the joyous celebration of their golden wedding anniversary in 2019, the beloved comedy duo, Janette and Ian Tough, known as the Krankies, gracefully bid farewell to the entertainment world and embraced a well-deserved retirement.
The Krankies now relish the sweet rewards of their accomplished comedy career, cherishing the memories and accomplishments that have defined their remarkable journey. In their 2011 BBC Radio Scotland, they also revealed that they almost sailed off course to France in a small boat while partaking in a lovemaking act.