In the 1940s, following the Second World War, Nicholas became a full-time professional actor.

He made his stage debut in the West End in 1945, later starring in a number of other West End productions.

The actor appeared in a whole host of TV shows and films, including Sale of the Century.

The BBC Radio 4 panel game Just a Minute was first broadcast on December 22, 1967, of which Nicholas was the host.

He also appeared in Doctor Who, guest presented Have I Got News for You, and competed on Celebrity Mastermind.