Yes, he did resemble Frankie Howerd in some respects. Particularly when he engages with the audience and seemingly gets sidetracked by the remarks he reacts to, pretending to pick them up from an individual member of the audience.
I've often wondered when people use a different name (he was born William White) what it says on their passport/bank accounts etc. Do they use their 'real' name?
They use a stage name because either they choose to separate public and private life or maybe there is already someone with the same name working as a performer.
Passports are usually in their real name. Bank Accounts could be either or both, as in personal and business accounts.