The real Martin Crane: why John Mahoney was so much more than Frasier’s dad

• Ever since the reboot – or, to be more precise, “continuation” – of Frasier was announced, there have been question marks about the absent characters in the new series. Niles and Daphne will not be present, amidst rumours that neither David Hyde Pierce or Jane Leeves were interested in participating in the show, and, inevitably, a whole raft of much-loved supporting figures will not be present.