Peter was born in Belfast. His name and face may not be as familiar as his voice, which has featured in some of the biggest UK TV entertainment shows. He was educated at The Belfast Royal Academy and obtained a Bachelor of Arts honours degree from Queen’s University, Belfast. Peter possibly holds the record for youngest ever continuity announcer on UK TV: at the age of 17, he joined BBC Northern Ireland, whilst still at school.
…Peters, Andi
Born in Chelsea to Vincentian parents, Andi initially presented CITV’s Free Time (16th September – 23rd December 1988) and briefly provided the continuity links on CITV in summer 1988. However, he reached a much wider audience with Edd the Duck and Wilson (an arm purporting to be that of a butler) in The Broom Cupboard segments on Children’s BBC, which he presented from 29th May 1989 until 3rd September 1993.
…Young, Muriel
Muriel was born in Bishop Middleham, near Sedgefield, Co Durham. On leaving school, she worked briefly as a librarian. She attended art college, before deciding to embark on a career as an actress. She joined a repertory theatre in Henley-on-Thames, where her uncle was directing. She subsequently performed at the Gateway Theatre, London and the Theatre Royal in Chatham. Trying to get into the film industry, she did modelling for advertising agencies, including promoting products such as toothpaste. She also studied to be a dental nurse and used her artistic talents to paint glassware. Starting out as an actress, she starred with Rex Harrison and Kay Kendall in The Constant Husband (1955) and also featured in The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan (1953) in a segment featuring The Mikado.
…Foulkes, Jerry
Jerry was a Children’s ITV presenter who provided the continuity links, alongside Scally the puppet dog, from 28th March until 22nd December 1989. On the first day that Jeanne Downs took over from him (on 2nd January 1990), they had a mop and a bucket in the studio, and a name tag with “Foulkes” on it. During the links both she and Scally made some amusing comments about it.
…Allan, David
Born Gordon Allan in Manchester, David is a broadcaster with over 50 years’ experience and, for people of a certain generation, is a very recognisable voice. Certainly one of the great broadcast voices of all time.
…Baker, Richard
Born and educated in London, Richard graduated from Cambridge University and served in the Royal Navy during World War II, returning to London to work as an actor and teacher. He joined the BBC as a radio announcer on the Third Programme and Home Service (1950 – 1959). Richard spoke the first words on the BBC’s first television news bulletin – News and Newsreel – on 5th July 1954, with the following announcement: “Here is an illustrated summary of the news. It will be followed by the latest film of events and happenings at home and abroad.”
…Matthews, Lisa
Lisa was a presenter with Swansea Sound, where she worked on the late show. She then joined BBC Wales TV presentation, where she worked as a continuity director/announcer (1997 – TBC). From late-1999, she combined this with presentation for BBC Radio Wales. She fronted After Midnight – a pop video-based show on BBC Choice Wales. She also appeared in-vision on BBC 2W, presenting weather forecasts.