Showbiz
Simon Parkin first appeared on our screens in 1987, popping up from behind Andy Crane's chair to be unveiled as the cheeky new face of the Broom Cupboard. Sadly, his decision to leave CBBC in 1992 for the new pastures of GMTV proved in the long run to be a wrong call. If he'd stayed put, he could potentially have landed the Live and Kicking gig and we'd all have been saved from Jamie Theakston - what a delightful thought!
However, it's best not to dwell on where things went wrong for Parkin (he was spotted doing the weather reports at ITV Westcountry a couple of years back), but rather celebrate his years in the spotlight. Speaking about his glory years at the Beeb, when he helmed shows like UP2U, Top Of The Pops and But First This, he said in an interview with the-broom-cupboard.co.uk: "You'd park your car next to Noel Edmonds, Bruce Forsyth would be in the tea bar and I remember once Thora Hird pushed in the queue in front of me one day. Just unbelievable. That’s what being at the BBC was like!" I'm pretty certain that Dick and Dom won't be giving out quotes that fabulous in ten years' time! One of the last truly great children's TV presenters, Simon Parkin, we salute you!
However, it's best not to dwell on where things went wrong for Parkin (he was spotted doing the weather reports at ITV Westcountry a couple of years back), but rather celebrate his years in the spotlight. Speaking about his glory years at the Beeb, when he helmed shows like UP2U, Top Of The Pops and But First This, he said in an interview with the-broom-cupboard.co.uk: "You'd park your car next to Noel Edmonds, Bruce Forsyth would be in the tea bar and I remember once Thora Hird pushed in the queue in front of me one day. Just unbelievable. That’s what being at the BBC was like!" I'm pretty certain that Dick and Dom won't be giving out quotes that fabulous in ten years' time! One of the last truly great children's TV presenters, Simon Parkin, we salute you!
Related Stories
Ten Things About...
Ten Things About... Ridley ScottWe find out ten fast facts about the English producer and director.
Interviews
'Angels' Share' Ken Loach interviewKen Loach, Paul Laverty and Paul Brannigan on their whiskey-soaked comedy.
Fashion & Beauty
Duchess of Cambridge's memorable momentsFlick through a gallery of Kate Middleton's stand-out public appearances.
Celeb Birthdays
Marilyn Monroe: Life and career in picsFlick through our gallery on what would have been Marilyn's 86th birthday.
