Tony Bastable

Anthony Leslie Bastable (15 October 1944 – 29 May 2007) was an English television presenter, actor, and producer, best known for his role as one of the original hosts of the ITV children's magazine programme Magpie (1968–1980), which he co-presented from 1968 to 1972 before becoming one of its producers until it ended in 1980.^[1] Born in Hexham, Northumberland, and educated at University College School in Hampstead, London, Bastable began his broadcasting career at Southern Television in 1964 before joining the BBC to present educational segments such as Science Session.^[1] He rose to prominence at Thames Television, co-hosting Magpie alongside Susan Stranks and Pete Brady, where the show became a staple of afternoon children's programming, emphasizing education, music, and viewer interaction as a rival to the BBC's Blue Peter.^[1] Throughout the 1970s and beyond, Bastable expanded his portfolio by producing and presenting several Thames series, including Good Afternoon! (1973–1975), a daytime talk show; Problems (1976–1977), which addressed youth issues; and Drive-In (1973–1978), a motoring advice programme.^[1] He also appeared in acting roles, notably as himself in the children's comedy series Pardon My Genie (1972–1973), and served as a judge on Anything You Can Do (1969), while later presenting the educational series Database (1984).^[2] Beyond television, Bastable wrote children's books, a libretto, and a musical; co-founded the Magpies celebrity cricket team in 1972; and contributed to special productions like the ITV series 1776 for the American bicentennial and The English Garden, featuring commentaries by Sir John Gielgud.^[1] He passed away from emphysema at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill, Surrey, at the age of 62.^[1]

Early Life and Education

Birth and Upbringing

Anthony Leslie Bastable was born on 15 October 1944 in Hexham, Northumberland, England.^[1] His birth took place amid the final stages of World War II in Europe, just months before the war's end in May 1945. During his childhood, Bastable's family relocated south to the London area. This move positioned him in a more urban environment, contrasting the rural northern setting of his infancy. Little is documented about his parents' occupations or direct family influences on his early development, though the post-war era in Britain was marked by economic austerity, rationing until 1954, and gradual societal rebuilding that shaped many families' experiences. Bastable's upbringing in this transitional period fostered a backdrop for his later interests, with formal education beginning soon after the relocation.

Schooling and Initial Training

Bastable attended University College School in Frognal, north London, where he received his secondary education.^[3]^[1] Following his schooling, he trained as a schoolteacher, developing skills in engaging young audiences that would later influence his broadcasting style.^[1] During this period, he worked for local newspapers in west London, initially as a reporter and eventually serving as a newspaper editor, which introduced him to journalism and media production.^[1]^[3] These early experiences in teaching and reporting laid the groundwork for his transition to television, blending educational outreach with journalistic inquiry.^[1]

Broadcasting Career

Early Roles in Television

Tony Bastable began his television career in 1964 at Southern Television in Southampton, initially applying for a position as a news reporter while working as a local newspaper editor.^[1] Deemed too youthful in appearance and manner to convey authority on news bulletins, he was instead assigned to the children's magazine programme Three Go Round, where he served as a presenter alongside Britt Allcroft and others for 18 months.^[1] This role marked his transition from print journalism and brief experience as a history teacher—providing a foundation for engaging educational content—to on-air broadcasting in the emerging regional ITV landscape of the 1960s.^[4] Following his time at Southern, Bastable moved to the Midlands-based ATV network around 1966, where he rapidly expanded his repertoire across children's entertainment, educational broadcasts, and sports programming.^[1] He presented the action-oriented children's show Action, contributed to schools' programmes like Towards Mathematics—an ITV series aimed at junior pupils exploring mathematical concepts—and hosted sports segments on Junior Sportsweek and Sportsweek.^[1] In early 1968, Bastable joined the BBC to present the educational series Science Session before transitioning to Thames Television.^[1] These early assignments allowed him to develop a polished, enthusiastic presenting style that balanced authority with accessibility, particularly suited to youth audiences in an era when ITV's regional franchises were innovating to compete with the BBC's more established children's output.^[5] In the dynamic 1960s British television environment, characterized by the expansion of commercial ITV stations and a push for vibrant, youth-focused content to rival BBC staples like Blue Peter, Bastable emerged as a fresh, clean-cut figure.^[5] His "Mr Clean" persona—reflecting a bright, unpretentious demeanor—quickly established him as a reliable voice for children's and educational programming, building the versatility that defined his foundational years before major national roles.^[1]

Thames Television Contributions

Tony Bastable joined Thames Television in 1968, shortly after the company's launch, and quickly became one of the original co-presenters of Magpie, a children's magazine programme designed as a direct rival to the BBC's Blue Peter.^[1] Alongside Susan Stranks and Pete Brady, he hosted the show from its debut on 30 July 1968 until 1972, contributing to its twice-weekly format broadcast live from the Teddington Studios.^[1]^[6] The programme adopted a breezy, educational style aimed at a younger, more "hip" audience, featuring segments on pop music, fashion, hobbies, and light-hearted historical explorations like Bastable's own "A Date With Tony" series, which delved into British history in an accessible manner.^[1]^[6] Magpie's format emphasized fun and modernity over the more traditional tone of its competitor, incorporating a rock-influenced theme tune by The Spencer Davis Group and live, energetic presentations that resonated with rebellious schoolchildren.^[1]^[6] Under Bastable's involvement, the show achieved significant viewer impact, regularly drawing high ratings and becoming a cultural touchstone, with its catchphrase "One for Sorrow" chanted by children across the UK.^[1] In 1972, Bastable transitioned to producer of Magpie, overseeing its continued evolution and ensuring its role as a vibrant alternative to establishment children's programming until the mid-1970s.^[1]^[7] Although no major awards were directly attributed to Magpie during his tenure, the programme's production faced typical challenges of live broadcasting, including coordinating diverse segments and maintaining a fast-paced schedule without the BBC's resources.^[1] He co-presented the daytime talk show Good Afternoon! with Joan Shenton from 1973 to 1975.^[1] Beyond Magpie, Bastable expanded his Thames contributions into hosting and producing a range of specialized shows. He presented Problems from 1976 to 1977, a late-night series addressing sexual and personal relationship difficulties, initially co-hosted with agony aunt Claire Rayner and later with Jenny Conway and psychologist Paul Brown.^[1] From 1973 to 1978, he co-presented Drive-In alongside Shaw Taylor, a prestige motoring programme that reviewed new cars, debated industry trends, and explored automotive innovations for an enthusiast audience.^[1]^[7] This was followed by Wheels in 1980–1981, a successor series that continued the motoring focus, collectively spanning over a decade of Bastable's hands-on production and presentation work at Thames.^[1]^[7]

Additional Shows and Narrations

In the 1970s, Bastable expanded his Thames Television portfolio with Money-Go-Round, a long-running consumer protection series that aired from 1977 to 1982 and focused on financial education and practical advice for viewers on managing money and addressing everyday economic issues.^[8] He presented the show for its full duration, drawing on his growing expertise in consumer law to make complex topics accessible.^[7] Bastable also contributed to educational programming, including the historical gardening series English Garden, for which he wrote the commentaries; the program was narrated by Sir John Gielgud and explored the evolution of British gardens through the ages.^[1]^[7] He also wrote and presented the ITV series 1776 to commemorate the American bicentennial in 1976.^[1] Earlier, he devised and co-presented Mind Over Matter with scientist Kit Pedler, marking the first British television investigation into paranormal phenomena from a scientific perspective.^[7] By the 1980s, Bastable's career shifted toward specialized content, reflecting his interest in emerging technologies and natural sciences. He served as both editor and presenter for Database, a Thames Television series on home computing that ran for four seasons starting in 1984, where he demystified personal computers alongside co-host Jane Ashton.^[9]^[10] This expertise extended to Channel 4's 4 Computer Buffs, a companion program to Database featuring the same presenting team and targeting enthusiasts with in-depth tech discussions.^[7] Bastable's narration work included voicing several episodes of the Channel 4 nature documentary series Profiles of Nature in 1986, providing commentary on wildlife and environmental topics.^[11] Additionally, he took on occasional acting roles, such as a guest appearance in the 1972-1973 comedy series Pardon My Genie, where he appeared in one episode as part of the show's whimsical ensemble.^[12] These varied projects, building on his foundational experience with Magpie, showcased his versatility in hosting and voiceover formats across educational and specialist genres.^[7]

Later Career and Publications

Independent Productions

Following his departure from Thames Television in the mid-1980s, Tony Bastable shifted to freelance work, establishing his own production company, TBTV, to create training and promotional films for corporate clients.^[7] This transition allowed him to leverage nearly 40 years of broadcasting experience in scripting, directing, voiceovers, and editing for targeted "sharp end" media projects.^[4] His narration expertise from television series proved particularly valuable in delivering clear, engaging voiceovers for these productions.^[1] Bastable's clients included major organizations such as the Ford Motor Company (particularly Ford of Europe), the National Bus Company, the Royal Navy, the Department of Transport, and the Institute of Advanced Motorists.^[7] For Ford, he wrote and directed numerous new vehicle launch films, training programs, and promotional videos over an extended period.^[7] He also produced safety films and commercials for transport-related entities, contributing to educational content on road safety and operational best practices.^[7] A notable example of his work was Viewpoint RN, an internal magazine program for the Royal Navy that he scripted, directed, and presented for over a decade, earning awards for its production quality.^[7] Through TBTV, Bastable ultimately delivered thousands of corporate productions, fostering long-term relationships with diverse clients including the Royal Armoured Corps and East Sussex National Golf Club.^[7] These efforts extended his influence into specialized industries, emphasizing practical communication in training and promotion.^[4]

Written Works

In the early 2000s, Tony Bastable authored two children's biographies as part of the Great Explorers series published by World Almanac Library, focusing on pivotal figures in the Age of Discovery.^[13] His book John Cabot, released in 2003, chronicles the life and voyages of the Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto, who sailed under the English flag in 1497 and is credited with reaching the North American mainland, emphasizing his contributions to early transatlantic exploration for young readers aged 9-12.^[14]^[15] Similarly, Ferdinand Magellan, also published in 2003, details the Portuguese navigator's 1519-1522 expedition, the first to circumnavigate the globe, highlighting encounters with new lands, cultures, and challenges faced by his crew.^[16]^[17] These works were influenced by Bastable's prior experience as a schoolteacher in the early 1960s, where he honed skills in simplifying historical narratives for children, aligning with the books' educational aim to foster interest in global history.^[1]^[4] The biographies received positive but limited critical attention, with John Cabot earning an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Goodreads based on early reader feedback praising their engaging, illustrated format suitable for classroom use.^[14] They have been incorporated into school libraries and curricula for their concise, fact-based approach to explorer histories, appearing in educational catalogs and supporting studies on European expansion.^[18]^[19] Bastable also wrote the libretto for an oratorio and the book and lyrics for a musical.^[1]^[4]^[7]

Personal Life

Marriages and Family

Tony Bastable was married three times during his life. His first marriage was to June Buchan in 1969, ending in divorce in 1971.^[4]^[20] In 1974, he married Jackie Colkett, a union that lasted until their divorce in 1992 and resulted in the birth of their daughter, Kate.^[1]^[4]^[20] Bastable's third marriage took place in 2001 to Anita Westwood, with whom he remained until his death in 2007.^[1]^[20]

Cricket and Other Interests

Bastable was a passionate cricket enthusiast and a qualified umpire, having earned his accreditation through formal training in the sport.^[4] He served as the founder of the Institute of Cricket Umpires and Scorers (ICUS), an organization dedicated to training and supporting officials in cricket, where he worked closely to promote umpiring standards.^[4] Bastable took particular pride in the Institute's appeal to younger audiences.^[1] In 1972, Bastable co-founded The Magpies, a wandering cricket team based in Surrey that drew its name from his Magpie television persona, reflecting his blend of professional and personal identities.^[1] He played an active role in the team, serving variously as secretary, captain, and president, and often took on wicket-keeping duties during matches, embodying his hands-on commitment to the game.^[1] The team fostered a sense of community among players and supporters, organizing informal tours and games that highlighted Bastable's dedication to cricket as a recreational and social pursuit. Beyond cricket, Bastable enjoyed reading history as a key hobby, which provided him intellectual stimulation outside his media career.^[1] He also enjoyed watching old films and West End musicals, as well as maintaining his classic Morgan sports car.^[20] This interest complemented his broader engagement with cultural and educational topics, though he kept his leisure activities distinct from professional endeavors.

Death

Final Years and Health

In his later years, Tony Bastable continued to engage in independent production work, making training programmes and films for his own company despite suffering from emphysema, a chronic lung condition that progressively impaired his breathing.^[1]^[21] Amid these difficulties, Bastable authored two children's books in the Great Explorers series—John Cabot and Ferdinand Magellan—published by World Almanac Library in 2003, demonstrating his ongoing interest in historical narratives.^[22]^[16] His third marriage to Anita Westwood in 2001 offered personal support during this period of declining health.^[1]

Passing and Tributes

Tony Bastable died on 29 May 2007 at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill, Surrey, from pneumonia complicating his emphysema, at the age of 62.^[1]^[21] Following his death, Bastable's third wife, Anita Westwood, whom he had married in 2001, reflected on his pride in his television career, stating that he held "very fond memories" of his work on Magpie and the achievements of the show.^[23] No public details emerged regarding funeral arrangements or specific family involvement in memorial services. Obituaries in major British newspapers paid tribute to Bastable's engaging on-screen presence and contributions to children's programming. The Guardian described him as one of the "bright and breezy Mr Clean children's television programme presenters of the 1970s," praising his charm and skill that made him a memorable figure on Magpie, where he co-hosted from 1968 to 1972.^[1] Similarly, The Daily Telegraph highlighted his role in Magpie as a key figure in children's television.^[4] Reflections on Bastable's legacy emphasized his lasting impact on children's television, where he helped modernize the format with a lively, inclusive style that appealed to young audiences and remained fondly recalled decades later. The BBC's announcement of his passing underscored his foundational role in Magpie, crediting the program with fostering creativity and community involvement through its magazine-style content.^[21] Colleagues and critics alike remembered him as a versatile broadcaster whose work extended beyond presentation to production, influencing subsequent generations of educational TV in the UK.