Stuart Hall (presenter)
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Stuart Hall (born December 25, 1929 in Hyde, Cheshire) is a BBC radio and television presenter.
The son of a baker, Hall was raised in Glossop where he attended the local grammar school before studying at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. He joined the BBC in 1959 as a general reporter on Radio Newsreel and a sports journalist on Sports Report where he still broadcasts. Between 1965 and 1990 he presented the BBC's North-West local news programme, originally called Look North, then Look North West and finally renamed North West Tonight. He became familiar to viewers throughout the North of England, and the same could be said for his closing remark, "I wish you, as always, a fond farewell." For several years during the 1980s he hosted the show alongside John Mundy. In 1990, Stuart made the shock move to Granada Reports, where he teamed up with his old rival Bob Greaves for some light hearted banter in a slot titled "Greaves and Hall".[1]
Hall became particularly well-known as the presenter of It's a Knockout between 1971 and 1982 and its European equivalent, Jeux Sans Frontières. During the programme, Hall would often be carried away by the slapstick humour of the competition and become incoherent with laughter. This led to his becoming a popular subject for impersonation. He also presented Quiz Ball (a football quiz) on BBC television during the early 1970s and in the late 1990s Hall presented Going, Going, Gone, an antiques quiz show for the BBC. During the late 1960s, he was a commentator on Match Of The Day and has caused controversy during an appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live's Fighting Talk on 11 March 2005 [2] with comments about Zimbabwe and Robert Mugabe.[3]
Hall still works as a football reporter for 5 Live. His reports are unique, scattered with allusions to the works of Shakespeare and all manner of linguistic tricks. He also appears on Channel M News occasionally in Manchester. He is well known for his love of Manchester City F.C.
In 1999 more than 50 Members of Parliament signed a House of Commons motion, congratulating Hall on celebrating 40 years in broadcasting. The motion, by former Labour sports spokesman Tom Pendry, says Hall is an "icon with the youth of today" with his football reporting on BBC Radio 5 Live. [4]
In the latter half of 2007, Stuart began voicing-over the Japanese obstacle course show Ninja Warrior for Challenge.
Stuart has been married to Hazel since March 1, 1968 and they have two children, Daniel and Francesca. He possesses an extensive collection of clocks including one that was once owned by Napoleon.
[edit] References
[edit] Books
- Stuart Hall (2000). Heaven and Hall: a prodigal life. ISBN 0-56-353811-2.
