| Keith Fordyce | |
|---|---|
Fordyce presenting a show for BBC Radio Devon |
|
| Born | 15 October 1928 Lincoln, England |
| Died | 15 March 2011 (aged 82) Devon, England |
| Occupation | Disc jockey |
Keith Fordyce (15 October 1928 – 15 March 2011[1]) was an English disc jockey and former presenter on British radio and television. He is most famous as the first presenter of ITV's Ready Steady Go! in 1963,[2] but was a stalwart of both BBC radio and Radio Luxembourg for many years.
Contents |
Born Keith Fordyce Marriott in Lincoln, he attended Lincoln School and later studied law at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He first came to the attention of British radio listeners when he arrived at Radio Luxembourg in 1955 to become a staff announcer in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg where he was later joined by Barry Alldis.
Fordyce later worked for the BBC Light Programme in the 1960s, with such programmes as the lunchtime Pop In show, and went on to host the television talent show Thank Your Lucky Stars[3] On 9 August 1963 he presented the first edition of Ready Steady Go! on Associated Rediffusion television, being joined subsequently by the young, modish Cathy McGowan[4] who took over the show when Fordyce left in 1965.
In 1968 he provided the commentary for the BBC's first colour test transmission on BBC 2, the first men's singles final of the Open era at Wimbledon.[5]
In the early 80s, he rejoined Radio Luxembourg in the Grand Duchy after Barry Alldis's death, working in the Villa Louvigny again for six months.
On 12 February 1983 he was the first presenter of Radio 2's Sounds of the '60s. He also hosted Radio 2's Beat The Record for many years. He later hosted a record programme on west of England local radio.[3] Prior to his retirement Fordyce worked for the BBC Regional service in Devon, based at the Radio Devon studios, doing regular weekend shows.
Fordyce retired in Devon with his wife Anne. He founded the Torbay Aircraft Museum in the 1970s.[2] He died on 15 March 2011 aged 82 after suffering from pneumonia and Alzheimer's Disease.[1][6]