BBC TV and radio star dies as family praise 'cherished' figure'
Former BBC television and radio presenter Chris Serle has died aged 81, his family have said. In a statement released by his family to the BBC, they said Chris was a "familiar and cherished figure on British television screens throughout the 1970s and 1980s".
Chris, who is known for his successful career in TV and radio, worked on programmes throughout the 80s and 90s, and rose to fame on satirical consumer affairs show That’s Life! alongside the likes of Dame Esther Rantzen. Later on, presented In at the Deep End and Points of View for the BBC. Chris also chaired Radio 4’s Pick of the Week between 1981 and 1988, and was the host of a long-running afternoon show on BBC Radio Bristol.
Another show that Chris was well-known for, was Windmill, where he showed archived BBC clips from other series including Blue Peter and Doctor Who.
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He also appeared on The Computer Programme, which was originally broadcast in 1982, and Monkey Business in the early noughties. Chris' very first TV appearance came in 1971, where he appeared in eight episodes of Dave Allen at Large.
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Several fans have paid tribute on social media one wrote: "Sad to hear BBC’s Chris Serle has passed at 81 He was on lots of BBC shows when i was growing up in the 70’s & 80’s The Computer Show was probably my fav."
Another added: "Chris Serle did a terrific job on ‘The Computer Programme’ – at the time an exciting look into what the future might hold and now a fascinating historical document. Well worth rewatching if you were there at the time!"
A third fan said: "Sad to hear that presenter Chris Serle has passed away, at the age of 81. Those of a certain vintage might remember him co-hosting (alongside Ian McNaught-Davis) the 1982 series 'The Computer Programme', a show created to introduce the viewer to the world of computers. RIP."
Another wrote: "Sad to hear that presenter Chris Serle has passed away. Chris and Ian McNaught-Davis ( 'Mac' ) were part of my childhood and educated so many of us in the UK about computers in such an informative and fun way. They are both greatly missed".
Chris is survived by his wife, Ali, their three children, and two children from a previous marriage. His family said funeral and memorial service details are being arranged and will be shared in due course.