https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-54684374

Very sad to hear about the death of this great broadcaster. I have fond memories of watching him on Grandstand, Nationwide, Breakfast tv, and many other things.

Sadly though, he will be unfairly defined for the sex scandals and his use of drugs and prostitutes. His actions didn't really harm anyone else, apart from his wife and family, which is no different than any celebrity that commits adultery. I think Jamie Theakston, Wayne Rooney, and Russell Brand have used prostitutes, which is not illegal, but they are not defined by it. Could it be the S & M aspect of it, that people can't accept. Ant MacPartlin seems to have been in and out of re-hab for many years, as well as having a drink driving conviction, but he gets nothing but sympathy and is welcomed back to his tv role.

These salacious stories do not distract from the fact that he was a great broadcaster, and a very warm kind human being.

Yes totally agree Robbie. What business is it of the public to cast judgment on his personal, legal activities or sexual interests? What happened to the concept of a private life...? Doesn't change my opinion of him or memories of his appearances on my box when I was a kid one bit.....

Isn't it absolutely great that us ordinary chaps - as opposed to media celebrities, royalty and sports stars - can be complete pillocks too?

And nobody gives a monkeys - when our misdemeanours, indiscretions and infidelities are reported in the Spalding Gazette or Hull News.

Yes fame or celebrity is not a thing I have ever wished for. I would hate to live my life potentially being noticed at any moment. Money; now that is another matter...

Funnily enough Money never interested me in the slightest and I love being recognised as much as possible!

JK2006 wrote:
Funnily enough Money never interested me in the slightest and I love being recognised as much as possible!

Money will anyway always follow a talent for self publicity; and yours back in the day was quite something to behold as I remember. A force of nature no less!

JK2006 wrote:
Funnily enough Money never interested me in the slightest and I love being recognised as much as possible!

I would hate to be harassed in Tescos, and asked for selfies all the time. Autographs fine, but in the age of camera phones, I would rather be anonymous. I also hate webcams, in our daily work calls, most people prefer to go voice only and not show themselves on webcam. Nobody wants a reality check first thing in the morning.

Those with talent, the ability to be creative/new/different and be smart (like JK) shouldn't hide behind a bushel.

Most of us are average. Sadly, some of those talented jump into dimensions outside their spheres - and seem to think they're as good there.

middlemas wrote:
Isn't it absolutely great that us ordinary chaps - as opposed to media celebrities, royalty and sports stars - can be complete pillocks too?

And nobody gives a monkeys - when our misdemeanours, indiscretions and infidelities are reported in the Spalding Gazette or Hull News.

I have no idea who was but his sex life is nothing out of the ordinary. I don't remember giving Ant sympathy anyone, who drink and drives should be banned for driving for many years.

I have never idolised any TV presenter, actor, band or singer - what is the point ?

I always thought my talent was slightly wider than self publicity Wyot. Naming, finding and producing Genesis, for example. Some good tracks (my versions of Satisfaction and Hooked On A Feeling, for example). Some good songs (It's Good News Week resonates today, as does Moon, for example). Some good TV (EntUSA topped 9 million viewers on BBC2). Some good producer jobs (winning Eurovision for the UK; naming & saving the Brits). Some good writing (my Sun column won awards).

Wasn't suggesting it wasn't wider JK; and I was one of the 9 million hooked on Ent USA!

JK2006 wrote:
I always thought my talent was slightly wider than self publicity Wyot. Naming, finding and producing Genesis, for example. Some good tracks (my versions of Satisfaction and Hooked On A Feeling, for example). Some good songs (It's Good News Week resonates today, as does Moon, for example). Some good TV (EntUSA topped 9 million viewers on BBC2). Some good producer jobs (winning Eurovision for the UK; naming & saving the Brits). Some good writing (my Sun column won awards).

This reminds me of when I was doing a charity raffle a couple of years ago. There were lots of "well known" people in the audience, and a devil got hold of me and I asked for the most famous person to to come up on the stage to present the next prize. There was a bit of a stampede!

Who won Honey!?