Chris Stuart
Christopher Elliot Stuart (born February 1949) is a British journalist, songwriter and radio and television presenter and producer. He is Executive Producer of the BBC Two quiz series Only Connect. As a presenter he fronted the early breakfast show on BBC Radio 2 between 1988 and 1991, which he took over from the late Ray Moore. He was also one of the first presenters on BBC Radio Wales.[1]
Chris Stuart | |
|---|---|
| Born | Christopher Elliot Stuart 1949 (age 71–72) |
| Education | New College, Oxford |
| Occupation | Broadcaster Journalist |
| Known for | BBC Radio Wales BBC Radio 2 Only Connect |
| Spouse(s) | Megan Stuart |
| Children | 4 |
Life and career
Stuart was born in Durham City and grew up in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. He read politics, philosophy and economics at New College, Oxford, and after graduating moved to Wales where he began working as a journalist for the Western Mail. He was also an active musician and a member of the comedy band "Baby Grand", who had two BBC Two TV series and released an album on the Decca label.[2]
In 1978 he joined the newly formed BBC Radio Wales and hosted the station's breakfast show, AM, for almost ten years. On television Stuart hosted the 1989 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition[3] and also fronted his own chat show on BBC Wales called The Chris Stuart Cha Cha Chat Show. He has been an active songwriter and, among other music credits, composed the theme tunes and incidental music for the animation series SuperTed and Sali Mali, both produced by Calon.[4]
In 1985 Stuart began working on BBC Radio 2 as stand-in presenter, mainly covering for Roger Royle on Good Morning Sunday and for Ray Moore on the station's early breakfast show.[5] When Moore stepped down from the role in 1988, due to ill health, Stuart was invited to present the early breakfast show on a full-time basis. He hosted it for three years and after Frances Line became controller, Stuart began presenting the late night programme until the start of 1992 [6] he was replaced by Derek Jameson and his wife.[7]
Stuart remained associated with Radio 2; for three years he hosted the Saturday film review show and continued to stand-in for other presenters including Jimmy Young, Gloria Hunniford, Ken Bruce and John Dunn.
For Radio 4 he presented several series of the science quiz, Inspiration and also worked as a network commentator on major events including the funeral services of Diana, Princess of Wales and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. For more than two decades he commentated on the annual RBL Festival of Remembrance at the Albert Hall. Stuart also remained associated with BBC Radio Wales, presenting the station's Saturday sports coverage for five years. In 2014 Radio Wales paid tribute to him as part of series called Radio Greats.[8]
Personal life
Stuart is married to Megan, a former Editor of BBC Radio Wales and producer on Radio 4's Woman's Hour. They have three children and Stuart is also father to another child from a previous marriage. In 1992 Stuart and his wife set up an independent production company called Presentable, whose wide-ranging output included cult hit Late Night Poker for Channel 4, as well as Only Connect. The company was sold in 2006 to RDF Media who subsequently merged with Zodiak Media.[9]
References
- McCarthy, James. "Tributes pour in for Radio 2 star Sir Terry Wogan". Wales Online.
- Williamson, David. "Presentable dealt a golden hand with big money sale". Wales Online.
- "BBC2 – 12 June 1989 – BBC Genome". genome.ch.bbc.co.uk.
- Williamson, David. "Presentable dealt a golden hand with big money sale". Wales Online.
- "BBC Radio 2 - 27 October 1985". BBC.
- "BBC Radio 2 – 2 January 1992 – BBC Genome". genome.ch.bbc.co.uk.
- "BBC Radio 2 – 6 January 1992 – BBC Genome". genome.ch.bbc.co.uk.
- "BBC Radio Wales - Radio Greats". BBC Radio Wales.
- Williamson, David. "Presentable dealt a golden hand with big money sale". Wales Online.