Sir David Attenborough
by Bernie Byrnes
Last year at the British Academy Children’s Awards there was a contagious buzz and it seemed to me that people who make entertainment for kids are just that little bit nicer than other folk. This year was quieter but no less lovely. I spoke to everyone from Pudsey the Dog to Sir David Attenborough. Emotions ranged from excitement to mild beffudlement.
The first person I spoke to was the vivacious Henry Winkler who was positively brimming over about his new panto in Richmond – playing Captain Hook as he has done in the past. He was also happy to talk about his new series on CBBC Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest Underachiever which is based on the books he wrote with his partner Lin Oliver and in which he stars as Mr. Rock. He also mentioned the new Happy Days musical and his involvement as a casual consultant. And there was something else… it’s slipped my mind – I’m sure I’ll remember before we’re done though.
Sir David Attenborough (what a start to the night!) who appeared never to have heard of the Children’s BAFTAs, was delighted to be giving his old friend Biddy Baxter the Special Award. Sir David and Biddy go waaay back to their school days in Leicester where they attended the same, gender segregated, secondary school so had only met at official dances. Attenborough seemed slightly bemused by the people asking him questions – I suppose he’s used to observing not being observed – but still managed to be utterly charming.
Baxter (the living legend behind Blue Peter) was delightful and very savvy on the state of children’s television. She initially accused me of working for ‘Loose Limbs’, which she thought might be some kind of paraplegic organisation, but seemed happier about Loose Lips. Although she did say it sounded “sinister”. Baxter is delighted that she is not famous?!? and complained sweetly about having to compete with Pudsey the Dog, newly washed and trimmed (Pudsey that is), who was in particularly fine voice doing the rounds in the press pen.
Barney Harwood was as engaging as ever. This year, he was up for the Children’s Presenter award which he eventually lost to Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes.
Sam and Mark were full of joy at having had their hard work recognised – the hard work that everyone in children’s TV does.
Peter Serafinowicz stopped to chat to me – just like last year he wasn’t officially nominated for anything. Although his brother’s show Fit (in which Peter appears as Brian Butterfield) was nominated for the Comedy Award. Serafinowicz displayed some mild sibling rivalry, but fortunately, or unfortunately, they missed out to Horrible Histories who carried off the award. He did however let slip another scoop (last year he spoke to me about Fit) by saying they were hoping to create a Soap Opera featuring Brian Butterfield in the near future.
Mathew Baynton (of Horrible Histories fame and more recently The Wrong Mans) and I ‘chewed the fat’ like old friends discussing the quality of children’s television, art, and how handsome he is (although I didn’t record that bit).
Oh yes, that Henry Winkler news. He’s definitely appearing as Barry Zuckerkorn in the ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT MOVIE! Happy days indeed.
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