Beloved TV presenter Glen Michael remembered as a ‘legend’ after death aged 99

The late children’s TV presenter was the star of a longrunning Scottish show (Picture: STV)

Glen Michael, a widely-loved children’s TV presenter, has died aged 99.

His family confirmed he died after a short illness in his home in South Ayrshire on Wednesday evening.

Michael made a name for himself with Scottish audiences and beyond on the show Cartoon Cavalcade, which started broadcasting in 1966 and went on to present it for 26 years (coming to an end in 1992).

Bobby Hain, Managing Director of Audience at STV, released a statement to mark his legacy.

‘Glen was a wonderful performer and personality, and we know that many viewers will have very fond memories of him.

‘He was an STV legend, with Glen Michael’s Cavalcade a particular favourite for children across Scotland during its 26-year run.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time, and we send them our deepest condolences,’ he said.

He’s been called a ‘legend’ (Picture: STV)

During Cartoon Cavalcade, he would introduce cartoons, talk with various companions and spend time with his dogs Rudi and Rusti and talking lamp Paladin.

The show won Scottish ITV programme of the year award in 1975, awarded by Radio Industries Club of Scotland. The show was one of the most popular on TV, bringing in an astonishing staggering 98% of Scotland’s television viewing audience 

Tributes have started pouring in for the influential TV star.

‘His Cartoon Cavalcade was a godsend for kids when we had a tiny amount of TV channels,’ X user beingscots wrote.

Ayr United penned that they ‘were saddened to learn of the passing of Glen Michael today.

‘A much loved children’s entertainer and presenter, Glen was a regular at Somerset Park and a well known supporter of the football club.

Tributes have started flooding in from those who grew up with him (Picture: STV)

‘He was warmly welcomed into the boardroom at a recent match and will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with Glen’s family and friends’

‘Sad to hear about the death of Glen Michael at the grand old age of 99. If you were growing up in the 1960s or 1970s, his Cartoon Cavalcade programme was a weekly joy. Glen was a very nice man, who loved entertaining, and he will be missed!’ NeilDrysdale echoed.

‘Every Scot’s kid of a certain age will remember him. And Paladin, his grumpy oil lamp sidekick!’ Stuart Murdoch said.

‘Loved Glen Michael’s show. Legend of STV Sunday mornings,’ Scott Montgomery praised.

Former SNP member Alex Neil wrote: ‘Glenn Michael was a really nice person. An institution in Scotland.’

‘Absolute TV gold for kids growing up in the 80’s,’ Rossco said.

Michael was born Cecil Buckland in Devon in 1926 and adopted his stage name later in life.

He has remained an active member of society up until recent years (Picture: STV)

After meeting his wife Beryl whom he married in 1947 (and shared an onstage double act Michael and Raye) he started his entertaining career performing for the British troops and joined the RAF in World War Two.

Performing alongside Rikki Fulton and Jack Milroy, he joined them onscreen as their famed double act Francie and Josie.

In 1950, he starred in Brit flick The Blue Lamp.

‘The director said he could get me an agent who could get me £450. I said, ‘per month?’ and he replied, ‘per day’. That was an incredible amount of money back then,’ he recently recalled to The Scottish Sun.

After being taken out by a bout of sickness for 18 months, however, he decided to move on from his acting career.

The former presenter joined the RAF in World War Two (Picture: STV)

‘When I was well enough I needed to earn a crust so I turned to variety as a stand-up comedian,’ he added.

Speaking to the Scottish Daily Express years later he spoke about why he thinks he had such long-lasting sucess – and was still recognised to this day.

‘I think the secret of our success was naturalness – it was a feeling you weren’t putting an act on. I never put an act on. I was just myself. I wasn’t trying to impress anybody. I was just me saying hello, and I think people responded to that,’ he said.

In 2010, he filmed a cameo for the movie film adaptation of Kickass which made him feel like a ‘real star’, he said at the time, even though he didn’t make the final cut.

A few years later, he backed a loneliness campaign after reflecting on his experience after his wife died.

‘It’s when you come home and it’s slightly dark and you locked the front door and you are sitting on your own and you realise you are on your own.

‘I have actually sat in the chair many times and suddenly realised for no reason at all that I was crying and I could put my finger on why it was. Over time, I began to realise, it’s because you’re lonely,’ he said in an STV segment.

He also recalled one time when he met former First Minister for Scotland Nicola Sturgeon who told him he used to watch when she was five.

He is survived by his children Yonnie and Christopher and a number of grandchildren.

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