Former BBC children’s television presenter Mike Amatt has died at the age of 71.
His son Michael confirmed that his dad had passed away on June 28.
Mike was hugely important both behind the scenes and in front of the camera for many of the BBC’s best-loved children’s programmes.
The talented star was best known to fans for his role in Playschool, but as well as being the leading star of the show he also wrote it too.
(Image: Plomas/Daily Mail/REX/Shutterstock)
Mike illustrated and created the cartoon characters Mop and Smiff for the popular 1980s show. In addition to this he also acted as himself alongside the sheepdog and cat.
Their cartoon versions were voiced by real-life acting couple Timothy West and Prunella Scales at the time.
Mop and Smiff used a Portmanteau Format with a small cartoon show embedded inside a narrative. The show would often start with detailing a day of Mike, Mop or Smiff in real camera recording format.
Mike resided in Bolton, Greater Manchester throughout the majority of his life with some of his TV shows being filmed in certain spots around Manchester.
(Image: ANL/REX/Shutterstock)
His son Michael, 27, admitted that although he is saddened by the news, he will always remember the fond memories that he shared with his father.
Speaking to the publication The Bolton News, the young lad said: “He used to make up stories for us all the time, especially when we went on family holidays. The stories would be a clue to a treasure hunt.”
He added: “He was a great dad and a good friend to a lot of people, he was always on hand to help.
(Image: BBC)
“So many people have been sharing their stories of him, they are so many lovely stories of him.”
Mike was also father to Laura, 33, and Nick, 32 and his younger son Michael has said that his father always had time for his children.
He also had grandchildren Teddy and Charlie.
Describing his loveable character, Mike’s family have said that he had the ability to “turn a sea of frowns upside down”.
During his younger days, budding musician Mike was in Shane Fenton and the Fentones.
Mike was a talented guitarist who also played in Mike Sweeney and the Thunderbirds.
The talented star’s most recent work includes writing BBC’s Forget-me-Not Farm in 2013.
Since the news of his passing, tributes have began to pour in for Mike online.
Taking to Twitter one fan penned: “Just heard the sad news that Mike Amatt from Mop and Smiff (as well as Play School and Forget-Me-Not Farm) recently passed away. A great man. RIP.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
