West Molesey man gets in a Tiswas over TV stars of yesteryear (From Surrey Comet)

West Molesey man gets in a Tiswas over TV stars of yesteryear

12:50pm Saturday 11th July 2009

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The secret life of children’s TV legends has come under the microscope thanks to one New Malden man, who has written a book full of anecdotes from the stars of yesteryear.

Quirky author Garry Vaux has rounded up a string of former presenters, writers and performers from children’s shows of the 70s, 80s and 90s to give a fascinating insight into some of the stories behind the stars.

The first print run of his book Legends of Kids TV is due to start on August 1, featuring tales of how antics on scaffolding helped Lizzie McPhee become Wizadora, how the Playschool clock was stopped forever and why George Melly once took a fancy to Toni Arthur’s knickers.

Mr Vaux, 38, from West Molesey, said: "The whole thing was borne out of my mother dying in 2004 - my father had already passed away, and having lost both my parents I started looking back at youth culture because I felt those links had been broken.

"I started off researching people in bits and bobs, and it wasn't until last year that I though I should sit down and finish it, otherwise I would have gone on for years and years.

"It's been a pleasure just talking to some of these people. Rick Jones from Fingerbobs was particularly hard to track down, but I'm really good friends with him now and we email each other most days.

"That sort of thing feels a bit surreal."

Others legends to make their mark on the book include Chris Tarrant talking about his Tiswas days, Derek Fowlds on his time with Basil Brush and reminiscences from Pat Sharp about his time in the Fun House.

Anyone interested in learning more about the stars behind the scenes can visit Mr Vaux’s website at legendsofkidstv.co.uk.

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