First live Children's BBC from 'the Broom Cupboard'

Image: Philip Schofield with Debbie Flint in the Children's presentation studio/gallery (the "Broom Cupboard"). Debbie Flint was holiday cover for Phillip Schofield during 1986.

Before the Autumn of 1985, BBC television programmes for children shown on BBC One, were linked by a disembodied voice speaking over still slides and revolving globes.   

All that changed when the "Broom Cupboard" opened for business. In truth this was the same announcers booth that hosted the old out-of-vision links, but with a camera now showing the announcer, along with contributions of art and letters from viewers in the background.

The real difference was the arrival of a dedicated personality children could identify with.

Philip Schofield was the first in-vision presenter to appear, then Debbie Flint, Andy Crane, Andi Peters and Zoe Ball all followed with some going on to major careers in broadcasting and show business.