Ed Stewart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ed Stewart
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Stewart in 1976
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| Born |
Edward Stewart Mainwaring
23 April 1941 |
| Died | 9 January 2016 (aged 74) Bournemouth, Dorset, England
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| Nationality | British |
| Other names | Stewpot |
| Occupation | Broadcaster |
| Years active | 1965 – 2016 |
| Known for | BBC Radio 1 Junior Choice (1968–1979, 2007 40th birthday special, Christmas specials, 2007–2015) BBC Radio 2 Top of the Pops Crackerjack |
| Spouse(s) |
Chiara Henney
(m. 1974; div. 2005) |
| Partner(s) | Elly Thorne (2004–2016, his death) |
| Children | 2 |
Edward Stewart Mainwaring (born 23 April 1941 – died 9 January 2016) was a famous English radio and TV presenter. Many people knew him as Ed "Stewpot" Stewart. He was best known for his work as a DJ on BBC Radio 1, especially his Saturday morning show Junior Choice. He also worked on BBC Radio 2 and presented popular TV shows like Top of the Pops and Crackerjack.
Contents
About Ed Stewart
His Early Days
Ed Stewart was born Edward Stewart Mainwaring in Exmouth, Devon, on 23 April 1941. His father was a solicitor for the government. Ed went to school at Eagle House School and St Edward's School, Oxford.
His journey into broadcasting began far away in Hong Kong. He was touring there as a bass player in a jazz band. While there, he got a job at a local radio station. He started as a sports commentator, then became an announcer, and finally, a disc jockey. He worked at this station for four years.
In July 1965, Ed became a DJ on a famous offshore radio station called Wonderful Radio London, also known as "Big L". He became very well-known there. He was the main DJ when the station closed on 14 August 1967. This happened because of a new law called the Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967.
Becoming a Star at the BBC
After Radio London closed, Ed Stewart was one of the first DJs to join the new BBC Radio 1. He presented shows like Happening Sunday and What's New.
Radio Shows for Kids
In 1968, Ed took over the weekend morning show Junior Choice. He hosted this popular show for 12 years. The show was famous for its fun catchphrases and jingles. One popular jingle was "'Ello Darlin'". Another was "Happy Birthday to You" sung by an eight-year-old boy.
In 1968, he even recorded a song for charity called "I Like My Toys". He sang it with the Save The Children Fund Choir.
In 1973, Ed Stewart made history. He became the very first presenter of Radio 1's Newsbeat programme. This show gave listeners quick news updates.
TV Shows You Might Know
Ed Stewart also became a regular presenter on the BBC television show Top of the Pops in 1971. This show featured the most popular music of the week.
From 1975 to 1979, he presented the children's programme Crackerjack. This show was very popular with kids. He also had a short show called Ed and Zed in 1970.
Back to Radio 2
In 1980, Ed Stewart moved to BBC Radio 2. He presented shows like Family Favourites and a weekday afternoon programme. He left Radio 2 in 1983 but later returned.
He worked for a commercial radio station called Radio Mercury for six years. Then, in 1991, he rejoined Radio 2. He hosted a regular Saturday afternoon show. In 1992, he started presenting weekday afternoons again.
In 1995, Ed made radio history. He broadcast his Radio 2 show live from the tops of Ben Nevis and Snowdon. These are the two highest mountains in the UK. He did this to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. He even carried his own equipment up the mountains!
In 1999, Ed moved to a Sunday evening show on Radio 2. This show had a mix of music, chat, and listener letters. It also had a feature called "Where Are They Now?". This helped old friends reconnect. He left Radio 2 in 2006.
However, Ed Stewart came back for Radio 2's 40th birthday in 2007. He hosted Junior Choice again. It was so popular that he returned to present Junior Choice every Christmas Day from 2008 to 2015.
Other Fun Projects
In 1974, Ed Stewart sang the theme song for the TV series "Barbapapa". This was for the English version of the show on BBC Television.
He also worked on other radio stations. In 2005, he hosted a weekday afternoon show on Spectrum FM in Spain. He also appeared on stations like Big L 1395 and Classic Gold Digital Network.
From 2009 to 2010, Ed presented shows on internet radio station Wight FM. He also filled in for other presenters on shows like The Retro Chart Years. In 2014, he hosted a special show for "Radio Legends week" on BBC Sussex and BBC Surrey.
Look-in Magazine
For many years, Ed Stewart was a well-known face for the children's magazine Look-in. This magazine was like a "Junior TV Times". In 1971, he started a regular feature called "'Stewpot's Look-out". This later became "'Stewpot's Newsdesk". His name was also used in other parts of the magazine. His connection with the magazine ended in 1980.
Cameo
You can hear Ed Stewart's voice on the 1973 song "Won't Somebody Dance with Me" by Lynsey de Paul. He says, "Excuse me, may I have the pleasure of this dance?"
Off-Air Life
Hobbies and Interests
Ed Stewart loved playing golf. He often met listeners of his show who offered to help him by carrying his golf clubs. He was also a big football fan and supported Everton F.C..
In 1975, Ed was welcomed into a special entertainment group called the Grand Order of Water Rats.
Ed married Chiara Henney in 1974. They had a daughter and a son. They later divorced in 2005. From 2004 until his death, his girlfriend was Elly Thorne. She was with him for his last Junior Choice show on Christmas Day 2015.
He was also a close friend of the famous entertainer Max Bygraves. When Max Bygraves died, Ed remembered him as a "unique talent" who brought joy to many.
Helping Others
Ed Stewart was a strong supporter of Phab Ltd. This charity helps children and adults with disabilities. Ed often attended events to help raise awareness for Phab's important work.
From 2008, Ed Stewart presented Mantovani concerts. These concerts featured the Magic of Mantovani Orchestra. He performed at places like the Lighthouse in Poole and the Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth.
His Final Days
Just two weeks after hosting the 2015 Christmas Day edition of Junior Choice, Ed Stewart passed away. He was 74 years old. He died suddenly on 9 January 2016 in a hospital in Bournemouth. He had suffered a major stroke a few days earlier.
On 10 February 2016, BBC Radio 2 broadcast a special hour-long tribute to Ed Stewart. Anneka Rice introduced this tribute. She later took over hosting the Christmas Day edition of Junior Choice.
His Book
- Stewart, Ed (2005), Ed Stewart: Out Of The Stewpot: My Autobiography, John Blake Publishing, ISBN: 978-1-84454-086-0
