Mike Smith (broadcaster) facts for kids

Michael George Smith (born 23 April 1955 – died 1 August 2014) was a famous English TV and radio presenter. People also knew him as "Smithy." He was also a racing driver, a pilot, and a businessman. In the 1980s, he was well-known for hosting popular shows like Breakfast Time and Top of the Pops on BBC One.

Mike Smith passed away on 1 August 2014. He had complications from heart failure after having a big heart operation.

Early Life and School Days

Mike Smith went to Ballyholme Primary School in Bangor, Northern Ireland, in the early 1960s. His dad worked for the Ford Motor Company and had moved to Belfast.

After a short time at Bangor Grammar School, Mike went to King Edward VI Grammar School in Chelmsford. There, he was the DJ for the school's Friday night disco!

Mike Smith's Radio Career

Mike Smith started his journey in broadcasting at a Hospital radio station in Chelmsford. Later, in 1975, he joined BBC Radio 1. He worked as a producer and presenter, helping with shows like the Radio 1 Roadshow.

He sometimes filled in as a DJ when live broadcasts had problems. In 1978, he moved to Capital Radio in London. He hosted many different shows there. By 1980, he was presenting the important breakfast show.

Mike returned to BBC Radio 1 in 1982. He hosted the early morning show during the week and a Saturday morning show. In 1983, he took over the weekday lunchtime show. He left for a short time in 1984 to host BBC Breakfast Time on TV.

He came back to Radio 1 in 1986 and took over The Radio 1 Breakfast Show. He stayed there for two years, leaving in May 1988. Mike later said he really missed being on the radio, but not so much being on TV.

Mike Smith's TV Career

Mike Smith had a very successful career as a TV presenter. He worked on shows for Thames TV like CBTV. He was also a main host for BBC1's music chart show Top of the Pops from 1982 to 1988.

He also presented other shows like Show Business and Friday's People. Mike was also part of Noel Edmonds' The Late, Late Breakfast Show. Later, he hosted That's Showbusiness and appeared on Julian Clary's Trick or Treat for ITV.

A big moment in his TV career was in 1985. Mike was one of the main BBC TV presenters for Live Aid. This was a huge concert event to raise money for charity. He also presented large live broadcasts like Railwatch, Hospital Watch, and Airport Watch.

Flying High as a Pilot

Mike Smith was a skilled helicopter pilot. In 1988, he and his partner, Sarah Greene (who later became his wife), were in a helicopter crash in Gloucestershire. Mike was flying the helicopter when it seemed to lose power.

Luckily, both Mike and Sarah survived the crash. Sarah broke both her legs and an arm. Mike suffered a broken back and ankle. They both recovered from their injuries.

Starting an Aerial Filming Company

In 2004, Mike Smith started his own company called Flying TV. This company provided special aerial filming services for TV broadcasters. Mike was the managing director, which means he ran the company. He often worked as an aerial cameraman himself, filming from above.

Mike Smith's Motor Racing Life

Mike Smith loved driving from a very young age, starting at just 8 years old! By 14, he was racing in grass track events and even built his own cars. When he was 17, he got his driving license and started racing cars, rallying, and rallycross.

He also became a commentator for motorsport races, especially at Brands Hatch. This is where he became interested in broadcasting. While he was still a TV and radio presenter, Mike raced in several British Touring Car Championship races. He drove different cars, including a Ford Sierra RS Cosworth and a BMW M3.

In 1986, he won the Willhire 24 Hour race at Snetterton. He shared the driving with another racer, Robb Gravett. Famous commentator Murray Walker once said that Mike "guaranteed action by the bucket-load" when he raced.

In 1989, Mike started his own racing team called Trakstar with Robb Gravett. They raced Ford Sierra Cosworth cars. Mike had some challenges because he was still recovering from his helicopter crash. The team faced problems with sponsors in 1990, and Mike stopped racing competitively after that.

Personal Life

Mike Smith married his partner, Sarah Greene, in 1989. This was soon after their helicopter crash in 1988.

Mike Smith passed away on 1 August 2014 due to health complications after heart surgery. Sarah Greene survived him.