Rosemary Gill facts for kids
Rosemary Ffolkes Gill (born 1930, died 2011) was a famous English TV producer. She helped create popular children's shows. These included Blue Peter, Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, and Saturday Superstore.
Early Life and First Jobs
Rosemary Gill was born in London. Her father was a teacher, and her mother was a nurse. She grew up in Camden Town. Rosemary went to St Paul's Girls' School, just like her older sister, Hazel.
In 1948, Rosemary started working at the BBC. She began as a secretary for radio shows. Later, she moved to Alexandra Palace to work in television. She helped producers like Dorothea Brooking and Joy Harington. They made exciting drama shows for children. From 1955, she became an assistant floor manager. This job helps make sure everything runs smoothly on a TV set.
Working on Blue Peter and Swap Shop
Rosemary met Edward Barnes during this time. He later helped her join the Blue Peter team in 1963. The show's producer, Biddy Baxter, was away. Rosemary was meant to stay for a short time. But she ended up staying for 13 years!
The team of Biddy Baxter, Edward Barnes, and Rosemary Gill made Blue Peter very popular. Rosemary became a producer when the show started airing twice a week. She later became the deputy editor of the show.
In 1976, Rosemary left Blue Peter. She became the editor of Multi-Coloured Swap Shop. This show was also known as Swap Shop. It was a new, live show on Saturday mornings. Noel Edmonds was the main presenter. The show was a huge success.
Swap Shop let children trade their belongings. Rosemary remembered wanting a show where "anybody could join in." Noel Edmonds said Rosemary was a quiet, supportive leader. She helped create "something very special" with the show.
When Swap Shop ended in 1982, Rosemary created a new show. It was called Saturday Superstore. This show was like an imaginary department store. Mike Read was the main presenter. Rosemary retired early in 1983.
Rosemary's Private Life
In the late 1940s, Rosemary was engaged to a sailor. Sadly, her fiancé died in a submarine accident.
Rosemary's sister, Hazel, also worked for Blue Peter. She handled all the fan mail. Hazel also retired early. The two sisters loved to travel together. They explored many places in Europe and North America. Hazel passed away in 2001. Rosemary Gill died in February 2011, at the age of 80.
