William G. Stewart facts for kids

William Gladstone Stewart (born 15 July 1933 – died 21 September 2017) was an English television producer, director, and presenter. He is most famous for being the presenter and producer of the popular Channel 4 quiz show Fifteen to One. He hosted the show from 1988 to 2003.

Early Life

William Stewart was born on 15 July 1933. He grew up in a children's home in Sidcup, Kent. After finishing school, he worked in an office.

He later joined the Royal Army Educational Corps as part of his National Service in Kenya. There, he worked as a teacher.

In 1958, William planned to join the Merchant Navy. However, a strike stopped him. Instead, he applied to be a redcoat at the Butlins holiday resort in Butlin's Pwllheli, North Wales. Redcoats entertain guests at holiday camps.

William said he thought he would work in the kitchens. But during his interview, he was asked to be a redcoat. He helped organize a talent show there. The famous comedian Jimmy Tarbuck won this contest.

Becoming a TV Pro

The next year, William learned about careers in television. He decided to apply for a job at the BBC. He started as a "call-boy," helping people on set. He then became an assistant floor manager and a stage manager. These jobs involve organizing things behind the scenes.

Later, he became a production assistant. After the 1959 general election, William worked for Tom Driberg. Driberg was a Labour MP. Driberg taught William about art, classical music, and books.

In 1965, comedian Eric Sykes encouraged William to become a television director. Sykes told him to stay in entertainment. William then directed episodes of TV shows like Call It What You Like and Sykes and a....

In 1967, he moved to another TV company, ITV. He directed shows like The Frost Programme and The Frost Report.

William produced or directed many well-known shows. These included Father, Dear Father, Love Thy Neighbour, Bless This House, and The Rag Trade. He also worked on popular game shows. These were Family Fortunes and The Price is Right.

His company, Regent Productions, made Fifteen to One. He later sold Regent Productions to another company.

Beyond Television

William Stewart was married three times.

• His first wife was Audrey Harrison (1960–1976). They had one son, Nick.
• His second wife was Sally Geeson (1976–1986). They had a daughter, Hayley, and a son, Barnaby. Sally Geeson was an actress. She appeared in the show Bless This House, which William produced.
• His third wife was Laura Calland (1997–2017). They had two daughters, Isobel and Hannah. Laura Calland was the voice-over artist for Fifteen to One.

William was a strong supporter of returning the Elgin Marbles to Greece. These are ancient sculptures. They are currently in the British Museum in London. He believed they should go back to their original home.

He even joked that if a game of Fifteen to One ended too quickly, he would talk about the Marbles. This happened in a 2001 episode. He gave a long speech explaining why they should be returned.

His Final Years

William G. Stewart passed away on 21 September 2017. He was 84 years old.