Stewpot

1 9 7 0 (UK)
10 x 30 minute episodes

Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart starred in this 10-week Saturday afternoon series from London Weekend Television, which debuted on 11 July 1970.

The ½-hour show featured pop groups and clips from children’s favourite films such as Lady and the Tramp and 101 Dalmatians, along with visits to children’s hospitals all over the country.

A chap called Don Crown appeared frequently. His speciality was warbling and whistling with accompaniment from a couple of dozen budgerigars (!)

Other guests included The Rockin’ Berries, Christie, The Scaffold, Marmalade, The Foundations, Blue Mink, The Tremeloes, Millie Small, Pickettywitch, Judith Durham (from The Seekers), Desmond Dekker, The Settlers, Anita Harris, Julie Felix, Jack Wild (and his brother, Arthur), Roger Whittaker, Dana, Leapy Lee, Rolf Harris, The New Seekers, 14-year-old Dutch singer, Heintje (huh?) and Design (huh? huh?).

Stewpot’s broadcasting career began in 1961 in Hong Kong, where he worked for Radio Hong Kong and Rediffusion until 1965. His first UK radio experience was aboard the illegal but highly successful offshore Radio London, where his nickname of “Stewpot” was bestowed upon him by fellow pirate Dave Cash.

His first BBC assignment after Radio London was scuppered along with the other pirates by the Marine Offences Act – this was Happening Sunday, which was dropped after ten weeks.

However, during its course, Stewart was heard reading dedications over the air by Derek Chinnery’s wife, who suggested to her spouse that the ex-pirate sounded worthy of consideration for compering Junior Choice. He also featured in BBC TV’s Crackerjack.