Freetime

1 9 8 0 – 1 9 8 5 (UK)
1 9 8 8 (UK)
30 minute episodes

Hosted by curly-headed former Magpie star Mick Robertson, this ITV series aired on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school holidays, with the noble intention of providing young viewers with an incentive to go and do things more productive than sitting in front of the telly.

The magazine format presented new ideas (naval cadets or youth hostelling anyone?) and projects (revamping your bedroom, building a treehouse, making a kite, holding a garage sale) to keep kids out of their parents’ hair and off the streets, as well as entertaining segments such as teams of soccer-playing dogs, horse riding in Hackney, an Aberdeen “disco bus” and youngsters in rock groups.

There were also brain teasers, puzzles, treasure hunts and other challenges.

Robertson was initially assisted by Trudi Dance and – from 1984 – by Kim Goody.

The show ended on Thursday 28 March 1985, although Mick and Kim hosted a few Freetime “specials” later that year.

The concept was revised in 1988 for a new airing on Thames Television with the then-unknown Andi Peters hosting. The new show lasted one season.

Presenters
Mick Robertson
Trudi Dance
Kim Goody
Andi Peters (1988)

Video