1 9 8 7 – 1 9 8 8 (UK)
25 x 15 minute episodes
Simon (Hugh Pollard) and his best friend, the witch (Elizabeth Spriggs), were an unlikely pair. Simon was actually the more mature and sensible of the two while the witch was very naive to everyday things. She also frequently got the pair of them into mischief.
Simon’s teacher was Mrs Phoeble (Elizabeth Proud) and Mr Bodley (John Rapley) was the officious headmaster.
Other characters included Simon’s geeky young friend, Jimmy (David Crane); telltale bossyboots Sally (Nicola Stapleton), who was forever sticking her nose in where it wasn’t wanted; posh kid Cuthbert (Ilan Ostrove) and his mean aunt, Lady Fox-Custard (Joan Sims); her ladyship’s butler, Hopkins (Joe Grossi); cafe owner Mr Valdini (C.J. Allen), who gave away ice cream for free; and Simon’s next-door neighbour, Angelica (Emma-Louise Harrington).
The series was based on the children’s book of the same name.
Ilan Ostrove died on 12 August 1997 aged just 22, following a bout of meningitis.
The Witch
Elizabeth Spriggs
Simon
Hugh Pollard
Jimmy
David Crane
Lady Fox-Custard
Joan Sims
Mum
Sarah Wynter
Sally
Nicola Stapleton
Cuthbert
Ilan Ostrove
Hopkins
Joe Grossi
Miss Phoeble
Elizabeth Proud
Joyce
Naomie Harris
Tim
James Reinl
Mr Bodley
John Rapley
Mr Valdini
C.J. Allen
Angelica
Emma-Louise Harrington