Connect with us


TV

Magpie (ITV 1968-1980, Susan Stranks, Jenny Hanley)

Published

on


Long running live magazine show for kids Magpie was a clear attempt by ITV to make a show to rival the BBC’s Blue Peter, featuring things to make and do and other fun and games.

Magpie began on Thames TV’s first day of broadcasting (30 July 1968) and finished 6 June 1980. The shows mascot (a Magpie obviously) was called Murgatroyd. Initially once a week after a year the show went twice weekly. The format was pretty much identical to Blue Peter even down to the yearly charity appeal and summer field trips. Generally the show ran for 9 months of the years (42 hours worth of shows) and was broadcast live from the Thames TV Teddington Studios. There was one difference with the charity appeals though, whereas Blue Peter would ask for Stamps and the like, Magpie asked for cash. The amount raised would be visualised by a red line that (depending on the amount) ran around the studio and even out into the corridor.

Initially the hosts were Susan Stranks (who had been billed as the typical teenager when she appeared on the very first episode of Juke Box Jury several years earlier), Tony Bastable and DJ Pete Brady. Douglas Rae replaced Brady in 1971, Mick Robertson replaced Bastable (who moved behind the scenes) in 1972 and Jenny Hanley replaced Stranks in 1974. Tommy Boyd arrived in 1978 replacing Douglas Rae. Mick Robertson arrived in 1972 replacing Tony Bastable.

An early segment saw David Jason in comedy sketch as Captain Fantastic (a character previously seen in the show Do Not Adjust Your Set).

Advertisement

The show was initially broadcast once a week but quickly went twice weekly, the days were Tuesdays/Thursdays (until 1972) then Tuesdays/Fridays(1972-80) which meant from 1972 onwards it didn’t clash with Blue Peter which aired Mondays and Thursdays.

Presenters were Pete Brady, Susan Stranks, Jenny Hanley, Mick Robertson, Tony Bastable, Douglas Rae and Tommy Boyd.

The theme tune, based on the old nursery rhyme about Magpies, was written and performed by The Spencer Davis Group.

production details
UK / ITV – Thames / 1000+ x30 minute episodes / Broadcast 30 July 1968 – 6 June 1980

Advertisement

Creators and Executive Producers: Susan Turner, Lewis Rudd

EPISODES
1972
1. 4 January 1972


Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.

Station 19 Station 19
News7 hours ago

Station 19, March 28, 2024, ABC, “True Colors”

It’s time for exciting new episode of Station 19 on Thursday, March 28 at 10:00 PM on ABC. In “True...

Next Level Chef Next Level Chef
News8 hours ago

Next Level Chef, March 28, 2024, FOX, “It’s All Greek to Me”

In the latest episode of the reality cooking show “Next Level Chef,” airing on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 8:00...

The Kelly Clarkson Show The Kelly Clarkson Show
News12 hours ago

Ricky Martin, The Kelly Clarkson Show, March 28, 2024

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, get ready for an exciting episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show. The show kicks off...

Late Night With Seth Meyers Late Night With Seth Meyers
News12 hours ago

Liam Neeson, Sheryl Crow, Late Night With Seth Meyers, March 28, 2024

Fans of Late Night With Seth Meyers won’t want to miss the upcoming episode on Thursday, March 28th. Join Seth...

LIVE with Kelly and Mark LIVE with Kelly and Mark
News12 hours ago

Maura Tierney, Ego Nwodim, LIVE with Kelly and Mark, March 28, 2024

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, LIVE with Kelly and Mark will bring you an exciting lineup of guests. Tune in...

The Sherri Shepherd Show The Sherri Shepherd Show
News12 hours ago

Niecy Nash-Betts, Sherri, March 28, 2024

Thursday, March 28 2024, brings another hilarious episode of Sherri. Join Sherri Shepherd as she gives her unique take on...

The Talk The Talk
News12 hours ago

Taylor Tomlinson, Brett Gelman, The Talk, March 28, 2024, CBS

A brand new episode of The Talk is set to air on CBS on Thursday, March 28, 2024. During this...

Tamron Hall Tamron Hall
News12 hours ago

Koryn Hawthorne, Giancarlo Esposito, Tamron Hall, March 28, 2024, ABC

On Thursday March 28th at 10:00 AM., ABC presents an enthralling episode of Tamron Hall. This episode’s lineup includes some...

Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics
News14 hours ago

Nissan Figaro & Ferrari 250 GT, Bangers & Cash, March 28, 2024, Yesterday

On Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 8:00 PM., Yesterday presents a brand new episode of Bangers & Cash. This reality...

Big Mood Big Mood
News14 hours ago

Big Mood Episode 2, 28 March 2024, Channel 4, “Down”

Continue the laughter and heartfelt moments with the second episode of Big Mood on Thursday, 28 March 2024 at 10:30...

Rob Beckett's Smart TV Rob Beckett's Smart TV
News14 hours ago

Natasia Demetriou, Anna Maxwell-Martin, Cush Jumbo, Romesh Ranganathan, Rob Beckett’s Smart TV, 28 March 2024, Sky Max,

Rob Beckett’s Smart TV is back with another entertaining episode on Thursday 28 March 2024 at 9:00 PM on Sky...

Trucking Hell Trucking Hell
News14 hours ago

Trucking Hell, 28 March 2024, 5Action

On Thursday 28 March 2024 at 9:00 PM., Trucking Hell returns with an action-packed episode that takes viewers into the...

A&E After Dark A&E After Dark
News14 hours ago

A&E After Dark, 28 March 2024, 5STAR,

Its another intense and gripping night at Tunbridge Wells A&E as A&E After Dark returns with a new episode on...

Big Mood Big Mood
News14 hours ago

Series Premiere, Big Mood, 28 March 2024, Channel 4, “Up”

Gear up for a hilarious and heartfelt comedy as Big Mood makes its debut on Channel 4 on Thursday, 28...

Great British Railway Journeys Great British Railway Journeys
News14 hours ago

Edinburgh to Queensferry, Great British Railway Journeys, March 28, BBC Two,

BBC Two is set to air a brand new episode of Great British Railway Journeys on Thursday, March 28, 2024...

BBC Two Logo BBC Two Logo
News14 hours ago

Bruce Lee: A Life in Ten Pictures, 28 March 2024, BBC Two

On Thursday, 28 March at 9:00 PM., Bruce Lee fans will have the opportunity to take a look at his...

Popular