EX-BBC presenter Mike Amatt, who created the children’s cartoon Mop and Smiff, has died at the age of 71.
The talented performer, writer, and illustrator lived in Bolton, Greater Manchester, and also wrote BBC’s Forget-me-Not Farm in 2013.
Amatt also fronted Playschool and wrote for the show – which ran from 1964 until 1988.
His devastated son Michael, 27, has revealed his dad died suddenly at the age of 71 on Monday, June 28.
He said that although the family are heartbroken, they will always remember the special times and the many laughs they shared.
Michael said: “He used to make up stories for us all the time, especially when we went on family holidays. The stories would be a clue to a treasure hunt.
“He was a great dad and a good friend to a lot of people, he was always on hand to help.
Michael said his father, who was also dad to Laura, 33, and Nick, 32, would always have time for his family.
He stayed friends with wife Veronica, from whom he was separated, and doted on his grandchildren, Teddy and Charlie.
His son added: “So many people have been sharing their stories of him, they are so many lovely stories of him.”
Mike’s family say he could “turn a sea of frowns upside down”.
The presenter was born in Salford, but had lived in Bolton for more than 40 years and his TV shows were often filmed in some of Bolton’s most scenic spots.
In his younger years, budding musician Mike was in Shane Fenton and the Fentones.
The talented guitarist also played in Mike Sweeney and the Thunderbirds.
Michael said: “He has done it all, stand-up comedy, stage shows, he performed in panto.
“He would go to primary schools and visiting care homes in his 60s.”
