Simon Groom
| Simon Groom | |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 August 1950 Derby, Derbyshire |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Television Presenterand Producer |
| Known for | Blue Peter (1978-1986)and a Producer/Director of Documentaries |
Simon Groom (born 12 August 1950) is a British Producer & Director, best known as a former presenter of Blue Peter.
Groom was born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire,[1] and was brought up on a farm in Dethick, which he often visited for Blue Peter reports. He attended Birmingham University and worked briefly as an English teacher before becoming a disc jockey and joining Blue Peter in 1978.
Groom's many co-presenters on Blue Peter until leaving in 1986 were Lesley Judd, John Noakes, Christopher Wenner, Tina Heath, Peter Duncan, Sarah Greene, Janet Ellis and Michael Sundin.
He became known among the programme's production team for his dry humour and ability to ad lib innuendo in his broadcasting (which would pass over the heads of the programme's main audience of children). Probably his most famous such statement was at the end of a piece on a replacement door knocker at Durham Cathedral, declaring "what a beautiful pair of knockers". Another notorious remark followed a piece about hedge maintenance where he closed with the remark, "Yes, Sarah, if you want a good lay, you need a good length."[2]
After leaving Blue Peter, Groom produced his first TV documentary: 'Angels & Devils', a critically acclaimed biopic of film director Ken Russell, voted 'Pick of the Day' in both the Daily Telegraph & Guardian. He also wrote, directed & produced 'A Steamy Affair: the Story of the Flying Scotsman' for Channel 4 TV. His other television documentaries include: 'Bucking Mad', the story of an English rodeo rider [BBC1] & 'Full Circle: the Saving of Derby's Roundhouse' [BBC1].
Groom has also produced and presented documentaries for BBC Radio Four, notably: 'George Oliver: A Man For All Seasons', the story of a Bedfordshire Gamekeeper; 'Peak Park Pressures' - Britain's first national park; and 'Ferry Across the Mekong': 2 thirty minute programmes [Sony nominated] in which he makes a return trip to Cambodia. [In 1979, he was the first Western journalist after John Pilger to enter the country, following the demise of Pol Pot].
Groom is a passionate fan of Derby County F.C. His other interests are: music, film, classic cars & steam trains. He and his wife Gilly run a 170 acre farm in Derbyshire, where they keep traditional breeds: Hereford cattle & Jacob sheep.
He currently works as an Ambassador for the city of Derby and in 2010 was given an Honorary Degree by the University of Derby in recognition of his contribution to broadcasting.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Chesterfield Hall of Fame
- ^ Turner, Janice (2008-08-30). "The Blue Peter Effect". London: The Times Magazine. http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article4611976.ece. Retrieved 23 May 2010.
[edit] External links
| Preceded by Peter Purves |
Blue Peter Presenter No. 8 1978-86 |
Succeeded by Mark Curry |
 |
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