For a good two generations of British children, David Bellamy was their introduction to environmentalism. From Don’t Ask Me to Blooming Bellamy, along with endless appearances on the likes of Multi-Coloured Swap Shop and Blue Peter, he was also a go-to voice for any impressionist appearing on kids’ TV (just gummy yourself up and say “gwapple me gwapenuts”). He also became the face of the I-Spy series of books in the 80s, where bored children on car journeys were encouraged to keep an eye out for as many hyenas or pink articulated trucks they could find on the M23. His TV career went away when he got involved in politics in the late 90s, standing for the now-forgotten Referendum Party and reversing his views on global warming, becoming an outspoken skeptic. Still, we’ll always have his early 80s album…
David Bellamy
18 January 1933 – 11 December 2019
Died aged 86 (unique pick)