Former BBC children's TV presenter Simon Parkin has lifted the lid on the chaotic and often hilarious world of the broadcaster's infamous 'broom cupboard' – the tiny studio where iconic shows were introduced to generations of young viewers.
Parkin, who hosted shows like Going Live! and Live & Kicking in the 1990s, revealed the shocking truth about the cramped conditions presenters endured while delivering unforgettable Saturday morning entertainment.
The Reality Behind the Magic
'It was literally a converted storage space,' Parkin confessed. 'We'd be squeezed in with puppets, props and whatever random items production had shoved in there – all while trying to maintain that perfect presenter smile for millions of children.'
Unexpected Challenges
The veteran presenter shared astonishing anecdotes about the unexpected challenges of broadcasting from the cupboard:
- Technical nightmares with last-minute script changes
- The constant battle to keep puppets like Gordon the Gopher under control
- Dealing with live on-air disasters that viewers never noticed
A Golden Era of Children's TV
Despite the challenges, Parkin looks back fondly on this golden era of children's broadcasting. 'There was an incredible energy and creativity,' he recalled. 'We were making it up as we went along, but that's what made it so special for viewers.'
The revelations come as nostalgia for 90s children's TV reaches new heights, with many former viewers now introducing the classic shows to their own children through streaming services.
