Chris Serle (81) and Tim Brooke-Hunt (65) pass away, leaving behind lasting legacies
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The broadcasting world has lost one of its most familiar and cherished figures. Chris Serle, a veteran BBC TV and radio presenter, passed away at 81.
His family confirmed the sad news, leaving fans and colleagues to mourn the loss of an iconic voice and a beloved personality.
The Australian entertainment industry also lost one of its most influential figures. Tim Brooke-Hunt, a visionary producer and former ABC Head of Children’s TV, has passed away.
Following a long illness, his death marks the end of the Australian children's television era, which he helped shape with his creativity and passion.
Chris Serle's career spanned several decades, during which he became a household name, especially known for his work on the consumer affairs show That’s Life in the 1980s and 1990s.
His family's statement to the BBC painted a picture of a man who was not only a professional in his field but also a warm and endearing presence off-screen.
They remembered him as a 'familiar and cherished figure on British television screens throughout the 1970s and 1980s.'
Serle's versatility as a presenter was evident in his work across various BBC shows, including In at the Deep End and Points of View.
His voice also graced the airwaves on radio, where he hosted BBC’s Radio Bristol and chaired Radio 4’s 'Pick of the Week' from 1981 to 1988.
Dame Esther Rantzen, who worked alongside Serle on That’s Life, expressed her sorrow in a statement to the PA news agency.
‘I am so very sad to hear that Chris Serle, one of our best-loved That’s Life! reporters, has died,’ she said.
‘He was as nice off camera as he was in the studio on camera—funny, clever, charming, a very versatile presenter.’
‘When I first met him, he was a producer, but it was clear that he had all the attributes of the best reporters.
‘Viewers and listeners of That’s Life! and the many other radio and television programs he presented will be equally sad.’
Tributes poured in from various quarters, including from actress Judy Matheson, who shared her personal memories of Serle on social media.
‘Further to my last post, a memory with the brilliant Chris Serle, with me in my 1st job with the Bristol Old Vic, on our US tour in the Garden of The Gods in Denver in 1967.’ she recounted.
‘He never seemed to age. We were both novices in professional theatre, but Chris became a polymath. RIP.’
The Slapstick Festival, a silent film and visual comedy event that Serle ardently supported, also expressed their deep sadness at his passing.
‘It is with deep sadness that we heard of the passing of Chris Serle, the beloved BBC television and radio presenter,’ the organisation’s statement read.
‘For 20 years, Chris was a tireless supporter of the Slapstick Festival and a much-loved friend. He will be sorely missed.’
He is survived by his wife, Ali, their three children, and two children from a prior marriage.
Credit: YouTube
Meanwhile, Tim Brooke-Hunt joined ABC in 2007 as the Executive Head of Children’s Content for ABC TV and ascended to Controller of Children’s in 2010.
His leadership was instrumental in launching ABC3, a channel dedicated to school-age children, and relaunching ABC4Kids, the preschool channel.
Brooke-Hunt was also at the helm of ABC’s Educational programs and online content for children, including the development of two dedicated portals.
His tenure at the ABC, which concluded in 2013, was marked by innovation and a commitment to engaging young audiences.
Under Brooke-Hunt's stewardship, Australian children were treated to a golden age of homegrown television.
He oversaw the production of several successful series, including the internationally acclaimed Dance Academy, Giggle and Hoot, Prank Patrol', and Play School.
These programs entertained, educated, and inspired a generation of Australian children, impacting their development and imagination.
Before his influential period at ABC, Brooke-Hunt had already established himself as a key player in the industry, working for Beyond International and the Yoram Gross Studios.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found his own company, Sticky Pictures, where he continued to produce content that resonated with young audiences.
His credits include the Blinky Bill, Yakkity Yak, Old Tom, L’il Horrors, and Blue Water High.
Each show carried its hallmark of quality and originality, setting the standard for children's programming in Australia and beyond.
Credit: YouTube
In memory of Serle and Brook-Hunt’s remarkable lives, we honour the legacy they leave behind.
Their love, commitment, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew them.
May they rest in peace.
His family confirmed the sad news, leaving fans and colleagues to mourn the loss of an iconic voice and a beloved personality.
The Australian entertainment industry also lost one of its most influential figures. Tim Brooke-Hunt, a visionary producer and former ABC Head of Children’s TV, has passed away.
Following a long illness, his death marks the end of the Australian children's television era, which he helped shape with his creativity and passion.
Chris Serle's career spanned several decades, during which he became a household name, especially known for his work on the consumer affairs show That’s Life in the 1980s and 1990s.
His family's statement to the BBC painted a picture of a man who was not only a professional in his field but also a warm and endearing presence off-screen.
They remembered him as a 'familiar and cherished figure on British television screens throughout the 1970s and 1980s.'
BBC TV and radio presenter Chris Serle has been remembered following his passing at the age of 81. Credit: YouTube
Serle's versatility as a presenter was evident in his work across various BBC shows, including In at the Deep End and Points of View.
His voice also graced the airwaves on radio, where he hosted BBC’s Radio Bristol and chaired Radio 4’s 'Pick of the Week' from 1981 to 1988.
Dame Esther Rantzen, who worked alongside Serle on That’s Life, expressed her sorrow in a statement to the PA news agency.
‘I am so very sad to hear that Chris Serle, one of our best-loved That’s Life! reporters, has died,’ she said.
‘He was as nice off camera as he was in the studio on camera—funny, clever, charming, a very versatile presenter.’
‘When I first met him, he was a producer, but it was clear that he had all the attributes of the best reporters.
‘Viewers and listeners of That’s Life! and the many other radio and television programs he presented will be equally sad.’
Tributes poured in from various quarters, including from actress Judy Matheson, who shared her personal memories of Serle on social media.
‘Further to my last post, a memory with the brilliant Chris Serle, with me in my 1st job with the Bristol Old Vic, on our US tour in the Garden of The Gods in Denver in 1967.’ she recounted.
‘He never seemed to age. We were both novices in professional theatre, but Chris became a polymath. RIP.’
The Slapstick Festival, a silent film and visual comedy event that Serle ardently supported, also expressed their deep sadness at his passing.
‘It is with deep sadness that we heard of the passing of Chris Serle, the beloved BBC television and radio presenter,’ the organisation’s statement read.
‘For 20 years, Chris was a tireless supporter of the Slapstick Festival and a much-loved friend. He will be sorely missed.’
He is survived by his wife, Ali, their three children, and two children from a prior marriage.
Credit: YouTube
Meanwhile, Tim Brooke-Hunt joined ABC in 2007 as the Executive Head of Children’s Content for ABC TV and ascended to Controller of Children’s in 2010.
His leadership was instrumental in launching ABC3, a channel dedicated to school-age children, and relaunching ABC4Kids, the preschool channel.
Brooke-Hunt was also at the helm of ABC’s Educational programs and online content for children, including the development of two dedicated portals.
Tim Brooke-Hunt, a respected figure in Australian children's television, has been lost after a lengthy illness. Credit: YouTube
His tenure at the ABC, which concluded in 2013, was marked by innovation and a commitment to engaging young audiences.
Under Brooke-Hunt's stewardship, Australian children were treated to a golden age of homegrown television.
He oversaw the production of several successful series, including the internationally acclaimed Dance Academy, Giggle and Hoot, Prank Patrol', and Play School.
These programs entertained, educated, and inspired a generation of Australian children, impacting their development and imagination.
Before his influential period at ABC, Brooke-Hunt had already established himself as a key player in the industry, working for Beyond International and the Yoram Gross Studios.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found his own company, Sticky Pictures, where he continued to produce content that resonated with young audiences.
His credits include the Blinky Bill, Yakkity Yak, Old Tom, L’il Horrors, and Blue Water High.
Each show carried its hallmark of quality and originality, setting the standard for children's programming in Australia and beyond.
Credit: YouTube
Their love, commitment, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew them.
May they rest in peace.
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