For over 50 years, Play School has been entertaining and educating Australian children. The show has evolved over the years, but its core values of imagination, curiosity and exploration have remained the same.

Play School has introduced generations of children to the joys of learning. The show has always had a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, but it also teaches children about the world around them. Through the years, Play School has tackled important issues such as racism, disability, and the environment.

The hosts of Play School are some of the most loved people on television. They are trusted friends who help children learn and grow. They are also a lot of fun!

Over the years, we have come to love the hosts of Play School as they help our children and grandchildren learn and play (with some of us even tuning in along with our kids back in the day).

That's why it's with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to one of our favourite hosts, John Hamblin.

John, who passed away at 87, was one of the most beloved presenters of the iconic children's show.

John passed away at the age of 87. Credit: ABC.​

Joining the program in 1970, Hamblin became known as the 'Naughty John' due to his cheeky sense of humour and quick wit.

He retired from the show in 1999, but made a guest appearance on its 50th anniversary special in 2016, surprising thousands of fans from across generations.

The ABC has praised John for his lasting legacy as one of the pillars of the much-loved children's show.

ABC Director Entertainment & Specialist Jennifer Collins said: 'John was an unforgettable presenter whose comedic timing and wit helped cement Play School as one of Australia’s most cherished children’s programs.'

'John had a wicked sense of humour and was not afraid of a double-entendre. His presence always managed to keep both our toddler target audience and their parents equally engaged with the show.'

'I would like to extend my condolences to John’s family at this sad time.'

Fans have taken to social media to share their favourite memories of Hamblin, with many describing him as a hilarious and entertaining presenter.

One fan posted: 'Those cheeky expressions, naughty smile and just him! Thank you for the entertainment you provided for my children and me, especially when I had a bad day.'

'He cracked us up ... So funny and cheeky,' another wrote.

A third chimed in: 'He made Play School a show that adults could watch. Such a wry sense of humour.'

And another added: 'Oh how sad, such a wonderful man. Funny, cheeky and my favourite to watch together with my children. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.'

We all have our favourite shows that we grew old with, and the characters on those shows become like family to us. So when one of those actors dies, it's a real loss. It's like losing a close friend.

We all have our favourite memories of those shows and the actors who brought those characters to life. They brought us laughter and joy, and sometimes even tears. They were a part of our lives, and we will never forget them.

John Hamblin was a much-loved figure on Australian television and will be sorely missed by fans of all ages. Do you have any memories you’d like to share?

 

[Suzanne rose]

My older kids love him on play school with Noni and Benitta

I also remember him on the soap Restless Years in the 70s as well as playing a teacher in a show called Class of 74.

He also played Michael Chamberlain in the 1984 telemovie The Disappearance of Azaria Chamberlain.
Good choice , the resemblance between Michael chamberlain and John was uncanny

It's not until someone passes away we remember things like TV shows we forgot about.

I might watch a few episodes of restless years and class of 74 today

 

[Mikeyboy2012]

For over 50 years, Play School has been entertaining and educating Australian children. The show has evolved over the years, but its core values of imagination, curiosity and exploration have remained the same.

Play School has introduced generations of children to the joys of learning. The show has always had a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, but it also teaches children about the world around them. Through the years, Play School has tackled important issues such as racism, disability, and the environment.

The hosts of Play School are some of the most loved people on television. They are trusted friends who help children learn and grow. They are also a lot of fun!

Over the years, we have come to love the hosts of Play School as they help our children and grandchildren learn and play (with some of us even tuning in along with our kids back in the day).

That's why it's with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to one of our favourite hosts, John Hamblin.

John, who passed away at 87, was one of the most beloved presenters of the iconic children's show.

John passed away at the age of 87. Credit: ABC.​

Joining the program in 1970, Hamblin became known as the 'Naughty John' due to his cheeky sense of humour and quick wit.

He retired from the show in 1999, but made a guest appearance on its 50th anniversary special in 2016, surprising thousands of fans from across generations.

The ABC has praised John for his lasting legacy as one of the pillars of the much-loved children's show.

ABC Director Entertainment & Specialist Jennifer Collins said: 'John was an unforgettable presenter whose comedic timing and wit helped cement Play School as one of Australia’s most cherished children’s programs.'

'John had a wicked sense of humour and was not afraid of a double-entendre. His presence always managed to keep both our toddler target audience and their parents equally engaged with the show.'

'I would like to extend my condolences to John’s family at this sad time.'

Fans have taken to social media to share their favourite memories of Hamblin, with many describing him as a hilarious and entertaining presenter.

One fan posted: 'Those cheeky expressions, naughty smile and just him! Thank you for the entertainment you provided for my children and me, especially when I had a bad day.'

'He cracked us up ... So funny and cheeky,' another wrote.

A third chimed in: 'He made Play School a show that adults could watch. Such a wry sense of humour.'

And another added: 'Oh how sad, such a wonderful man. Funny, cheeky and my favourite to watch together with my children. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.'

We all have our favourite shows that we grew old with, and the characters on those shows become like family to us. So when one of those actors dies, it's a real loss. It's like losing a close friend.

We all have our favourite memories of those shows and the actors who brought those characters to life. They brought us laughter and joy, and sometimes even tears. They were a part of our lives, and we will never forget them.

John Hamblin was a much-loved figure on Australian television and will be sorely missed by fans of all ages. Do you have any memories you’d like to share?

Very sad news. He was so cheeky and entertaining. How many times did I say, "did you hear that?" when he said something naughty on Play School. The best bit of course, was that the kids didn't 'get it'...fortunately. He made Play School his own and something special when others may look at it as a nothing gig, just to pay the bills.

I have had the same philosophy as John. I always have fun with everything I do. I was a teacher/trainer who loved to entertain my adult students. One of my accounting student once said, "I didn't learn much, but I had a great time". Not quite sure how to take that.

 

[margie]

 

[Groovy]

I learnt a lot of English by watching Play School and Sesame Street with my kids, when we came to Australia. Every morning we watched together. I remember John and all the others.

 

[Nana Zorak]

I remember John from Playschool. As my son & I used to watch it together. As an old Lady, I am grateful that I have lived this long & I am sure John felt the same I hope to live until at least 90. Only time will tell. Safe last journey John. Commiserations to his family.

 

[June E]

RIP John. You gave a lot of pleasure to a lot of children and adults
Condolences to John’s family and friends.