BBC TV and radio presenter Chris Serle dead at 81

Georgie Kearney
7NEWS
BBC TV and radio presenter Chris Serle dead at 81.
BBC TV and radio presenter Chris Serle dead at 81. Credit: BBC / Getty

BBC TV and radio presenter Chris Serle has died aged 81, his family confirmed.

He was best known for his work on the consumer affairs show That’s Life in the 1980s and 1990s.

Serle’s family confirmed the news to the BBC, calling him a “familiar and cherished figure on British television screens throughout the 1970s and 1980”.

Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

Email Us
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

He went on to work across the BBC shows In at the Deep End and Points of View.

On radio, he hosted BBC’s Radio Bristol and chaired Radio 4’s Pick of the Week between 1981 and 1988.

He worked on That’s Life alongside Dame Esther Rantzen, the pair covering a variety of topics including consumer advice, rights and investigations.

BBC TV and radio presenter Chris Serle has died aged 81, his family confirmed. 
BBC TV and radio presenter Chris Serle has died aged 81, his family confirmed.  Credit: BBC

“I am so very sad to hear that Chris Serle, one of our best-loved That’s Life! reporters, has died,” Dame Esther said in a statement to PA news agency.

“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.”

Actress Judy Matheson shared a tribute on X writing: “This is so sad. He was in my 1st theatre company, travelling all over US; when I first went to rehearse in Bristol he and his family put me up. He was such a terrific guy.

“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.

“He never seemed to age. We were both novices in professional theatre, but Chris became a polymath. RIP.”

Actor John Cleese and Chris Serle look at a red ruffed lemur at Bristol Zoo on July 22 2008.
Actor John Cleese and Chris Serle look at a red ruffed lemur at Bristol Zoo on July 22 2008. Credit: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

The Slapstick Festival, a silent film and visual comedy event Serle was a large supporter of, also shared a tribute.

“It is with deep sadness that we heard of the passing of Chris Serle, the beloved BBC television and radio presenter,” the statement to X read.

“For 20 years Chris was tireless supporter of 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 previous marriage.

Originally published on 7NEWS

Latest Edition

The Nightly cover for 10-10-2024

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 10 October 202410 October 2024

The bizarre world of the Australian woman sent to jail for crimes that are eerily similar to the Netflix series.