BBC TV and radio presenter Chris Serle dead at 81
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”.
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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.
“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.”
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.
