Leslie Crowther
Game-show host and actor Leslie Crowther’s natural, relaxed style with audiences made him a household favourite during a long television career
In the 1960’s Leslie made his mark as a presenter on BBC programmes such as “The Billy Cotton Band Show” and “The Black and White Minstrel Show” He is perhaps best remembered from this period as presenter of the long running and hugely popular children’s variety show “Crackerjack”.
His switch to ITV in the 1970s saw him in a string of successful variety shows and sitcoms, among them “Crowther’s in Town” and “The Leslie Crowther Show”.
Leslie’s natural empathy with audiences made him the perfect compère for “The Price is Right” in the 1980’s, whose appeal was based largely on the unpredictable reactions of unsuspecting members of the audience as he urged them to “come on down!”
He went on to present the celebrity-impersonation show “Stars in Their Eyes” while continuing to work in pantomime and supporting charities, including a period as president of the Lord’s Taverners.
Although Nottingham-born, Leslie Crowther lived at Temple Court in Corston near Bath for many years prior to his death in 1996.
In the photograph from 1989 (courtesy of the South Gloucestershire Gazette) Leslie can be seen with children of the Downend NSPCC Young League.