A Brief Encounter with Margaret Barton
Brief Encounter is one of the world's most iconic films. The love story written by Noel Coward was turned into a movie by David Lean in 1945. Here the only surviving member of the original cast Margaret Barton now 93, talks to MIM's Ashley Byrne about her role in the classic movie.
Remembering The Krypton Factor with Gordon Burns
In 1977, Granada Television launched a rather challenging game show for the ITV Network. The Krypton Factor was presented by Gordon Burns and lasted nearly 20 years. At one point it was labelled 'TV's toughest'. Here MIM's Ashley Byrne catches up with Gordon in an encounter explaining the thinking behind this rather complex show which mesmerised millions across all ages.
Going for Gold memories with quiz show king Henry Kelly
We go all quiz show retro as we remember one of the delights of UK daytime TV from the 80s and 90s. Going for Gold - complete with its iconic theme tune, intriguing rounds and rich mix of contestants from all over Europe - made it a huge hit with people of all ages. Here MIM's Ashley Byrne catches up with the man who was there from the beginning, the one and only Going for Gold host Henry Kelly.
How The Muppet Show was Born in Britain
The Muppet Show burst onto British TV screens in 1976. The mastermind of US puppeteer, animator & actor Jim Henson, it was actually made a reality with the support of UK media mogul Lew Grade and ATV based in Birmingham & Elstree. It was an instant hit and Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest of the anarchic characters would go on to be shown in 100 different countries. Here MIM’s Ashley Byrne assembles Gonzo (David Goelz) with Louise Gold (Annie Sue Pig) and Muppet writer Joe Bailey…
EastEnders at 35: Could Kelvin Return?
To mark EastEnders' 35th birthday, we go soap retro as we remember the very early years. Paul J Medford who played Kelvin Carpenter was one of the few black actors on TV at the time and here he talks candidly about what it was like to be a teenager working on such a hugely successful TV show. Kelvin was never killed off, so could he return to Albert Square one day? He speaks to MIM's Ashley Byrne and former EastEnders star Rani Singh.
EastEnders at 35: At Home with June Brown
To mark EastEnders big birthday year, former Albert Square star Rani Singh joins MIM's Ashley Byrne for a trip to meet June Brown who has been playing Dot in the serial for almost 35 years. June and Rani recall the early years and June talks candidly about working with acting stalwarts like Anna Wing and Gretchen Franklin. She talks about how playing Dot changed her life, how she changed Dot and her EastEnders' future.
Return to Hickory House with Alan Rothwell and Amanda Barrie
In a response to America's Sesame Street in the early 1970s, the UK's ITV network launched a series of lunchtime kids shows aimed at young children. Granada Television's contribution was Hickory House. It was a rather homely and magical little house with two memorable characters - Humphrey Cushion and Dusty Mop. Here MIM's Ashley Byrne tracks down presenters Alan Rothwell (famous as David Barlow in Corrie) and former Carry On and Corrie star Amanda Barrie to talk about their memories of Hickory House.
The Great Pipkins Reunion
In a response to Sesame Street in the early 1970s, the UK's ITV network launched a series of lunchtime kids shows aimed at young children. From the Midlands came ATV's Pipkins which was filmed at Elstree next to The Muppets studio. Pipkins was full of puppet characters including a pig, a monkey and a tortoise. But the one every kid remembers is Hartley Hare who became the big star of the show. Writer Gail Renard, presenter Jonathan Kydd and puppeteer Nigel Plaskitt join MIM's Ashley Byrne for a trip down memory lane. Will Hartley put in an appearance?
Rainbow Days: Reuniting Rod, Jane and Freddy
In a response to America's Sesame Street in the early 1970s, the UK's ITV network launched a series of lunchtime kids shows aimed at young children. By far the most popular was Thames Television's Rainbow. One of the most popular elements was a song and dance trio called Rod, Jane and Freddy and here MIM's Ashley Byrne catches up with them almost five decades on from the launch of one of the most popular kids shows ever.
50 Years of Sesame Street Reunion
Legendary TV announcer Duncan Newmarch introduces a special Sesame Street reunion to mark 50 years of the hit US kids series. MIM's Iain Mackness meets writer Joe Bailey and Emilio Delgado who played Luis, the Fix It Shop owner in the show for more than four decades.