Acting
Frank Bough
Born 1933-01-15 · Fenton, Staffordshire, England, UK
Frank Bough became known as one of the BBC's most accomplished presenters, equally able to cover sport, entertainment and politics. He was educated at Oswestry Boys' School and Merton College, Oxford. He undertook national service in the Royal Tank Regiment. He was encouraged to become a broadcaster by Gerald Sinstadt, Bough joined the BBC's regional news in Newcastle and within a couple of years had moved down to London, first making his name on national television as a BBC sports commentator. He became a stalwart presenter on BBC television from the 1960s until the 1980s, hosting many of the corporation's most popular shows, including Grandstand (1958), Nationwide (1969) and Breakfast Time (1983). In 1988 he was exposed by a UK tabloid newspaper as a cocaine user who enjoyed cross-dressing, sadomasochism and brothels. He expressed regrets about his lifestyle in subsequent interviews and his wife Nesta remained supportive, but these revelations caused considerable embarrassment and ended his long career at the BBC.
Acting credits
NRKatherine Ryan presents a celebration of one of the biggest comedy talents to ever appear on the small screens – the razor-sharp-tongued first lady of laughter, Joan Rivers.
Joan Rivers at the BBC
2024
7.0A tribute to Kenny Everett broadcast after his death from AIDS in 1995. Comprising of many of his classic sketches from his 1980s BBC TV series, this tribute also features recollections from those who knew him.
In the Best Possible Taste: A Tribute to Kenny Everett
1995
7.5In a moving portrait of resilience, Alex Holmes chronicles the unprecedented journey of 24-year-old Tracy Edwards and the first all-female sailing crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World Race.
Maiden
2019
NRFrank Bough was one of the most famous men on British TV until a series of scandalous tabloid exposés ended his career We explore the motivation that led to his fall from grace, his attempt to rebuild a career and his his ultimate ignominious end.
Frank Bough: National Treasure, National Disgrace
2023
NRThe story of how the introduction of breakfast television to the UK in 1983 led to a fierce battle for viewers between the BBC and ITV.
The Battle for Britain's Breakfast
2014
NRA retrospective of Colin Baker's turbulent three-years as the Sixth Doctor in Doctor Who (1963), covering his casting, the 1985 hiatus, and his sacking on the orders of BBC One controller Michael Grade.
Trials and Tribulations
2008