BAFTA/ Richard Kendal Legendary British children’s TV presenter Brian Cant received the Special Award at the 2010 EA British Academy Children’s Awards, which took place on Sunday 28 November at the London Hilton on Park Lane.
Watch Brian Cant speaking about his Award on BBC Breakfast News
The Special Award was presented to Brian Cant at the EA British Academy Children’s Awards for his outstanding contribution to children’s television. Brian Cant began his career in the theatre but it is for his work in children’s television that he is best remembered. During a career that has spanned many decades, Cant has worked on many BBC programmes including the iconic Play School, which he presented for 21 years from May 1964.
Cant also provided the voices for many beloved characters from hit shows including Trumpton, Chigley and Camberwick Green, and has worked alongside many television greats including Tony Robinson, Richard Briers and Patricia Hodge.
One of the main rules of those Play School days, was that we should play to the camera as though we were talking to one child, in whatever circumstance.
“One of the main rules of those Play School days,” Cant notes, “was that we should play to the camera as though we were talking to one child, in whatever circumstance. It could be somebody in a tower block, a nice semi-detached somewhere, or a Royal palace. You had to phrase everything so, whoever was watching it, they felt you were talking to them.”
BAFTA Chief Executive Amanda Berry OBE said: “It gives the Academy great pleasure to honour the work of one of the best loved presenters in children’s television. Brian Cant’s work has touched generations of young people, their parents and grandparents, and his influence on the producers and presenters of the 21st century is arguably second to none. This BAFTA Special Award is in recognition of his unique contribution to this incredibly important genre.”
Playing a hugely significant part in so many children’s lives over the decades, Cant holds a very special place in the heart of the nation.
...this year will be very special for me, my wife and family. I'm looking forward to the presentation and to thanking BAFTA.
Cant commented: "I am delighted, thrilled and above all honoured to be receiving the Special Award at this year's Children's BAFTAs. I've been to awards many times before but never as a recipient. So this year will be very special for me, my wife and family. I'm looking forward to the presentation and to thanking BAFTA."
