London, 22 November 2010
The Special Award is to be 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.
“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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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Cant, who will collect the Award from former Blue Peter presenter and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Matt Baker, 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.”
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For further information, please contact:
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Print and Broadcast:
Mia A. Farrell / Laura Hopps
Tel: 020 3301 4735 / 020 3301 4732
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
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Online:
Claire Lewis
Tel: 020 3301 4732
Email: [email protected]
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About BAFTA
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is an independent charity that supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. In addition to its Awards ceremonies, BAFTA has a year-round Learning & Events programme that offers unique access to some of the world’s most inspiring talent through workshops, masterclasses, lectures and mentoring schemes, connecting with audiences of all ages and backgrounds across the UK, Los Angeles and New York. BAFTA relies on income from membership subscriptions, individual donations, trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships to support its ongoing outreach work. For further information, visit www.bafta.org.
Brian Cant Special Award Ea British Academy Childrens Awards 2010 (108.5 KB)