Geoffrey Hayes who hosted children’s programme Rainbow dies aged 76

Geoffrey Hayes, who hosted long-running children’s programme Rainbow, has died aged 76.

The actor, who shot to fame presenting the show from 1973 to 1992, died in hospital with his wife and son by his side. 

The news was confirmed by his manager today and social media is awash with an outpouring of grief from fans paying tribute to the ‘childhood legend’.

Speaking shortly after his 76th birthday earlier this year, the actor revealed he was still ‘humbled’ to be recognised by Rainbow fans, adding: ‘We loved doing it; I certainly did. Twenty years of happiness, it really was.’ 

Geoffrey Hayes, pictured here with Zippy from Rainbow, has passed away at the age of 76

The actor, who shot to fame presenting the show from 1973 to 1992, died in hospital

The actor, who shot to fame presenting the show from 1973 to 1992, died in hospital

Geoffrey Hayes with Rainbow characters, Bungle, George and Zippy. He appeared alongside the cuddly puppets in more than 1,000 episodes of Rainbow from 1974 until 1992

Geoffrey Hayes with Rainbow characters, Bungle, George and Zippy. He appeared alongside the cuddly puppets in more than 1,000 episodes of Rainbow from 1974 until 1992

Hayes appeared alongside cuddly puppets Zippy, George and Bungle in more than 1,000 episodes of Rainbow from 1974 until 1992, having taken over from original host David Cook.

He played the long-suffering adult character, guardian and upholder of the peace in the hallucinogenic Rainbow house on the show, which aired several nights a week to children across the UK.

Hayes also had a recurring role in drama series Z Cars in the early 1970s 

Hayes also had a recurring role in drama series Z Cars in the early 1970s 

In 2002, Hayes, who struggled to find work after Rainbow was cancelled, said the secret to the programme’s enduring popularity was that it was full of ‘magic, innocence and imagination’.

He said: ‘Practically all the time people come up to me and it really breaks me up because they thank me for being part of their childhood. 

‘It makes me want to cry sometimes.’

He told the Express in 2015 he got the role simply by ‘being in the right place at the right time.’

He added: ‘It sounded interesting, so I knocked on his door and got an audition. I was a jobbing actor with no experience of kids’ TV but, thankfully, I got the job.’

The star also revealed he ‘loved working on Rainbow and couldn’t wait to get into the studio.’

He told the Express: ‘Other actors thought me mad because I never minded coming in on days off to rehearse. Classed as a pre-school programme, it meant my wages were at the lower end of the pay scale. 

‘I never earned vast amounts, but at least it was a regular income for 20 years, even if it didn’t make me a millionaire.’

After the show ended Hayes went on to work as a taxi driver and worked two nights a week shelf-stacking in his local Sainsbury’s.

Hayes also had a recurring role in drama series Z Cars in the early 1970s, and appeared on programmes including Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Pointless Celebrities alongside former Tiswas presenter Sally James in 2015. 

In 2015 Geoffrey appeared on Celebrity Pointless alongside former Tiswas presenter Sally James

In 2015 Geoffrey appeared on Celebrity Pointless alongside former Tiswas presenter Sally James

Hayes said the secret to the programme's enduring popularity was that it was full of 'magic, innocence and imagination'

Hayes said the secret to the programme’s enduring popularity was that it was full of ‘magic, innocence and imagination’

Speaking after his 76th birthday earlier this year, the actor told What's On Tv magazine that he was still recognised for Rainbow

Speaking after his 76th birthday earlier this year, the actor told What’s On Tv magazine that he was still recognised for Rainbow

Confirming the news, Hayes’ manager Phil Dale said in a statement: ‘It is with great sadness that the family announce that Geoffrey passed away in hospital with his wife, Sarah, and son, Tom, by his side.

‘Geoffrey Hayes (born 13 March 1942) was an English television presenter and actor, best known as the host of Thames Television’s top-rated children’s show Rainbow, and for his portrayal of Detective Constable Scatliff in the successful TV Series Z Cars for the BBC.

‘The family would like to express their thanks to the many fans over the years as it always gave Geoffrey so much pleasure to know that he and his Rainbow team had given so much fun to TV and theatre audiences over the years.

‘There will be no further comment at the moment and it would be appreciated if the privacy of Geoffrey’s family is respected at this most difficult time.’

Hayes with Zippy, George and Bungle, at Christie's in South Kensington, to promote the TV Generation Auction

Hayes with Zippy, George and Bungle, at Christie’s in South Kensington, to promote the TV Generation Auction

After the long-running series ended, Hayes enjoyed a stint in the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk alongside EastEnders star Shane Richie.

He also worked a taxi driver and in 2005 featured in Peter Kay’s Comic Relief version of Is This the Way to Amarillo.

Speaking after his 76th birthday earlier this year, the actor told What’s On Tv magazine that he was still recognised for Rainbow. 

He said ‘It’s so humbling, even now, all these years later somebody occasionally stops me in the street or the supermarket and talks about Rainbow. We loved doing it; I certainly did. Twenty years of happiness, it really was.’ 

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