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On This Day...18th April
Channels
1966
BBC One introduces a new version of its globe-themed channel ident.
The white "watchstrap" design would last less than two months. The design was altered slightly in early June.
The white "watchstrap" design would last less than two months. The design was altered slightly in early June.
Programmes
1963
The final edition of Playbox airs on BBC TV.
With Eamonn Andrews, assisted by Tony Hart.
With Eamonn Andrews, assisted by Tony Hart.
1977
The first episode of Miss Jones and Son airs on ITV.
1981
The Children's Royal Variety Performance is televised for the first time - on ITV.
Hosted by Dickie Henderson.
Hosted by Dickie Henderson.
1982
The final episode of Whoops Apocolypse airs on ITV.
1983
The first episode of US series St Elsewhere airs on Channel 4.
1984
The first episode of Mr Palfrey of Westminster airs on ITV.
1986
The final edition of Sporting Chance airs on BBC Two.
Presented by Anneka Rice.
Presented by Anneka Rice.
1987
The final edition of Saturday Superstore airs on BBC One.
With Mike Read, Keith Chegwin, Sarah Greene and Vicky Licorish.
With Mike Read, Keith Chegwin, Sarah Greene and Vicky Licorish.
1990
The final edition of Ebony airs on BBC Two.
1993
The final episode of Maigret airs on ITV.
2009
The first edition of Tonight's the Night airs on BBC One.
With John Barrowman.
With John Barrowman.
Test Card/Teletext In-Vision Music
1980
BBC One tape Pretty Girls airs for the final time.
1980
BBC One tape Machu Picchu airs for the first time.
1983
BBC One Ceefax AM tape Somewhere Downtown (1) airs for the first time.
On This Day...18th April
Births
1908
Former composer and TV presenter, Eric Spear.
Perhaps best-known for writing the theme tune to the ITV soap, Coronation Street.
Perhaps best-known for writing the theme tune to the ITV soap, Coronation Street.
1947
Former TV announcer/news presenter, Stewart White.
1963
TV/radio presenter, Kevin Devine.
1976
Actor and TV presenter, Sean Maguire.
Deaths
1984
Former TV announcer, Michael Maine.
2010
Former actor and TV event commentator, Tom Fleming.
2021
Former TV announcer/presenter, Ann Aldred.
Research for On This Day in TV History is by Paul R. Jackson.
Details about test card/teletext in-vision music and BBC trade test films are available as a result of decades of research and logging by members of the Test Card Circle.
Details about test card/teletext in-vision music and BBC trade test films are available as a result of decades of research and logging by members of the Test Card Circle.
TV Pres has been created to promote our partnership of independent television presentation sites. These feature high-quality, curated video content that documents the history of TV ephemera such as idents, promotions, advertisements, programme graphics and set design.
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