Frank Bough: Former Grandstand presenter dies aged 87
Written by News on 26/10/2020
Former Grandstand presenter Frank Bough has died aged 87.
A family friend told the BBC the ex-television host died in a care home on Wednesday.
The corporation has paid tribute to him.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Frank excelled as a live presenter with the BBC for many years and we are very sorry to hear of his passing.
“We send our condolences to his family and friends.”
The presenter was one of the best known television personalities of the 1970s and ’80s and was part of the launch of the BBC’s Breakfast TV show in 1983.
He was hired by Sky in 1989 to present the Frank Bough Interview for two series.
Bough, who was born in Stoke-on-Trent on 15 January 1933, also worked for ITV and London Weekend Television during his career.
He was a keen sporting broadcaster and anchored six World Cups, six Olympics and at least a dozen Five Nations championships for the BBC.
However, his career with the corporation ended in 1988 when he was sacked over a scandal involving sex workers and drugs, reported by the News Of The World.
The scandal came as a shock to the public due to the presenter’s wholesome family-man image.
Bough later spoke of his regret over the incident in an interview with Sky News in 1992 and said his behaviour had been “exceedingly stupid”.
He also apologised for the pain it had caused his wife and family.
Bough underwent a successful liver transplant in 2001 after developing cancer.
Tributes to the presenter have been posted online by journalists, politicians and broadcasters.
Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan said: “RIP Frank Bough, Star of Grandstand, Nationwide and Breakfast Time.
“His career was ruined by scandal, but he was one of the great live TV presenters. Sad news.”
Former astrologer Russell Grant, who helped launch BBC Breakfast Time with Bough in 1983, said: “I am deeply saddened at the loss of an old television friend.
“Frank Bough was a great man to work with. We launched #BBCBreakfastTime in January 1983. Always there for advice and support.
“‘They said we wouldn’t get on but we absolutely did – chalk n cheese! See you, Frank.”
Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling said Bough was “one of the very best in the business” and had always been “helpful and generous with his time”.
Andrea Jenkins MP, said her father “spoke highly” of him when reminiscing about time served together in the Tank Regiment doing conscription.
(c) Sky News 2020: Frank Bough: Former Grandstand presenter dies aged 87
