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Private Notes
Michael Aspel tells the story of the Olympic rower Matthew Pinsent.
Todd CARTY
Mark Fowler 16 November 2000
Michael interrupted a night shoot in Albert Square to surprise Todd - a regular with the soap since 1990.
Known previously to millions of viewers as Tucker Jenkins in the BBC children's television series Grange Hill, Todd was reunited with his colleagues from that programme. Also appearing, on film, were comedians Harry Hill and Norman Wisdom.
Michael interrupted the recording of a rainy scene outside Emmerdale's Post Office in the village of Beckindale to surprise Paula, well known for playing the village busy body - a role she has played since 1994.
Among the guests paying tribute to Paula are comedian Ken Dodd and actress Brigit Forsyth.
John Humphrys, broadcaster, was surprised by Michael Aspel on the set of the BBC's political television programme On The Record at the BBC Television Centre.
John, who was born in Cardiff, began his career as a junior reporter with the Merthyr Express and the Western Mail. He joined the BBC in 1966 as the district reporter for Liverpool and the Northwest, before becoming the BBC's youngest foreign correspondent.
As a reporter for more than 40 years he covered the Aberfan disaster, President Nixon's resignation, Mandela's rise to power in South Africa and front line action in various war zones around the globe. In 1981 he became the main presenter of the BBC's flagship Nine O'Clock News before joining the agenda setting Radio 4's Today programme in 1987.
Geoff - who played lovable Coronation Street binman Eddie Yates from 1974 to 1983 - was surprised by Michael while filming on the set of the ITV drama series, Heartbeat.
Geoff's guests included colleagues from many of his post Coronation Street achievements, but his time on the soap was recalled in a filmed tribute from Julie Goodyear.
Midge Ure, musician, was surprised by Michael Aspel - with the help of singer-songwriter Bob Geldof - at BBC Broadcasting House, during an interview with disc jockey Johnnie Walker on his radio show.
Midge, who was born in Glasgow and trained as an engineering apprentice, enjoyed particular success in the 1970s and 1980s as a pioneer of the New Romantics with bands including Slik, Thin Lizzy, Rich Kids and Visage, and as the frontman of Ultravox, whose hits included Vienna and Dancing with Tears in My Eyes.
In 1984 he co-wrote and produced the charity single Do They Know It's Christmas? in response to the famine in Ethiopia. The single, written with Bob Geldof, sold 3.7 million copies in the UK - the biggest selling single ever at that time - and led to Live Aid, the 1985 concert which featured the world's greatest music acts and raised millions for charity.
