Robert Randell

Published Tuesday 30 September 2008 at 10:40 by Patrick Newley

TV writer and producer Robert Randell worked on a variety of light entertainment programmes, notably Beadle’s About, The Basil Brush Show, and The Generation Game. He was also involved in several science programmes including Horizon.

Born on February 4, 1945, he studied at the Institute of Psychiatry in London where he completed degree studies in physiology and pharmacology. Later he was a student at the London Film School where one of his guest teachers was the Ealing comedy director Charles Crichton.

He broke into television as a researcher on Horizon, the BBC’s award-winning popular science programme and then moved to The Burke Special, hosted by scientist James Burke.

He moved into light entertainment working as a researcher on The Generation Game (1971), then hosted by Bruce Forsyth, and the flagship programme of the BBC’s Saturday night schedule. He later worked as a researcher and ideas man on Game for a Laugh for London Weekend Television.

He had a long association with Jeremy Beadle working for him as both a writer and producer, notably on eight series of Beadle’s About.   

He wrote several books including Great Fighting Admirals. He died from cancer on July 13, 2008. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.