Frank Bough, Former Grandstand And Breakfast Time Presenter Has Died, Aged 87

The veteran presenter was a household name throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Former Grandstand presenter Frank Bough has died at the age of 87.

The death of the BBC star at a care home last Wednesday was announced by a family friend.

Frank Bough
Frank Bough
PA Images Archive via Getty Images

The veteran broadcaster was a household name in the 1960s through to the 1980s when he presented the weekly sports show Grandstand on BBC One.

He also hosted Nationwide and launched the BBC’s daily morning show Breakfast Time in 1983. A keen sporting broadcaster, he anchored six World Cups, six Olympics and at least a dozen Five Nations championships for the BBC.

Frank Bough presenting BBC ‘Breakfast Time’ with Selina Scott and Nick Ross in 1983pic.twitter.com/CybtBvqEq6

— Francis Keogh (@HonestFrank) October 25, 2020

He quit Breakfast Time in 1987 after becoming fed up with the early starts and became the face of the Holiday programme.

JANUARY 17TH : On this day in 1983 early morning breakfast television began with BBC's 'Breakfast Time'. BBC-TV launched their first Breakfast Time programme at 6:30 and at the closing stages gathered in the studio for a champagne and cake celebration. Left to right: Back row: Weatherman Francis Wilson, Nick Ross and David Icke. Front row: Jane Pauley, an American who runs her own breakfast show, Debbie Rix, Frank Bough kissing Selina Scott and astrologer Russell Grant. (Photo by PA Images via Getty Images)
JANUARY 17TH : On this day in 1983 early morning breakfast television began with BBC's 'Breakfast Time'. BBC-TV launched their first Breakfast Time programme at 6:30 and at the closing stages gathered in the studio for a champagne and cake celebration. Left to right: Back row: Weatherman Francis Wilson, Nick Ross and David Icke. Front row: Jane Pauley, an American who runs her own breakfast show, Debbie Rix, Frank Bough kissing Selina Scott and astrologer Russell Grant. (Photo by PA Images via Getty Images)
PA Images via Getty Images

The presenter - who had a wholesome family-man image - was sacked by the BBC in 1988 after tabloid revelations about him attending sex and drugs parties.

He eventually returned to broadcasting, including fronting ITV’s Rugby World Cup coverage, but this came to an end after a further scandal.

He later spoke of his regret over his actions, saying his behaviour had been “exceedingly stupid”.

The presenter said of the scandal: “It was a brief but appalling period in my life. Don’t condemn my entire career for a brief episode I regret.”

Following the news of his death, tributes have been pouring in on Twitter...

Sorry to hear that Frank Bough has passed away. Grew up watching him present Grandstand on Saturdays. He was a brilliant presenter who made it all look so easy. RIP Frank.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 26, 2020

RIP Frank Bough, 87.
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. pic.twitter.com/nX646ByqOp

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 25, 2020

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 🙏 pic.twitter.com/j8hZeFv6VY

— Russell Grant (@THERussellGrant) October 25, 2020

RIP Frank Bough. I regarded him as the ultimate broadcaster who combined news and sport brilliantly. Whatever the scandals that broke around him, he was an inspiration to me when I started in tv more than 40 years ago.

— Nick Owen (@nickowentv) October 25, 2020

I met Frank Bough when I was a young reporter. He was kind, helpful and generous with his time. His brilliant career was blighted by scandal but I hope people will remember how fine a broadcaster he was. One of the very best in the business.

— Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) October 25, 2020

I did two years on a show with Frank Bough. Have nothing but good things to say about him. As one of the leading sports broadcasters in the country, he entertained my views on football admirably. We did this sort of hokum.https://t.co/eZzSTpwKYB

— Danny Baker (@prodnose) October 25, 2020

Former ‘Grandstand’ & ‘Nationwide’ presenter Frank Bough has died.
He was 87.
In 1983 Frank was the first host of ‘Breakfast Time’ the original version of @BBCBreakfast https://t.co/2xaQLwwuYm pic.twitter.com/3SiXJD1xdz

— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) October 25, 2020

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.”

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