BELOVED TV presenter and actor Geoffrey Hayes has died aged 76.
Hayes is best known as the presenter on the iconic children's programme Rainbow alongside the colourful characters of Zippy, Bungle and George.
A mainstay of afternoon kids' TV schedules, Rainbow aired from September 1972 through to March 1997, racking up more than 1,000 episodes in the process.
Hayes presented the show from 1974 to 1993, replacing original host David Cook on the series. In that time, he endeared himself to children and parents alike with his breezy presenting style and enjoyable interactions with his puppet/costumed co-presenters.
More than just a presenter, Hayes also had a recurring role on the hit BBC series Z-Cars.
His passing was announced by his manager Phil Dale in a statement that reads:
"It is with great sadness that the family announce that Geoffrey passed away in hospital with his wife, Sarah, and son, Tom, by his side.
"Geoffrey Hayes (born 13 March 1942) was an English television presenter and actor, best known as the host of Thames Television's top-rated children's show Rainbow, and for his portrayal of Detective Constable Scatliff in the successful TV Series Z Cars for the BBC.
"The family would like to express their thanks to the many fans over the years as it always gave Geoffrey so much pleasure to know that he and his Rainbow team had given so much fun to TV and theatre audiences over the years.
"There will be no further comment at the moment and it would be appreciated if the privacy of Geoffrey's family is respected at this most difficult time."
Hayes leaves behind a wonderful legacy of work that entertained children the world over.
R.I.P. Geoffrey Hayes.
