Donald Macdonald dies as tributes paid to popular kids TV presenter
Veteran TV presenter Donald Macdonald has died aged 86.
Famed for hosting children's show Play School, the "showbiz great" lost his short battle with cancer on Monday.
As reported by the Mirror, his career spanned more than 40 years and saw him star in a number of stage shows - including John McKellar's A Cup of Tea, a Bex and a Good Lie Down - as well as TV dramas he also wrote.
He is best remembered, however, for entertaining families on iconic BBC show Play School, which Donald presented from 1966 to 1969 alongside other famous faces, such as Trisha Goddard.
Journalist Craig Bennett shared on his social media yesterday: "One of our showbiz greats left us at 12:45am today.
"Donald Macdonald was a stalwart of stage and screen, who'd written smash-hit plays like Caravan, dazzled on London's West End, and delighted millions over the decades with his starring turns on TV series like Play School where he was a presenter from 1966 to 1969."
Bennett, who is based in Australia where Donald was born, added: "He guested on shows from Certain Women, The Box, Cop Shop and Skyways, to the raunchy Alvin Purple, and in movies like Superman Returns. Donald was a dapper delight and always great company."
Donald enjoyed early success as a stage actor in Australia before moving to the UK in the mid-1960s to broaden his career. He was able to write more theatre work, including Caravan, a comedic play about three couples on a hapless holiday together. He continued to act, and film credits included Superman Returns and Kenny.
However, a short journey with cancer put pay to acting and presenting in recent years, and Donald died in Australia on Monday. The performer spent time with his cousins Paula Duncan and Amelia Barrett during his last days.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Mr Bennett's social media post continued: "On Saturday we turned his hospital room into a party, laughs and smiles a-plenty, as Donald enjoyed some bubbly and lemon meringue pie. Blue was always his colour, even in a hospital gown! He gave his permission to post his last photo, saying 'what the heck!' Vale to a true gentleman."
Facebook users responded to the journalist's post, sharing their sadness at the showbiz star's passing. One fellow actor wrote: "Honoured to have appeared in two of his plays. The consummate gentleman. And, no one played a High Court Judge like Donald. RIP."
Another shared: "We were VERY LUCKY to meet Donald through you both, get to know him, and be entertained by his lovely demeanor, sharp wit and of course his writing skills. What a lovely, gentle man."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
11 minutes ago
- Metro
Bend It Like Beckham director confirms sequel and teases original cast's return
An exciting movie sequel is afoot, it has been confirmed. Released in 2002, Bend It Like Beckham starred Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra and is credited with inspiring a generation of girls to take up football. Its plot follows Jesminder Bhamra (Nagra), who dreams of a career in professional footie. However, her Sikh parents want her to study for a law degree and get married. She meets Jules Paxton (Knightley), a white female striker who invites Jess to join the local women's team. The sports comedy-drama—named after Sir David's iconic curling free kick technique—has certainly stood the test of time and retained its fanbase in the years since, having even been adapted into a stage musical in 2015. And now, its director, Gurinder Chadha, has announced that a second instalment is in the works. The timing of the announcement couldn't be more fitting, since the Lionesses are due to take on Spain in the Euro 2025 final on Sunday. Chadha also hopes to schedule the sequel's release for 2027, not only to coincide with the original movie's 20th anniversary but with the Fifa Women's World Cup in Brazil too. And while nothing is set in stone and meetings are yet to be had, the filmmaker is hopeful that the original cast will reprise their roles. 'We've been part of changing the game for women, so it felt like this was a good time for me to go back and investigate the characters,' she told BBC. The London-based director added to Deadline: 'I'm excited to revisit the original characters and revive the enduring story and build on the legacy we helped to create for the women's game.' She confirmed that Nagra, Knightley, Archie Punjabi, Juliet Stevenson, and other cast members 'are aware that a sequel is being developed, but they obviously want to see a script before they commit'. 'I'm pretty certain that everyone's going to want to come back,' she said with optimism. 'Everything hinges on the script, and if the original cast likes it. 'I am working really hard to make sure every character I bring back has a decent arc and scenes.' As for why it's taken over two decades for the ball to start rolling for a sequel (pun fully intended), Chadha 'didn't want' to touch the idea because she 'didn't have a story'. Teasing what fans can expect from the currently nameless sequel, she continued: 'And then I came up with a great story, really super-cool story. So now I'm inspired. Literally came up with it just about a month ago.' She's keen to get the cast back 'very, very soon', declaring proudly: 'Women's football is more competitive, more exciting, and more global than ever. It is an honour for me to be a small part of it.' A Bend It Like Beckham sequel would undoubtedly be huge for cinema, what with the original grossing $76.7million (£57m) against its $5.6m (£4.2m) budget. The film has also become adored by many communities of cinema fans over time, thanks to its exploration of women in sport and the expectations of South Asian women in society. What's more, while not explicitly queer, its storylines deeply resonated with LGBTQ+ viewers, leading to the film being adopted as a lesbian cult classic. Its upcoming sequel even has the backing of Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who will attend the Euros final with Chadha this weekend. 'Bend It Like Beckham captured something so special about Britain, our spirit, our diversity, and our ability to dream big in the face of challenge,' she said. 'Gurinder Chadha gave us a story that resonated far beyond the screen and became part of our cultural DNA.' Nandy added: 'The announcement of a follow-up is a brilliant moment for British film. It builds on a legacy that continues to inspire and shows the world what British storytelling can do. Productions like this help tell our national story, remind us who we are, and who we can be.' Chadha is hoping her husband, Paul Mayeda Berges, will also be back on board to help pen the screenplay, as he did the first, to reignite the magic. More Trending 'I'm hoping to write it with Paul, who has come up with some very funny lines like he did last time.' One thing's for sure, and it's that, in the era of Freakier Friday and Happy Gilmore 2, the news is being eaten up by nostalgia hungry social media users, with plenty branding the announcement exactly 'what we need'. 'one of the greatest movies ever. bring back the original cast', wrote @rasalistair on X. 'MY CHILDHOOD! LETS GO!', added @AnthonyDaytv. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 00s pop star reveals pain of fame forcing him 'back into the closet' MORE: Netflix viewers rush to watch 'absorbing' reboot of beloved Scottish crime drama MORE: 00s pop icon reveals how crystal meth addiction 'almost killed' him
Scottish Sun
11 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Gladiators Butlin's future decided following licensing rights row
In March, photos of the Gladiators were taken off the Butlin's website Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GLADIATORS will not return to holiday camp Butlin's next year following a licensing rights row. Stars from the hit BBC game show were forced to compete in black tracksuits rather than their usual on-screen costumes when they headlined in March. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Gladiators will not return to holiday camp Butlin's next year following a licensing rights row Credit: BBC 3 Gladiators from left: Comet, Fury, Apollo, Dynamite, Legend, Diamond, Athena, Giant, Apollo, Sabre, Phantom, Viper, Nitro, Bionic, Electro, Fire Credit: BBC Stages for the Meet the Stars of Gladiators experience were also free of the usual logos and branding at the resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness. A source said: 'Gladiators won't be coming back for 2026 and will be replaced by another headliner. 'The licensing row was a headache — and bosses have decided that it is best to make room for a new act next summer. 'Fans were excited to see the Gladiators but many were left disappointed to find out they were in black tracksuits for some of the performances.' Hungry Bear Media, owned by telly host Holly Willoughby's husband Dan Baldwin, makes Gladiators for the BBC, and is said to have agreed the deal with Butlin's. However it only holds TV rights in the UK while US entertainment giant MGM owns the original format and branding worldwide. In March, photos of the Gladiators were taken off the Butlin's website. But the stars, who are due to appear at the resorts over the summer holidays and in October, have since reappeared in full costume, including Dynamite. A Butlin's spokesman said: 'Meet the Stars of Gladiators are performing as scheduled, and we have not dropped them. 'Our contract was a one-year deal and we're looking forward to having them at all three resorts this summer and for October half-term. "We've got an exciting line-up of new headliners for 2026.' This holiday park is like Center Parcs, Haven and Butlin's in one
Daily Mirror
12 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood makes key change as he fears being 'cancelled'
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has revealed his big fear of being cancelled after looking back at footage of himself talking to contestants on the hit BBC series Strictly Come Dancing legend Craig Revel Horwood is known for his blunt responses to contestants as they try to back the coveted Glitter Ball. But it appears his fear of being cancelled is making him change his ways. The once spiky judge, 60, has admitted he has had to "mellow" his straight talking ways as the years go by. He revealed his worry of being cancelled led to his decision. His latest comments come months after he took aim at the BBC contest's other judges, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Motsi Mabuse and claiming he was the reason for the show's success. But now, Craig has claimed he is trying to make sure he always adds a positive onto any comment he makes towards celebrity contestants. Speaking to Mail Online, Craig confessed: "Back 21 years ago I could be more direct but now what I do is be honest and upfront with the contestants about their routine like I am with anything, I am honest, and with Strictly I am honest but then I will try tag a positive onto the end of it." "I generally do one point now where it's a negative and a point that's positive just to help them build and grow and give them more confidence. "As long as I am honest and not being harsh for effect and telling the truth about the dance then no one can really go against that." He added that he feels he would only be at risk of being cancelled if he was being untoward. He said any comments he makes aren't for personal gain and never will be. And he admitted last year that he had decided to tone down his comments. It comes after he looked back and thought "ooh, that's cutting" when he revisited past comments. The comments come as former professional dancer on the show, Orla Jordan, jibed the judge for having "lost his sparkle". However, Craig claims that isn't the case. Footage has shown how he was t the centre of an awkward row after criticising a Dancing with the Stars contestant live on air in the Aussie version of Strictly. He was met with backlash after labelling Osher Gunsberg's Tango a "right royal mess" in a recent episode. After hearing the comments, the former Bachelorette Australia host fired back: "Would you like to try going down that perspex ramp in those heels, sir? You are more than welcome to show me how to do it." And in Craig fashion, he responded: "That is not my job." Craig then continued to criticise, as he labelled the dance 'completely erratic' and accused the TV star of 'making mistakes' everywhere. Osher, who was partnered with professional dancer Sriani Argaet, wasn't impressed and replied: "But I need you to be doing it in a tango step while the person next to you is on one foot, kicking, and you're holding their momentum against you. After you." Craig quickly dismissed the suggestion as something they could do 'some other time'. And following the confrontation, the video went viral on social media. Fans were quick to call out the on-air 'melt down' as they took to social media.
