Michael Grade finished his TV series on old stars of variety last night. Being front of camera is a departure for the former agent and journalist who has spent most of his career swinging between executive positions in terrestrial broadcasting. He has been chairman of the BBC and ITV, Controller of BBC One and CEO of Channel 4. On May 19 he will receive an award from the Media Society. RGT
Birthdays today
Cheryl Baker, television presenter and singer, 57; Sir Nicolas Bevan, Speaker’s Secretary, 1993-2003, 69; Gyles Brandreth, MP, broadcaster, 63; Sir Anthony Caro, sculptor, 87; Phil Edmonds, cricketer, 60; Mark Goldring, chief executive, Mencap, 54; Professor Jacques Heyman, Head of Department of Engineering, Cambridge, 1983-92, 86; Dick Hyman, jazz pianist, 84; Michael Inchbald, architect, 91; Ann Jenner, choreographer, 67; Irek Mukhamedov, ballet dancer, 51; Gary Numan, pop singer, 53; Rabbi Dr Lord Sacks, Chief Rabbi, 63; Professor Norman Stone, historian, 70; Robert Tear, tenor, 72; the Ven Robin Turner, Archdeacon Emeritus, RAF, 69; David Wilkie, swimmer, 57.