Hughie Green

British TV/radio presenter, who was born to a Scottish father and English-born Irish mother. Green began his career in the 1930s as a film actor, however, this was interrupted by World War II in which he served in the Royal Canadian Air Force, as a pilot. After his demobbing, he moved his family from Canada to Britain where he restarted his career in the entertainment industry. He hosted several British television shows, including one that he had devised himself, Opportunity Knocks. This was the first ever talent show that relied on the audience voting on the outcome of the contest. It was through this programme that he gained notoriety for his Canadian accent, and his catchphrase 'I mean that most sincerely'. He continued to appear on television into the 1970s, but was less in the public eye thereafter. During his career, he also appeared many times on the radio. He was father of Paula Yates, father-in-law of Bob Geldof, grandfather of Peaches Geldof and Pixie Geldof, though he never met any of them as his paternity wasn't confirmed until 7 months after his death, and while he was alive he kept it a secret. Born: 2nd February 1920, in Marylebone, London, England. Died: 3rd May 1997, in Chelsea, London, England. [cancer, aged 77].