Mick Robertson is a well-known name in British children’s television history, best remembered as one of the most popular presenters of ITV’s famous children’s programme Magpie. During the 1970s, he became a familiar face to young viewers across the UK, helping Magpie become one of ITV’s strongest rivals to BBC’s Blue Peter. His energetic presenting style, memorable on-screen presence, and later work behind the scenes made him one of the most respected figures in children’s broadcasting.
Many people still search for topics like what happened to Mick Robertson from Magpie, Mick Robertson Brian May, Mick Robertson Magpie, and Mick Robertson TV presenter because of his long influence on British television. While many remember him as a presenter, his later success as a producer and Children’s BAFTA winner made his career even more significant.
Born on 14 February 1946 in Petworth, Sussex, England, Mick Robertson—whose full name is Michael Robertson—built a career that lasted decades in both presenting and television production.
Quick Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Robertson |
| Known As | Mick Robertson |
| Birth Date | 14 February 1946 |
| Birthplace | Petworth, Sussex, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | TV Presenter, Producer |
| Famous For | ITV’s Magpie |
| Years on Magpie | 1972–1980 |
| Other Shows | Freetime, Roustabout |
| Major Award | Special Children’s BAFTA (2007) |
Early Life and Career Beginning
Before becoming a television presenter, Mick Robertson originally trained as a teacher and worked in a London play scheme. His early interest in education and working with young people would later shape much of his television career.
He later joined Thames Television as a researcher, where he learned the production side of broadcasting. This behind-the-scenes experience gave him a strong understanding of television before he stepped in front of the camera.
His transition from researcher to presenter proved to be the turning point that would define his career.
Mick Robertson and Magpie
The phrase “Mick Robertson Magpie” remains the strongest search term connected to his name because Magpie made him famous.
He joined Magpie in 1972, replacing Tony Bastable, and stayed with the programme until it ended in 1980. Magpie was a live children’s magazine show produced by Thames Television for ITV. It was created as ITV’s answer to Blue Peter, but with a more modern and youth-focused style.
Unlike Blue Peter, Magpie focused more on pop culture, music, fashion, and youth interests. It was considered more energetic and “hip,” which made it especially popular with teenagers and young viewers during the 1970s.
Mick often presented alongside Jenny Hanley and Douglas Rae, creating one of the most memorable presenter lineups in the show’s history. Many fans still remember this era as the golden period of Magpie.
His lively personality and distinctive appearance helped him become one of the most recognizable presenters of the decade.
What Happened to Mick Robertson from Magpie?
Many people ask what happened to Mick Robertson after Magpie ended.
The answer is that he did not leave television—he simply moved into new roles. After Magpie, he presented an after-school programme called Freetime, which focused on activities and interests for young people.
When Freetime ended in 1985, he helped establish The Children’s Channel, where he presented a programme called Roustabout. This showed that his connection to children’s television remained strong even after his Magpie fame.
Later, he moved more fully into television production, where he arguably became even more successful than he had been as a presenter.
He produced respected children’s programmes including:
- Wise Up
- Blunt
- Geography Junction
- MySay
His work focused heavily on factual entertainment for children, helping younger audiences learn through engaging television.
Mick Robertson as a TV Producer
While many people know him as a presenter, Mick Robertson’s biggest long-term impact may have come through his work as a producer.
Since the 1980s, he produced numerous educational and factual entertainment programmes for children. His goal was always to create content that informed as well as entertained.
He became especially respected in the industry for protecting the value of intelligent children’s television rather than simply chasing entertainment trends.
His work earned him several Children’s BAFTAs, and in 2007 he received the prestigious Special Award Children’s BAFTA for his outstanding contribution to children’s television. BAFTA officially listed him as the Special Award winner that year.
During his acceptance speech, he emphasized how proud he was that his entire television career had been spent making programmes for children.
This award confirmed his importance not just as a presenter, but as one of the key creative figures in British children’s broadcasting.
Mick Robertson and Brian May
Many people search for “Mick Robertson Brian May,” but there is no major confirmed long-term professional partnership between Mick Robertson and Brian May.
This search likely comes from the fact that Magpie often covered music, pop culture, and celebrity interviews during the 1970s—the same era when Queen and Brian May were becoming major stars.
Because Magpie had strong links to pop music coverage, viewers may remember crossover appearances or media connections from that time.
However, most reliable biographies focus on Mick Robertson’s television career rather than any specific long-term collaboration with Brian May.
Life After Television
Recent local reports describe Mick Robertson as retired but still interested in television and media. He has remained connected to broadcasting through occasional appearances and internet radio contributions.
He is also known for his love of Dorset history, county cricket, and Portsmouth Football Club. Reports suggest he has contributed to internet radio and remained active in local cultural interests.
Even in retirement, he is often affectionately remembered as “Magpie Mick,” showing how strongly audiences still connect him to the show that made him famous.
Why Mick Robertson Is Still Remembered
Mick Robertson remains important because he helped define an era of British children’s television.
During the 1970s, Magpie was not just a TV programme—it was part of growing up for many children across Britain. His work helped shape how children’s factual entertainment was presented on screen.
Unlike presenters who moved into celebrity television, Mick remained committed to programming for younger audiences. That dedication gave him lasting respect within the industry.
His BAFTA recognition, successful production career, and continuing public affection prove that his influence reached far beyond his years on screen.
For many viewers, he remains one of the true icons of British children’s television.
At Technologies Era, stories like Mick Robertson’s remind us that some television legends are remembered not because they chased fame, but because they spent their careers creating meaningful content for generations of young viewers.
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