Carry On star and Play School presenter Julie Stevens dies aged 87
Julie Stevens, known for her role as a presenter on Play School and her appearances in the Carry On films, has passed away at the age of 87, as confirmed by her daughter.
The children's TV host, who received a Parkinson's disease diagnosis in 2019, passed away on December 5, as stated by her daughter, Rachel New, in a statement on Monday.
Ms. New, a radio host and podcast presenter, expressed, "Julie Stevens will always be remembered for her vibrant personality, her talent for making each child feel acknowledged, and the enduring impact she had on children's television."
She is survived by two children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Born on December 20, 1936, in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, Stevens secured a contract with the now-defunct ABC Television Limited after triumphing in a talent competition at the age of 20.
In 1962, she became part of the ensemble for the spy series The Avengers, portraying Venus Smith, a nightclub singer who assisted Patrick Macnee's character, John Steed, during his adventures. Later, she was cast as Gloria in the 1960s comedy film Carry On Cleo.
In 1964, her daughter mentioned that she was very pregnant with her first child, Daniel, when she tried out for the children's show Play School.
The well-known program first aired when BBC Two was launched in April 1964 and continued until March 1988.
It influenced the upbringing of countless children and propelled several of its hosts to stardom, such as Rick Jones, Brian Cant, Johnny Ball, Toni Arthur, and Floella Benjamin, who is a presenter, actress, and author, and currently serves as a Liberal Democrat peer.
Stevens gained recognition for her roles in the comedy programs "Girls About Town" and the children's show "Cabbages And Kings." She also featured in "Play Away," a series aimed at older kids, and made appearances on "Holby City."
She also worked as a personal assistant before becoming the manager of Sir Harry Secombe, the comedian from The Goon Show and actor from Oliver!.
Stevens, who split her time between Provence in France and London, was once married to broadcaster John White, but they divorced in 1974. She later tied the knot with actor and theater director Michael Hucks in 1980, and their marriage lasted until 2001.
In 2016, she returned to the UK to be close to her daughter. Her daughter mentioned that the past few years had been tough, but she tackled everything with a positive attitude and her usual charm.
Tune in to top shows from BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds, and connect with BBC Manchester on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you have story suggestions, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or send a message via WhatsApp to 0808 100 2230.
