Glen Michael: Beloved STV children’s entertainer Glen Michael of Cartoon Cavalcade fame dies aged 99

Michael’s family said that he died peacefully on Wednesday evening in his home in South Ayrshire, following a short illness.

The TV presenter is best remembered for Cartoon Cavalcade. The beloved children's show, which was first broadcast in 1966, made him a household name with Scottish audiences.

The show continued for 26 years, with a generation of Scottish kids growing up watching cartoons and Michael’s interactions with Paladin the talking lamp, Totty the Robot and dogs Rudi and Rusti. The series was filmed at STV studios in Cowcaddens.

Michael had previously spoken about the belief he had messed up his audition for the programme due to nerves, but was backed in by programme chiefs who hired him on an initial five-week contract.

Guests on the cavalcade show included Slick the pop group, with Midge Ure at the start of his career.

Michael was born Cecil Buckland in Devon in 1926. He took inspiration for his stage name from his love for the band leader, Glen Miller.

One of his childhood acquaintances would grow up to be Queen Elizabeth II’s horse racing manager, Lord Porchester, whom he knew as “Porchey”. He had an itinerant childhood and spent a period in a workhouse.

Seeking fame and fortune, Michael travelled to London and put on an act impersonating famous people such as Sir Winston Churchill.

His career began on stage, performing for British troops alongside his wife, Beryl, during the war – before he joined the RAF himself. He moved to Scotland and found success in Glasgow in stage shows with comedians Rikki Fulton and Jack Milroy. He was one of the original presenters of Radio Clyde when the station launched in 1974.

After Cartoon Cavalcade, Michael continued working, taking a touring version of the show around local primary schools. Mark Millar, the Coatbridge writer of the comic book Kick-Ass, helped Michael to get a cameo role in the film version. The role did not make the director’s cut, but Michael attended the film premiere.

Bobby Hain, managing director of audience at STV, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Glen Michael has passed away. Glen was a wonderful performer and personality, and we know that many viewers will have very fond memories of him.

“He was an STV legend, with Glen Michael’s Cavalcade a particular favourite for children across Scotland during its 26-year run.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this time and we send them our deepest condolences.”

During his later years, Michael supported the veterans’ charities Erskine and Age UK.

In April, Michael told the Scottish Sun he was looking to getting his telegram from King Charles III.

He said: “I’ll be trying my best to make it to 100 now, I tell you that. I may as well because I’ve already come this far.”

Michael is survived by his family, including wife, Karyn Buckland, and two great granddaughters.