So when you were a kid, what kids’ TV shows did you watch? What was your favourite?
It would have been Playschool with Floella and Derek Griffiths. I remember Brian Cant but the person who stood out for me was Derek Griffiths. When I actually got offered the job at CBeebies Derek Griffiths was performing in panto here at the Theatre Royal so I dropped a note in at the stage door to say “I’ve just been offered this job on children’s television for the BBC, you are the man for me, this is how I remember you being the inspiration and everything you did I believed and certainly you’re the benchmark. Have you got half an hour to spare? I’ll buy you a cup of coffee or whatever. Give me a call.” And he phoned, he phoned me later on that day and said, “Yes. Why don’t you come back stage and meet me in my dressing room and we’ll have a chat.” I was like, “Cool.” So I went back stage and literally I just spent half an hour on the floor laughing, holding my sides, just laughing. All the anecdotes he gave me and he gave some great advice.
When you look back at the shows that you used to watch versus the shows that are on TV now, do you feel “It’s not as good as it used to be”, despite the fact you’re in television?
No, I do think they’re better, I have to say. I think they’re better, definitely. Hospital in getting vital equipment. God forbid, there should be time when my son has to become a visitor there. What I’m glad to say is that they do a really good job at that hospital and it is getting there, the charity has done a brilliant job to help that hospital to establish itself so anything I can do to help would be good.
Well, I can certainly count my wife as one. You and Mr Bloom, you’re in there.
Actually, they did this thing in the Sun newspaper a couple of years ago, CBBC male totty and I was in there. So, I do get recognised a lot, it’s really nice normally.
You are not struck with that same nostalgia streak that I get?
No, I’m not actually. I don’t know what it was with me and children’s television. I mean, I loved it; I grew up watching it but, actually, I remember my brother was much more into it. He’d know everything about it whereas if you played one of the pop songs of the time then I just knew the words.
What does your son think of you working on the telly?
He grew up in the era of the CBeebies first time viewer so he has grown up with Sid on telly. All of his peers at school did the same thing, so for his mates and his age group I’m cool.
Have you ever been starstruck?
I’ve met two people… the two people I probably had the most respect for, definitely icons, Daley Thompson and John Barnes. I grew up watching Daley Thompson in the decathlon. He was mentally strong, he was black, he was the Muhammad Ali of athletics in that way he’d psyche out his opponents. I decided to run the marathon for Barnados and Daley Thompson was the person who did the training. I introduced myself saying “Hello, Daley, I’m Sid.” He said, “You don’t have to tell me who you are. You’re a hero in our house. We love you.” I was like, “Oh, no. This is too much.” Now Daley Thompson is telling me that I’m the greatest person…
Do you often get people recognising you on the street?
Yes, yes, loads. but more by the parents actually.
I was going to ask about the mums? You must have a mum following.
Yes, I guess so.
it’s a really exciting time for me, to have my wings spread and just to jump
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