BIOGRAPHY
Pete joined Radio Luxembourg around 1949, staying until 1956, and continued contributing for many years. He became a familiar voice on the BBC Light Programme, notably with Pete Murray’s Party (1958–61), and co-hosted the BBC’s early pop show Six-Five Special (1957–58). He was a panellist on Juke Box Jury (1959–67), appeared on Thank Your Lucky Stars (1961–66), hosted Come Dancing, and was among the first Top of the Pops presenters in 1964.
He co-hosted the NME Poll Winners’ Concert, stood in on Pick of the Pops, and hosted the UK Eurovision heats in 1959. He provided British Eurovision commentary (1959–61, 1968, 1972–73 radio; 1975, 1977 TV). Pete was also a BBC Radio 1 original in 1967, later anchoring Open House on Radio 2 for over a decade. He joined LBC in 1984 and won a Variety Club award.
A trained actor and RADA Gold Medallist, Pete starred in stage musicals, sitcoms (Happily Ever After, Mum’s Boys), and films including Hungry Hill, No Highway in the Sky, and Cool It Carol!. He appeared in many pantomimes and panel shows.
Pete was awarded the O.B.E. and joined the Water Rats in 1969.
His 100th birthday will be celebrated on September 17, 2025.
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Biography taken from "Rats in the Spotlight" - Written by Brother Tommy J
