Tapping Goodbye to Television Centre

Last Friday television history was made as stars from the past and present came together to say farewell to BBC Television Centre. After 53 years of live broadcasting from this distinguished building, home to classics such as Doctor Who, Fawlty Towers, Top of the Pops and of course Dancewear Central’s favourite Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC said goodbye with a farewell party kicked off by the last ever programme to be broadcasted from this famous site; the One Show.

This historic building has witnessed a lot since it opened in 1960, from the Wedding of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer, which drew 750 million viewers worldwide, to the launch of the first full colour TV service, BBC 2, in 1966. It has survived power cuts, protests and even a bomb attack by the Real IRA. One of the most memorable events however, seemed to be Roy Castle (presenter of record breakers) and 500 tap dancer’s world record breaking tap dance around the iconic doughnut in 1977. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAFhhdB1fqs Although their record no longer stands the One Show decided to pay homage to Roy and Television Centre by replicating this memorable event. The sound of thousands of tapping feet issued from the doughnut once more as Matt Baker in his dashing white suit, along with 600 tap dancers from across the country and a little help from the ‘Queen of dance’, ex-Strictly judge Arlene Phillips shuffled and ball changed. Dancing alongside the original young girl who had danced with Roy 36 years ago now somewhat taller, Matt said goodbye to Television Centre warming up the audience for a night of Madness. Matt’s performance is on IPlayer but here is a look behind the scenes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z910zhS8moU And it seems that Matt wasn’t the only one putting on his tap shoes and dancing out to 42^nd street as the BBC staff produced their own video reconstructing Roy Castle’s famous dance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUh7SyHN1f4 Although BBC Television centre is being transformed into apartments, hotels, restaurants and cafes the BBC will return in 2015, but will only occupy 20% of the revamped site. Most programmes have been relocated to sites across Britain including Broadcasting House and BBC North’s new headquarters in Salford. Have no fear Strictly’s glitterballs and sequins have been safely transferred to Elstree for Series 11. For now all that is left to say however, is goodbye.