Johnny Johnny Haddon Downes

June 26, 1920 (age 84)

Great Easton, Leicestershire

Following the war, he took up a career in theatre as stage manager for Ivor Novello’s King"s Rhapsody, later working as a circus producer and ringmaster. In 1953, Downes joined the British Broadcasting Corporation as floor manager, was promoted to producer, and developed the live children's television show Crackerjack, which he produced and directed for 10 years. After the departure of Eamonn Andrews as Crackerjack presenter, Downes discovered Leslie Crowther and engaged him to take-over Andrews" role. He produced Crackerjack in Australia where it was shown on American Broadcasting Company, later returning to the British Broadcasting Corporation to produce the Basil Brush Show and Call My Bluff. Downes married Barbara Whiting, singer and actress, in 1951.

Johnny Johnny Haddon Downes

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producer singer

Education

Born in Great Easton, Leicestershire, Downes attended The King"s School, Grantham.

Career

Following the war, he took up a career in theatre as stage manager for Ivor Novello’s King"s Rhapsody, later working as a circus producer and ringmaster. In 1953, Downes joined the British Broadcasting Corporation as floor manager, was promoted to producer, and developed the live children's television show Crackerjack, which he produced and directed for 10 years. After the departure of Eamonn Andrews as Crackerjack presenter, Downes discovered Leslie Crowther and engaged him to take-over Andrews" role.

He produced Crackerjack in Australia where it was shown on American Broadcasting Company, later returning to the British Broadcasting Corporation to produce the Basil Brush Show and Call My Bluff.

Downes married Barbara Whiting, singer and actress, in 1951.

Achievements

After training as a surveyor, he joined the Royal Air Force on the outbreak of the Second World War, became a flight lieutenant navigator in Mosquito Night Fighters of Number 604 Squadron, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

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Johnny Johnny Haddon Downes

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Distinguished Flying Cross