BBC Documentaries

The Quite Remarkable David Coleman (2011x281)

Air date: May 03, 2011

David Coleman OBE was the face of BBC Sport for well over a quarter of a century. As he celebrates his 85th birthday this special documentary looks back at how he has left an indelible imprint on sports broadcasting from World Cup football to no less than 11 Olympic Games, with the Munich tragedy in 1972 undoubtedly his most challenging commentary. Coleman was a presenter, a commentator, an interviewer and quiz master. A pioneer in broadcasting who shaped it for generations to come, he was also affectionately known for his on-air gaffes. He was the king of live television, and not just sport, as he once even interviewed the Beatles. Yet sport was his true passion and he presented all the biggest shows and events like the Grand National, Sports Personality of the Year, Match of the Day, Sportsnight and Grandstand. He also hosted Question of Sport for 18 years and was famously joined by HRH Princess Anne for an episode watched by 18 million viewers in 1987.