Geoffrey Hayes (13 March 1942 – 30 September 2018) was an English television presenter and actor. He is most widely recognised as the host of the long-running children's television programme Rainbow, which he presented for nearly two decades. Known for a steady, unflustered on-screen manner, Hayes became closely associated with generations of British children who watched the show through the 1970s and 1980s.
Early life and career
Hayes trained and worked as an actor before moving into television presenting. He began his professional life in repertory theatre and small-screen drama, building experience as a performer in stage and television productions. That background in acting contributed to his ease in front of young audiences and his ability to interact naturally with puppet characters and children alike.
Rainbow and its format
From 1973 until 1992 Hayes was the human host of Rainbow, produced for the ITV network. The format combined songs, stories, simple educational segments and the interactions between Hayes and a trio of puppet companions. The principal puppet characters included:
- Zippy — a loud, extrovert figure
- George — a timid and gentle character
- Bungle — a large, bear-like costume character
Hayes's role was to guide the programme, introduce ideas, and gently manage the puppets' antics. His calm, patient presence became a defining element of the programme's tone and appeal.
Later work and public recognition
After Rainbow Hayes continued to work in television and theatre in a variety of roles and made occasional media appearances. Although he largely stepped back from high-profile presenting, his name remained linked to the show and to childhood memories for many viewers. In later years he gave interviews reflecting on the series and its place in British children's broadcasting.
Death and legacy
Geoffrey Hayes died on 30 September 2018 from pneumonia at the age of 76. His death prompted numerous tributes from former colleagues and from members of the public who remembered him as a reassuring television figure during their childhood. The programme he fronted is often cited in discussions of classic British children's television and continues to be referenced in retrospectives and cultural histories. Contemporary accounts of his passing can be found in news reports and obituaries, for example news coverage.