Jackanory first broadcast

"I'll tell you a story about Jackanory". The first episode of the children's storytelling programme went out on 13 December 1965, with Cap of Rushes, told by Lee Montague. It was illustrated with dance sequences from Marion Diamond. Over the week Montague told different traditional tales, sometimes aided by illustrations or costumes, as on the day he dressed as Lord Mayor to tell the story of Dick Whittington. But for most of the time Montague was sitting on a bench, talking directly to the viewer.

Actors loved Jackanory because of the connection with the audience, and it attracted big names including Kenneth Williams, Geraldine McEwan, Alan Bennett, Michael Hordern, Rik Mayall and Tony Robinson. Bernard Cribbins presented 111 episodes, more than anyone else. Authors also appeared. Some were well known, like Prince Charles, who read the Old Man of Lochnagar in 1984. Others became well known by the spirited reading of their own books, like John Grant with his stories of Littlenose the caveboy.

Jackanory succeeded in persuading many reluctant readers to pick up a book. The success of spin-off Jackanory Playhouse encouraged the BBC to develop more children's dramas, such as Jonny Briggs. Jackanory ended in 1996, but returned in 2007 as Jackanory Junior.