Johnny Ball

Veteran TV presenter Johnny Ball was making science cool, back when Brian Cox was more interested in bursting spots than bursting stars. Known for popularising maths and science through his extensive back catalogue of TV shows, children’s books and lectures, now he’s hoping the numbers will add up for him on this year’s Strictly scoreboard.

Johnny Ball became a well-known face presenting Play Schoolfrom 1964-1988. However it was his ground breaking science and math programmes that won him legions of fans. Think of a Number which ran from 1977–1984 saw Johnny use props and comedy to get across key ideas in mathematics and science, capturing the imagination of his young audience and viewers at home.

Johnny has also written a number of children’s books on fun ways to learn which sell in over 30 countries, as well as producing five hugely successful educational stage musicals which have toured the UK.

He is now a prominent guest speaker and tours schools all around the country, continuing his promotion of education. He has three children of his own, one of whom is, of course, It Takes Two presenter and former Strictly contestant Zoë Ball.