ATV Icon: Mike Reid

Mike Reid was born on the 19th of January 1940 and became a huge part of the UK entertainment industry with appearances on stage and television but will no doubt be best remembered for his portrayal of Frank Butcher in the BBC serial EastEnders and as the host of the children’s ITV game show Runaround (Southern Television).

Born in Hackney, East London, Reid’s family relocated to Tottenham during World War II due to the Blitz.

Starting out: Mike in 1969 in his first comedy publicity photograph / Mike Reid

Stand-up: Mike was seen performing his comedy routines across the UK in clubs and theatres as well as on TV on shows such as The Comedians / Mike Reid

He attended Rowland Hill School and held various jobs, including lorry driver, coalman, and merchant navy steward. In his autobiography T’rific (1999), Reid candidly discussed his early life, including associations with the Kray twins and a brief stint in crime, which led to a short imprisonment after being found with safecracking equipment.

Reid began his entertainment career in the 1960s as a stand-up comedian, performing in clubs and on cruise ships. He gained national recognition in the 1970s through the comedy showcase format The Comedians, (Granada TV for ITV), where his gravelly voice and London accent made him stand out among predominantly Northern English and Irish comedians.

Mike Reid on the set of ‘Runaround’ / Southern Television

Mike hosted children’s series ‘Runaround’ with his unique style / Southern Television

In 1975, Reid became the host of the children’s game show Runaround, a role he held until 1981. That same year, he achieved a UK Top 10 hit with a novelty version of “The Ugly Duckling”. In the mid-70s he also had his own sketch and entertainment series on the BBC while in the early 80s he hosted Starbust a entertainment, music and comedy variety series (ATV for ITV) later revamped as Entertainment Express. (Central TV for ITV). On both shows as well as stand-up he also sung.

Reid’s most iconic role was that of Frank Butcher in EastEnders, which he first took on in 1987. Initially appearing as a semi-regular character, his popularity led to a full-time position in 1988.

Frank Butcher became a central figure in the show, known for his tumultuous relationships, particularly with Pat Wicks (played by Pam St Clement) and Peggy Mitchell (played by Barbara Windsor). Reid’s portrayal brought depth to the character, blending humour with emotional complexity. 

Car salesman: Frank was known for his comic put downs such as ‘What do you take me for, some sorta pilchard?!’ / BBC Elstree

True love: Frank married Pat (Pam St Clement) and they took over the iconic Queen Vic on the 23rd of June 1988 / BBC Elstree

Reid took a hiatus from the show in 1994 due to stress from a depression storyline but returned in 1995. He departed again in 2000, citing exhaustion from the demanding filming schedule. He made brief returns in 2002, 2003, and 2005.

Mike’s film career included appearances in The Dirty Dozen (1967), Oh Marbella! (2003), and Jack Says (2008). He also released several stand-up comedy recordings, such as Mike Reid Live & Uncensored (1992) and Seriously Funny (2000).

Reid married Shirley Allder in 1971, and they had two sons, Mark and Michael. Tragically, in 1990, his son Mark died by suicide, a loss that deeply affected Reid. Mike passed away from a suspected heart attack on 29 July 2007 in Marbella, Spain, at the age of 67. His funeral was attended by over 250 people, including many of his EastEnders co-stars.

In April 2008, EastEnders paid tribute to Reid by featuring his character’s funeral, incorporating archive footage and a voiceover of his famous line, “Take care of yourself, babe.”

Sitcom laughs: With Queenie Watts in ITV comedy Yus My Dear / LWT

Frankly speaking: Mike in 1991 as Frank Butcher on the Albert Square outdoor set / BBC Elstree

Forever Frank: Mike is still fondly remembered as Frank Butcher / BBC Elstree 1998