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Veteran broadcaster dies aged 94

Max Robertson in 1948
Robertson joined the BBC in 1946 after serving in WWII

The former BBC broadcaster Max Robertson, 94, has died in his home island of Guernsey.

He presented the television antiques programme Going for a Song for 13 years, but he will be best remembered for his Wimbledon tennis commentaries.

He was born in Dacca, Bengal but moved to England when he was five years old, joining the BBC in 1946 after serving in the Army during WWII.

He retired in 1986 and moved to the Channel Islands shortly after.

He was well-known for his commentary on the titanic 1980 men's singles final between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe.

Host of Panorama

Tennis was his first love, he was a regular at Wimbledon, but covered many sports including being the first reporter at the 1948 Winter Olympics in Switzerland.

In 1953 Robertson became the host of Panorama, before moving to present the antiques programme Going for a Song with Arthur Negus.

He was also a commentator at major news events like the funeral of King George VI in 1952 and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II a year later.

He was an author and poet, producing several books including the definitive guide to Wimbledon 1877-1977 and The Ballad of Worple Road, a book of poetry with a forward by Peter Ustinov.

He was previously married to the children's author and creator of the Wombles, Elizabeth Beresford.



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