10 Childhood Heroes That Fell Off Hard

Ten Childhood Heroes That Fell Off Hard

Welcome to WatchMojoUK, and today we’re looking at ten personalities that garnered admiration from British children, but when growing up saw these celebrities’ fame turn to infamy in a fall from grace.

#10: Paul "Des" Ballard

As “GMTV,” was partly owned by “Disney,” ITV was compelled to devote its weekend morning schedule for child audiences. “GMTV Kids’” programme block, quickly renamed “CITV,” catered to kids of all ages; with cartoons and shows, held together by “Diggit.” Essentially a rebranded “Disney Club,” “Diggit” brought Fearne Cotton over, along with fellow CITV lynchpin; Paul Ballard. Young and energetic–and for some reason calling himself “Des,” Ballard entertained young viewers until 2002’s rebrand. But then, he seemingly disappeared from public view, with Cotton–who’d left in 2000–lamenting she’d lost touch with her former colleague. 20 years after leaving CITV, Ballard was found in jail–serving 19 years for causing death by dangerous driving via substance abuse, and heinous sexual assaults.

#9: Freddie Starr

Dominating the latter half of 20th Century TV, Freddie Starr was a troubled, but irreverent one-man variety act. Popular with all ages; the comedian, singer and impressionist could deliver post-watershed risque stand-up, as easily as family-friendly light entertainment, and appear on Children’s shows. But, as audiences’ sensibilities matured, Starr’s comedy didn’t evolve with the times. A 20-year addiction to Valium decimated his heart, which combined with his outdated comedy saw Starr’s TV appearances diminish, and allegations of historical misconduct uncovered by “Operation Yewtree,” ended them completely. Although the CPS never formally charged Starr, he went all-in on a defamation countersuit, which backfired–seemingly vindicating allegations. Broke, and his once-stellar reputation now destroyed, Starr moved to Spain, and died; leaving behind many unanswered questions of his conduct.

#8: Sharron Davies

For many, Sharron Davies is the former competitive swimmer who represented Team GB in three Olympic games, and instrumental in bringing 2012’s to London. For others, she’s a frequent and experienced commentator. For 90’s kids, Davies might be more recognisable as “Amazon,” one of ITV’s “Gladiators.” But whilst various generations grew up watching her compete in the show, the pool, or hearing her punditry, recently, her increasingly contentious views of Trans athletes has alienated some former fans. In lieu of debate, Davies' more antagonistic approach against their inclusion includes obviously inflammatory tweets, calls for boycotting clothing brands that use Trans athletes as models, and accusations that her previous sport rivals cheated. She has also set sights on drag communities, controversially equating acts to “blackface.”

#7: John Barrowman

Scottish-American West End star John Barrowman seemingly exploded onto the TV scene. Somewhat of a polymath, the actor, singer, writer, comic-book author and frequent presenter was already known by UK kids as one of the first presenters of “Live & Kicking,” BBC’s version of CITV. But his turn as “Captain Jack Harkness” in the then recently-revived family-time stalwart “Doctor Who” would make him a household name, garnering presenting duties for myriad light-entertainment shows–and even a “NuWho” spin-off. Yet, Barrowman allegedly had a bit of a problem resisting the urge to frequently get his tadger out. His supposed constant indecent exposures behind the scenes, ostensibly in jest, eventually became known, and Barrowman’s TV opportunities dried up. Recently, he’s appearing more often–but he’s yet the screen presence he once had.

#6: “Sizzlin'” Steve Kish

Our previous two entries may not have seen scandal, but Stephen Kish more than makes up for it. The holder of over 50 World Records, “Sizzlin’ Steve” fronted CBBC’s “Officially Amazing.” It was a perfect fit, showcasing attempts at getting into the record books. Beyond the show, Kish’s dog grooming and boarding business, “Tails of Love,” all seemed fine, until 2018, when Police found the name was more than a bad pun. Kish possessed extremely explicit videos involving animals and humans… which is as far as we’ll go with the details, and was promptly arrested. With a suspended prison sentence, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order registration and 200 hours of community service, Kish might’ve avoided prison… but TV will never miss him.

#5: Richard Bacon

In some cases, there can be–as this entry proves–room for redemption. Towards the end of the 1990s, Richard Bacon was a rising star on CBBC. “Blue Peter” the iconic long-running children magazine show, had given the young presenter a mainstream presenting gig. But in only 18 months, it all came crashing down. The “News of the World” ran a story that Bacon had been abusing illegal substances, and tawdry rumours that he’d been taking drugs off the back of the “Blue Peter” tortoise ran rampant. Though the latter was untrue, the Beeb distanced themselves by sacking him. However, at the time, Bacon was only hurting himself–and with his lesson learned, climbed back to grace–returning to presenting shows with older audiences.

#4: David Walliams

Whilst many comedians might mature with their intended audience, David Walliams arguably went the other way. After the adult catchphrase-heavy sketch show “Little Britain,” Walliams catered to younger audiences, as a writer and actor. His books, illustrated by legendary Roald Dahl collaborator Quentin Blake were extremely popular with kids–and gave Walliams the opportunity to adapt and portray his characters on TV. Unfortunately, his public reputation has been sullied lately, with accusations of impropriety both off-stage (leading to his “BGT” sacking) and on it. For the “Hide the Sausage” routine during “Little Britain’s” live tours, he forcefully stripped teenage audience members, knowing that they were underage. Ultimately, a general perception of Walliams’ overtly sexual comical persona having seedy undertones has grown, and is catching up.

#3: Noel Edmonds

Noel Edmonds was a big draw for prime-time family-friendly viewing. His eponymous “Noel’s House Party” was reportedly the BBC’s “most important show,” drawing huge numbers, creating theme parks, and–regrettably– introducing “Mr. Blobby.” Afterwards, the BAFTA-winning presenter jumped to Channel 4 for “Deal or No Deal–” itself a cult daytime classic. Yet, perception of Edmonds has steadily dropped. Wanting to “buy the BBC,” Edmonds took particular umbrage with their Welsh language service. Worse, his increasingly bizarre pitches for £2K EMP pads, which he alleged cured his cancer, involved claiming other patients’ “negative energy” caused theirs. The public bit back over this “victim-blaming,” voting Edmonds straight out of “I’m a Celeb”, costing ITV his £600,000 fee. Despite contentious views on immigration, he migrated to New Zealand.

#2: Jimmy Savile

Jimmy Savile’s crimes, amid allegations they were covered up, sent shockwaves throughout the UK still felt today. There were those who felt something was off about the tracksuit-clad DJ, who received a plethora of light entertainment shows to front. “Top of the Pops” drew the teenage demographic, whilst “Jim’ll Fix It", ostensibly a show devoted to making dreams come true for young applicants, was family viewing. But Savile’s true heinousness beyond TV knew no bounds, and whilst there’s much speculation over how much broadcasters knew, the realisation shocked audiences young and old. In life, he escaped prosecution, but in death, whatever protection Savile had was gone; his knighthood stripped, and “Operation Yewtree” formed to ensure another Savile didn’t go unpunished, his dark legacy.

#1: Rolf Harris

The disappointment resulting from “Operation Yewtree” was arguably no more felt, than over Rolf Harris. For over 60 years the Australian made a home and a name here in the UK–initially through his art, and then through his eccentric musicality and warm presenting style. He was everyone's favourite TV mate, Uncle and Grandpa… appearing on Children’s television as himself, or with animated characters; popular viewing across all demographics of all ages. But, in 2014, “Operation Yewtree,” investigated Harris, and his true, evil nature was found. A predatory snake in the grass, who was such a good guy on the outside that it was inconceivable he was such a criminal deviant underneath; Harris, a multigenerational childhood hero, was a villain of the worst kind. Are there any Childhood villains that surprised you as heroes in adult life? Tell us about those good guys, in the comments.