ON THE BALL

HANNAH BRITT CATCHES UP WITH CHILDREN'S TV LEGEND JOHNNY BALL

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JOHNNY BALL the jovial face of iconic 1960s and 70s kids' shows such as Play School and Play Away - is still shining after weathering the many storms of life.

In fact, he has seldom felt more enthusiastic.

Aged 87, he celebrated his golden wedding anniversary with his soulmate Dianne last year and announced his all-clear from prostate cancer.

Johnny, father of Radio 2's Zoe Ball, says: “I’m laughing more now than at any other time in my life. I even bought my wife a bunch of flowers today - the first time in 20 years.

“I've been kicked in the teeth in every possible way by life and by situations and by people. But I still cannot help but smile. I have my wife, my dog, my life. I’m very happy with my life.

“I'm happy that I’m still fit at 87. By rights, I don’t have long left, I want to spend it with a smile on my face.”

This joie de vivre may account for Johnny's opposition to assisted dying. He fears people will be coerced into suicide. Scotland’s assisted dying bill recently failed following an emotional four-hour debate.

Johnny illustrates his stance with a story about Eratosthenes, an ancient Greek who discovered the size of the Earth.