Rainbow Presenter Geoffrey Hayes Dies Aged 76

TV presenter, Geoffrey Hayes, has died at the age of 76.

He played host to the Rainbow show crew Zippy, Bungle and George for 25 years from 1975 to the show's end in 1997.

A statement from the presenter's publicist said George died in hospital with his wife by his side.

"It is with great sadness that the family announce that Geoffrey passed away in the hospital with his wife, Sarah, and son, Tom, by his side.

"Geoffrey Hayes (born 13 March 1942) was an English television presenter and actor, best known as the host of Thames Television's top-rated children's show Rainbow, and for his portrayal of Detective Constable Scatliff in the successful TV Series Z Cars for the BBC.

"The family would like to express their thanks to the many fans over the years as it always gave Geoffrey so much pleasure to know that he and his Rainbow team had given so much fun to TV and theatre audiences over the years."