13 Facts About Johnny Ball

Johnny Ball was born on Graham Thalben Ball; 23 May 1938 and is an English television personality and a populariser of mathematics.

Johnny Ball is the father of BBC Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball.

Johnny Ball left formal education with two "O" Levels, one in mathematics and one in geography.

Johnny Ball was called up for national service and spent three years in the Royal Air Force.

Johnny Ball was posted to Wales as a radar operator and was later sent to Germany to monitor the Hamburg-Berlin air corridor.

Johnny Ball began his entertainment career by working as a Butlin's Redcoat, and was an entertainer in northern clubs and cabaret.

Johnny Ball was nicknamed Johnny after John Ball, who played for Bolton Wanderers from 1950 to 1958 and the name stuck.

Johnny Ball was one of the hosts of pre-school programme Play School beginning in 1967 and continuing throughout the 1970s and beyond.

Johnny Ball's shows were known for presenting scientific and technological principles in an entertaining and accessible way for young people.

In 2003, Johnny Ball appeared on The Terry and Gaby Show in which he answered viewers' questions.

Johnny Ball has starred in ITV and Channel 4 television adverts as well as radio adverts for the Yorkshire-based firm Help-Link.

In 2012, Johnny Ball took part in the Strictly Come Dancing television show, where he was paired with Aliona Vilani.

Johnny Ball was replaced by Iveta Lukosiute who, with Ball, was eliminated in the first week.