Northern Ireland

Presenter of Romper Room, Miss Helen, dies

Presenter Helen Madden
Presenter Helen Madden Presenter Helen Madden

THE presenter known to thousands of children as 'Miss Helen' on UTV's programme Romper Room has been described as a "tremendous character" following her death on Friday

Helen Madden, who was born in Belfast in the 1940s, appeared in the show from 1969-1975.

She used to look through the ‘magic mirror’ to see who was watching at home, listing off a handful of names to children tuning in.

After Romper Room, she worked for the BBC for several years producing and presenting programmes ranging from documentaries to Woman's Hour to programmes for schools.

Helen Madden presented the UTV programme Romper Room
Helen Madden presented the UTV programme Romper Room Helen Madden presented the UTV programme Romper Room

She also appeared in Hunger, a film about republican Bobby Sands, playing his mother.

In recent years, she trained as a celebrant with the British Humanist Society and worked as an independent celebrant, performing funerals, including at Roselawn Crematorium in Belfast, as well as child naming and marriages.

She was also a talented writer, winning an award from the Arts Council NI as well as the inaugural Norman Mailer/GQ Writing Prize.

Paying tribute to her in a tweet, the Arts Council described her as "ever a gracious presence in the hearts of many. Thank you, Miss Helen".

Names from world of broadcasting also took to Twitter to offer their condolences.

BBC NI broadcaster and presenter Roisin McAuley tweeted: "Shocked and saddened by the death on Friday of Helen Madden, formerly "Miss Helen" of UTV's 'Romper Room', award-winning actress, writer, and celebrant for non-religious funerals, marriages and naming ceremonies. Rest in Peace, Helen."

UTV political editor Ken Reid tweeted: "Helen Madden, better known as Miss Helen in Romper Room in the days of Ulster Television, has passed away. She was a tremendous character and I was privileged to have known her."

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