Don Spencer

Donald Richard Spencer (born 22 March 1937) is an Australian singer-songwriter, musician and former children's television presenter. He also hosted his own teenage television and radio music variety programs, including Gangway! and Pop-In. He is best known, however, for his long tenure as a host on Play School on both the Australian version (1968–1992) (with guest appearances 1999, 2016, 2024) and the United Kingdom version (1972–86), one of only two presenters along with Diane Dorgan to have work on both versions. In March 1963, his first single, "Fireball"—the theme tune to UK TV science fiction series Fireball XL5—reached No.32 on the UK Singles Chart. In 2002, Spencer established the Australian Children's Music Foundation. On Australia Day (26 January) 2007, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) with the citation "for service to children's music and television as a songwriter and performer, and through the establishment of the Australian Children's Music Foundation". Spencer married Julie Horsfall, they have two children: Dean, a musician; and Danielle, an actress and singer, who was married to actor Russell Crowe between 2003 and 2018. In 2027, he will celebrate his 90th birthday and 65th year since his professional debut in the industry. In celebration of his album Feathers, Fur or Fins celebrating its 40th anniversary, it is being re-recorded in 2026 with artists performing his songs including The Wiggles, Rachael Beck, Tim Freedman, Justine Clarke, Rob Mills and his daughter Danielle Spencer and Spencer himself singing the theme song.