Gyles Brandreth

British politician, writer, businessman and TV host, born in Germany where his dad was stationed in the Armed Forces. Brandreth was discovered by a TV producer in September 1969 when he was featured on "A Child of the Sixties" as the Students' Union president at Oxford. He proved an instant success as a competent interviewer leading to a position as a TV presenter. At the time, he was interested in a career in politics but was side-tracked by his success as a popular celebrity on TV. He made good use of his intelligence on such shows as "Countdown." As he greeted the nation each morning on "TV-am," he charmed the audience with fancy, sometimes bizarre sweaters sent in by viewers. In his role as a businessman, Brandreth's company produced over a hundred games and books, ranging from a biography of John Gielgud to a Knock-Knock Joke book. Fulfilling his political interests, Brandreth was elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament, May 1992 and reelected May 1997. Brandreth led a double-life for many years as a flamboyant court-jester and as a serious intellectual. He holds the world records for the longest on-screen kiss and the longest after-dinner speech of 12 1/2 hours. Link to Wikipedia biography