WHEN Top of the Pops was rebooted in the early 90s, Tony Dortie was drafted in to help get the show back to its best. At that time, the presenter was practically unknown and quickly became famous overnight - but after being axed he has switched careers. 4 Tony Dortie fronted Top of the Pops in the early 90s alongside Mark Franklin 4 After being dropped from the show, he switched careers (Tony seen here in 2024) Credit: Instagram Born in London in July 1963, Tony Dortie is a former Top of the Pops star who grew up in Lewes, Sussex.
He began his on-screen broadcast career as a contributor to Music Box while still in school. Tony later worked for Children's BBC UP2U, alongside Anthea Turner . However, it wasn't until the 90s that he got his big break more on top of the pops troubling times Ex Top of the Pops presenter breaks down in tears amid breast cancer fears TAPE A CHANCE 'Lost' Top Of The Pops ABBA footage to be shown on BBC for 1st time in 50yrs Top of the Pops fame At just 28-year-old, Tony shot to overnight fame when he was handed the hosting job on Top of the Pops .
He was brought in when the BBC wanted to revamp the show. Speaking to the Independent about getting his "dream job", he said: "I kept thinking, ‘This is not real! This is like the best party I’ve ever been to. “‘And I’m getting paid for it!’" Most read in News TV COLD CASE 'It's always stayed with me,' Scots Crimewatch host reveals case that haunts her HOME COMFORT Rosie Smith praised for 'keepi.