Dave Benson Phillips | |
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Born | 3 February 1965 |
Nationality | British |
Occupation | Children's television presenter |
Years active | 1981–present |
Website | http://www.davebensonphillips.co.uk |
Dave Benson Phillips (born 3 February 1965) is a British entertainer and children's television presenter, best known for his work presenting Playhouse Disney (1998-2002) and The Fun Song Factory (1994-1999). He also presented the popular CBBC game show Get Your Own Back which he now tours with around the UK.
Benson Phillips became interested in showbusiness while working as an usher at the Polka Children's Theatre in Wimbledon, London, and began his career as an entertainer by busking and performing at children's parties. He subsequently went on to work for Pontins as a Bluecoat, and a Children’s Uncle for Haven Holidays. While working at Haven, a talent scout saw him perform, and he was invited by BBC Manchester to audition for Play School. His audition was successful, but the show was pulled out of production shortly after he signed the contract; however, it was recommissioned as Playbus (later renamed to Playdays), which ran for 9 years.
In 1991, he was given his own show, Get Your Own Back, which was shown on BBC One (and later CBBC) between 1991 and 2003, and was a game show consisting of one child contestant and one of their peers (such as a relative or teacher) who, in the child's eyes, had done something unreasonable, and for which the child wanted revenge. In 1999, the show was nominated for a BAFTA.
In 1996, he was given his own show on ITV, Wake Up in the Wild Room.
Phillips operates Chester Benson Productions, a production company which provides entertainment, removals and transportation services, and offers inflatables for hire, such as bouncy castles.