Television and radio presenter whose cheerful demeanour and professionalism were an ideal match for That’s Life!

The presenter Chris Serle, who has died aged 81, was a warm, wry and reassuring presence on a number of popular television and radio programmes, mostly for the BBC, in which he informed and entertained viewers with a relaxed affability.

Serle came to national prominence in 1979, when he and Paul Heiney joined the consumer magazine series That’s Life! as foils for Esther Rantzen, who had fronted the programme since its inception in 1973. Serle’s combination of languid cheerfulness and straightforward professionalism made him ideal for the Sunday night show, which pulled in millions of viewers.