Who Is Mark Speight? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Mark Speight was born on August 6, 1965, in the vibrant city of Birmingham, England. His passion for entertainment and presenting shone through in various children's television programs during his career. Best known for his role on the BBC children's show "SMart," Speight was a charming presence who captivated audiences with his engaging personality and creative spirit. Tragically, Mark's life came to an untimely end in 2008, but his impact on the entertainment industry continues to be felt.
As of 2025, Speight would have been 60 years old. His contributions to children's television have left a lasting legacy, inspiring new generations of presenters and entertainers.
| Occupation | Artist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 6, 1965 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Seisdon, Staffordshire, England |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 7 April, 2008 |
| Died Place | Paddington, London, England |
Popularity
Mark Speight's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements for Mark Speight's height and weight are not publicly documented in detail, he was known for his average build. Reports indicate that he stood approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall (178 cm) and maintained a relatively healthy weight during his on-screen career. His charismatic presence and animated style often overshadowed bodily attributes, as he captivated audiences with his cheerful demeanor.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mark Speight had a complicated personal life. He was engaged to his partner, the actress and television presenter, and his love life garnered media attention, particularly during his time in the spotlight. Tragically, following Speight's untimely passing in 2008, his relationships and personal history took a somber turn. As of 2025, there have been no reports or confirmations regarding subsequent partners or relationships, as Speight's legacy remains rooted in his accomplishments and the memories of those who loved him.
He grew up in the village of Tettenhall, Wolverhampton and had two siblings, Tina-Louise Richmond (née Speight), and Jason Speight. His father, Oliver Warwick Speight, is a property developer, and his mother, Jacqueline Fordham Speight (née Parker), was an art teacher. Jacqueline died on 5 September 2008, aged 62.
Speight attended the private school Tettenhall College for a year, before moving to state comprehensive Regis School, now known as King's C.E. School, also in Tettenhall, at the age of 12. Speight stated in an interview he was a slow learner at school, with a short attention span, and art was a way for him to communicate.
He said he did "very badly" because he was a victim of bullying, and the "daily ordeal for two years" forced him to become the "class joker". Speight left aged 16 and went on to attend Bilston Art School, where he took a degree in commercial and graphic art.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2008, Mark Speight's estimated net worth was around £1 million. This wealth was primarily derived from his successful career in television, including his tenure with the BBC. Given the lack of current financial updates, any estimation of his net worth in 2025 remains speculative, but his influence in the industry continues to be acknowledged, and his contributions are remembered fondly.
Career, Business, and Investments
Mark Speight's career took off in the early 1990s, with notable appearances on children's programs such as "SMart," "What's Your Story?" and various other BBC productions. His infectious enthusiasm and creativity appealed particularly to young audiences, establishing him as a household name in British television.
In addition to his roles on-screen, Speight also engaged in various charitable projects and initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community. Tragically, due to his early departure from the public eye, any subsequent business ventures or investments that may have emerged posthumously still remain undiscussed.
Speight intended to become a cartoonist, but he eventually became a TV presenter following a job painting the set of a television production. He auditioned for SMart and, following a successful interview where he met future co-presenter Jay Burridge, he went on to present SMart from its first edition in 1994.
Speight became close friends with Burridge, whose art studio in West London was used to create all of the art content for SMart; Burridge noted: "We would bounce ideas and jokes off each other all day until we had developed an almost telepathically linked knowledge of what made each other laugh." Speight and Burridge were joined by third presenter
Zoe Ball, who was replaced first by Josie d'Arby, and then Kirsten O'Brien and Lizi Botham.
With Burridge, O'Brien and Botham, Speight presented the spin-off shows SMart on the Road, SMarteenies, and various live events. He starred in the BAFTA-nominated ITV Saturday morning show Scratchy & Co. from 1995 until 1998.
Social Network
While Mark Speight was active on social media during his lifetime, the landscape has changed significantly since his passing. His legacy is often discussed in memory posts and fan sites rather than on contemporary social networks. However, many dedicated fans and friends continue to share stories and tributes that honor his vibrant spirit and contributions to television.
On 13 April 2008, Speight's body was discovered hanging from the roof of MacMillan House, adjacent to London's Paddington Station, hidden from public view. The discovery was made by railway workers at 10:00 am, and British Transport Police confirmed that the body was Speight's on 14 April.
An inquest into his death opened on 16 April, and a post-mortem confirmed the cause of death as hanging. It was then adjourned until 20 May. The police said Speight may have used a sixth-floor fire exit to get to the area where he was found.
Education
Mark Speight pursued his education at the Birmingham School of Speech and Drama, where he cultivated his theatrical skills and developed an early love for performance. His formal training laid the groundwork for a remarkable career in television, exemplifying the importance of education in nurturing talent and artistic expression.
In conclusion, Mark Speight remains a cherished figure in British entertainment, with a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. His vivacious spirit, passion for creativity, and dedication to children's programming are fondly remembered as hallmarks of his life and career.
Mark Warwick Fordham Speight (6 August 1965 – 7 April 2008) was an English television presenter and host of children's art programme SMart. He took a degree in commercial and graphic art and, while working in television set construction, heard of auditions for a new children's art programme.
Speight was successful in his audition and became one of the first presenters of SMart, working on it for 14 years.
