A look at where former TOTP TV presenter Tony Dortie is now
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.
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
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!’”
Tony joined the show in 1991 and presented alongside Mark Franklin.
Before the pair joined the hit series, Top of the Pops was always fronted by Radio 1 hosts, so this marked a change to the BBC series.
He said: “I think the BBC just wanted something new at the time – an injection of something more relevant to the audience.
“You could not get a more different person, with a more different character, from a more different background, to anyone at Radio 1 than myself.”
Tony’s first episode as host of TOTP was broadcast on October 3, 1991.
He was an instant hit, but has since admitted he was a little “underprepared” for the show.
Nobody has any God-given right to do any job but when you come off from such a high-profile role, on top of my shock at being let go, there was no after-care.
Tony on being axed from TOTP
“I had no idea of any of the politics, none of it – I hadn’t done a pilot, rehearsals or anything.” Tony recalled.
“It was a brilliant experience working with some of the biggest bands and artists in the world.”
Being sacked from TOTP
Tony fronted Top of the Pops for three years, introducing chart-topping music stars before being axed in 1994.
To this day, he still doesn’t know the reason for his sacking.
Speaking to the Independent, he revealed: “There was no letter or anything. It was a really weird scenario.
“Nobody has any God-given right to do any job but when you come off from such a high-profile role, on top of my shock at being let go, there was no after-care.”
Change of career
Nowadays, Tony has a completely different career after launching his very own entertainment production company.
Called Triple T Entertainment, the presenter created ITV2 show Million Dollar Babes.
During his time so far at the company Tony has worked with huge names and brands.
He’s managed marketing strategies for Lindsay Lohan, Girls Aloud and even soft drink Pepsi.
Tony, who is happily married with a son and now leaving in Los Angeles, also runs his own coffee business called Hollywood Roastz.
The luxury brand aims to take its customers to their “most cherished destinations” with their coffee.