Michael Sundin

Michael Sundin was an English actor, puppeteer, dancer, and champion trampolinist from Low Fell, Gateshead. He gained prominence as a presenter on the children's program "Blue Peter" from 1984 to 1985, a role that ended in controversial circumstances.

Early Career and Acrobatics

Sundin initially excelled as a trampolinist, reportedly winning five British and one world title. He transitioned to show business, making his stage debut in the 1980 Christmas pantomime "Jack and the Beanstalk". His blend of acting and acrobatic skill led him to a significant role in the musical "Cats" (1981) from 1982 to 1983, where he portrayed the athletic kitten, Bill Bailey. The musical was based on T. S. Eliot's poetry collection "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" (1939).

"Return to Oz" and "Blue Peter"

In 1984, Sundin was hired as the in-suit performer for the dark fantasy film "Return to Oz" (1985), a loose adaptation of L. Frank Baum's novels "The Marvelous Land of Oz" and "Ozma of Oz". He embodied the main character, the sentient robot Tik-Tok, operating the body while Tim Rose handled the head and Sean Barrett provided the voice.