Robert Arthur Wellings (1 April 1934 – 1 March 2022) was a British television presenter best known for his work on the BBC's current affairs programme Nationwide.
During his time at Cambridge, he became involved in the university's renowned Footlights dramatic society, appearing in several amateur productions that showcased his budding talent.
[1] Wellings began his career as a hack writer of children's books and a cartoonist for Tatler and Punch magazines, using the moniker "Robert."
The writer Clive James humorously described Wellings as "square as a brick," noting that the only pop song he recognized, Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty, was one of the night's winners.
[2] From 1986 to 1989, Wellings co-presented BBC 1's daytime show Open Air alongside Eamonn Holmes and Pattie Coldwell.
In 1989, he filmed his last nationally screened series, The Solent Way, and briefly co-hosted the breakfast program on London Talkback Radio with Douglas Cameron.
[2] Wellings was passionate about cars and enjoyed exploring the outdoors, particularly in East Anglia and other parts of eastern England.