ONE of the figures that helped us to view the ‘60s as the decisive decade for the arts it became was Stockport-born Joan Bakewell.

Succeeding as a journalist and a broadcaster in BBC TV - then a wholly male dominated world - she became the roll-necked, mini-skirted darling of highbrow arts TV.

‘Thinking man’s crumpet’ was how one ‘60s commentator described her. She is now celebrating her 70th birthday with the publication of her autobiography, The Centre Of The Bed (Hodder and Stoughton, £20).

A memorable feast of anecdotes pack the book, along with revelations of a seven-year relationship with the playwright Harold Pinter - a well-placed hand grenade from a journalist who has gone on the record more than once as someone who despises the current ‘distasteful kiss-and-tell culture’.

But at least he did fictionalise the relationship in Betrayal, one of his finest plays. Bakewell’s best work was done in the groundbreaking ‘60s arts programme Late Night Line-up and The Heart Of The Matter - the series that dealt with ethical dilemmas, fronted by Bakewell over two decades.

Her ill-judged foray into 40 years of censorship for the series Taboo, when she was featured watching a couple on a porn set - the BBC of course omitted to reveal what she was watching - provides an eccentric postscript to her career.

Joan Bakewell is at the Library Theatre on Sunday, November 9. Tickets are £15. Call the Box Office on 0161 236 7110. Tweet