General Discussion

Joey Deacon

Can anyone else remember this legend ? Sadly when you were a primary school kid like me at the time, his name was used mainly as an insult to other kids in the playground. But what is the actual real story being Joey Deacon ? Also did Blue Peter forget how cruel small kids can be ?

I think I heard he was mentioned on the "Law of the Playground" show. Which episode was it if so ?

Blue Peter

In 1981, the year of his death, Joey Deacon was featured on the children's magazine show, Blue Peter, for the International Year of the Disabled. He was presented as an example of a man who achieved a lot in spite of his disabilities. However, despite the positive light in which the programme was trying to present his story, the impact was not as intended. The sights and sounds of Joey's distinctive speech and movements had a lasting impact on young viewers, who quickly learnt to imitate them. Joey's name and mannerisms quickly became a label of ridicule in school playgrounds across the country. Even today, if a person trips over or happens to otherwise compromise themselves, they may still be mocked as a "Joey". Nonetheless, many who were children at that time now look back on him rather fondly. [6]

Joey's name was also the inspiration for the playground rhymes "Joe A, Joe B, Joe C, Joe D, Joey" and "Acon, Beacon, Ceacon, Deacon!" where the speaker alternately points his finger at himself and a fellow pupil in order to imply that the other person has some (vaguely-defined) handicap in common with Joey Deacon. That variants of these rhymes/games exist is significant because it means they have sufficient maturity and prevalence to diverge.

Joey Deacon
From ARRSEpedia

80's hero, love god and legend.

Made 5:10 - 5:35 on a Monday and Thursday teatime far more enjoyable.... you could also stomach watching John "Dullard" Cravens Newsround knowing there was the King of the cripples to mock shortly after.

Recall trying to keep a straight face in front of your mum and dad as he slapped the back of his hand and slavvered for the cameras. Taught Blue Peter the lesson that it's rose-tinted and PC version of the world was well wide of the mark.

looks like he's out with his collecting bucket

he may have drowned :( or more than likely drowning in drink

i remember this. remember jimmy hill?

Oh yeah Jimmy Hill and all that chin stroking if you told fibs very funny

joey deacon was kerazzzzy

Why has someone on this site named themselves after Joey Deacon, the spastic (terminology of the day) from Blue Peter? Are they still taking the mickey after all these years? He became a bit if a celeb in his time.

Kids can be cruel?Have you heard the dripping poison from the mouths of some of the local adults here?Blimey,some of the local tongues are more lethal than the f*cking jellyfish invasion!

weak