Explained: Mister Maker isn’t actually dead and he’s just been wrapped up in a death hoax

CW: Suicide and substance abuse

People on TikTok are losing their minds over the fact Mister Maker’s death didn’t actually happen and he’s alive. The question of “is Mister Maker dead?” has been floating around on TikTok a lot recently. He posted a video which sparked uproar in his comment section and ever since then people on TikTok have been celebrating Mister Maker’s death being a hoax.

For those of you who don’t know who Mister Maker is, he’s a childhood hero who raised an entire generation of kids with his art show. The show which was named after Mister Maker himself, has been running since 2007 and airs on the BBC. It was a show that came up with fun stay-at-home arts and crafts activities for kids.

But you’re all probably thinking the same thing: how the hell does someone wind up in a death hoax?? And HOW has it been a rumour since 2008??? Here’s an explainer on Mister Maker’s death hoax.

How did Mister Maker’s death hoax start?

The initial confusion came from fans mixing up Phil Gallagher (Mister Maker) with another presenter called Mark Speight who hosted SMart.

Mark Speight on SMart with co-host Kristen O’Brien

Mark was another BBC children’s TV presenter who was sadly found dead at Paddington station in London back in 2008. His death came after he was arrested on suspicion of murdering his fiancée, Natasha Collins.

Natasha was found dead in a bath with cocaine, sleeping pills and vodka in her system.

Because Mark and Mister Maker were in the same field of children’s TV presenting, people got them mixed up. From this, Mister Maker’s death hoax has been speculated since 2008.

People on TikTok have clocked Mister Maker is alive and well

Mister Maker posted this video onto TikTok answering his most asked question: “Am I the real Mister Maker?”. His viral TikTok video has accumulated over three million views and almost one million likes.

Watch on TikTok

He confirmed he is, in fact, the real Mister Maker and people in the comment section are freaking out. One person commented: “Why did I think you passed on?” and another person said “Wait, isn’t he dead…?”.

In the TikTok video, he confirmed he has actually still filming Mister Maker today. In the video Paul says: “Yes, I’ve been Mister Maker since 2007. The only difference now is that I’m a little bit older and slightly greyer. But one thing that hasn’t changed is my love for my show and appreciation for all your support.”

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