Early work Robinson's first job in television was as a researcher on the weekly consumer affairs programme
On the Braden Beat made by
ATV in 1966. He started directing in BBC Current Affairs (1969–73) on
The Money Programme,
24 Hours and
Nationwide. This was followed by many episodes of popular TV drama including
Softly, Softly: Taskforce,
Play for Today,
Z-Cars,
Emmerdale,
Crown Court,
Coronation Street,
Angels,
Brookside, ''
Howard's Way and Bergerac. Robinson had a "reputation as an action director", and was employed to direct two Doctor Who adventures, Resurrection of the Daleks (1984) and Attack of the Cybermen (1985). He was also responsible for casting Terry Molloy as Davros, who went on to play the role twice more on television and in further audio dramas. He cast Leslie Grantham in a guest role in Doctor Who
and recommended for the role of Den Watts in EastEnders''.
Byker Grove From 1989 to 1997 produced and part-directed the BBC's teenage drama serial
Byker Grove. He cast
Anthony McPartlin and
Declan Donnelly. Robinson told them to "Stay together through any row you have, whatever it is, be together and you could be the future
Morecambe and Wise. I think they have proved that in many ways." According to the BBC,
Byker Grove tackled "many controversial issues" including a gay storyline which led
The Sun to call for Robinson to be sacked at the time.
EastEnders Having previously worked for producer
Julia Smith on
Angels, Robinson was employed to be lead director of BBC1's soap opera
EastEnders when it launched in 1985. ==Personal life==