Iconic game show to return to screens 15 years after last series sparking bidding war among channels
IT surprisingly only lasted for two series, but cult game show Hole In The Wall could be about to get a popular reboot.
The contest originally aired on BBC1, first in 2008 with Supermarket Sweep’s Dale Winton hosting, then in 2009 with Strictly star Anton Du Beke taking over.
The game saw celebrities – clad in skintight silver suits and helmets – trying to form the shape of the hole in a wall which slid horizontally towards them.
If they succeeded, they passed through, if they failed they were pushed into a pool of water.
A TV insider said: “The production company that own the rights to the show have been floating the idea of bringing it back with broadcasters.
“That includes the BBC, but just because it started out on the Beeb doesn’t mean it will end up there second time round, it could end up on ITV or even a streamer.
“It could even lead to a bidding war between some big companies, many of whom will now be headed up by execs who used to watch the show when they were growing up.”
Hole in the Wall was the opposite of many modern day celebrity shows, because it was a chance for audiences to see famous faces humiliated, not just by the outfits, but by being dunked over and over again.
They also attracted an interesting mix of names on the show including Linda Lusardi, Phil Tufnell, Dennis Taylor as well as Neil and Christine Hamilton.
There’s been a spate of cult shows making a comeback in recent years – and changing channels in the process.
From Gladiators going from ITV to the BBC, Changing Rooms from the BBC to Channel 4 and Big Brother going from Channel 4 and Channel 5 to ITV.
I reckon it could – and should – be third time lucky for Hole in the Wall.
FORMER EastEnders hardman Danny Dyer takes a deep dive into 21st Century masculinity in a two-part documentary for Channel 4.
In Danny Dyer: How to be a Man, which starts today at 9pm, we’ll see him get more than a tad confused, particularly when he visits a sex dungeon in Brighton where he learns how some men chain their women up for sexual kicks – and the women who consent seem to love it.
In the show he says: “You’re trying to bring the caveman out of the geezer, so it’s alright, or calm the caveman…it’s f***ing confusing all this, see. “
“It’s confusing for men, how far they can push their boundaries.
“I think women are filthy f***ers in all though.
“Sex is fundamental to men and women getting along – so how do we get the balance right?
“I’m no expert.”
We’re all clear on that point, Danny.
Michael poke at Pythons
MONTY Python’s Michael Palin has done little to calm the war between his former comedy colleagues.
Eric Idle and John Cleese recently had a public disagreement over the handling of the comedy troupe’s finances but Michael has revealed that the group have always argued.
He added that things once got so bad that more than just insults got thrown between John and fellow Monty Python member Terry Jones.
Michael told the Radio Times: “Python was brilliant when we were producing comedy – all the business things, and how much money people want, that is up to individuals.
“Since Python split up, and even in our time together, we have all had arguments.
“The great thing is we don’t agree.
“I remember Terry Jones once threw a typewriter across the room at John.
“What’s happening with Python now doesn’t surprise me.
“It’s a pity it’s not to do with comedy any more.”
THIS Morning has got its own Taylor Swift correspondent in the lead-up to her summer tour, which runs for 15 nights across the UK.
Tyler Conroy will report for the Swifties this week ahead of her album release on Friday.
He said: “This is the greatest week in the world!”
Zara to uncover real Ibiza
ZARA McDERMOTT has jetted off to Ibiza for her latest documentary.
The former Love Islander-turned-documentary maker headed to the party island to find out what draws its visitors to splash their cash on huge nights out and how the police cope with tens of thousands of visitors each day.
She said: “The level of wealth is shocking, with people willing to pay €30,000 for a table at their favourite club.
“It’s not all doom and gloom, but we don’t shy away from the fact that drugs are a big problem, and the huge pressure the emergency services are under.”
Ibiza: Secrets Of The Party Island airs on BBC Three on April 21.