Channel 4 axes reality TV show as broadcaster culls number of programmes
MAKE Me Prime Minister, The Apprentice-style TV contest to find Britain’s best “alternative” leader, has been axed by Channel 4 after just one series.
That’s despite the fact that it seemed to arrive on our screens at the perfect time last year — with the real-life contest for the PM’s job in full swing.
Make Me Prime Minister has been axed by Channel 4 after just one series – pictured Baroness Warsi and Alastair Campbell
Just before it aired, Boris Johnson left Downing Street, briefly replaced by Liz Truss, then Rishi Sunak.
But the political buzz didn’t translate into viewing figures for the show.
A TV insider said: “There was a sense that after having three prime ministers in just five weeks, the country had had enough jostling to reach the top of the greasy pole.
“With a concept that had never been seen before, the programme was always something of a TV experiment which could have been a success or a flop.
“But trailblazing Channel 4 are never afraid to risk failure and try out a new idea.” The show saw 12 contestants tackle a series of Apprentice-style tasks to test their potential to govern.
The wannabes included Jackie Weaver, the local government official who became an internet star in 2021 after a stormy parish council Zoom meeting went viral, as well as Danny Price, son of DJ and actor Goldie, whose real name is Clifford Price.
They were given guidance by former Tory Cabinet minister Baroness Warsi, and journalist and ex-Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell.
The party’s controversial former communications director, now a regular Good Morning Britain host, even persuaded his old pal Tony Blair to do a cameo on the show.
Which just goes to show how the most powerful politicians will always want a display of public support.
Lonely Paddy
EMMERDALE bosses have revealed more details about the soap’s upcoming all-male episode.
Airing on Friday, March 10, it will feature a group of the village’s biggest male characters as they meet up in The Woolpack to talk about their mental health following the attempted suicide of Paddy Dingle.
STRICTLY: IT TAKES TATT-TWO
MEL GIEDROYC looks nervous as Strictly pro Neil Jones tattoos her arm.
But the Bake Off host is only fooling around – her partner from the 2021 series of the dance contest is the only person she would allow near her with a needle.
Mel Giedroyc looks nervous as Strictly pro Neil Jones tattoos her arm
Neil, who has been a part-time tattooist for years, inked the cryptic letters “b f v” on Mel’s right arm.
He wrote on Instagram: “Always a pleasure to tattoo Mel.
“Her tattoo was designed by one of her best friends and I just had the honour of applying the ink to skin. I can’t wait to see what we do next.”
Hopefully he’ll be back on Strictly this year and won’t have to take up his hobby as a day job.
ITV PICKS UP ‘BATCH
ITV has signed a deal to bring a range of films to its streaming service.
Subscribers to ITVX Premium, which is expected to launch this spring, will be able to watch family flicks such as the Paddington movies and classics including The Railway Children.
AlamyITV has signed a deal to bring a range of films to its streaming service – including The Imitation Game with Benedict Cumberbatch[/caption]
Other titles on offer include true crime thriller Legend, starring Tom Hardy, The Imitation Game with Benedict Cumberbatch and action flick Non Stop featuring Liam Neeson.
The films will be provided by French film distributor Studiocanal.
ITVX Premium will also provide subscribers with access to BritBox’s catalogue and all of ITVX’s content, which will be ad-free.
BELIEVE IT – RICHARD A BIGWIG
SITCOM legend Richard Wilson is making an unlikely TV comeback.
He’ll be on Ant and Dec‘s Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend at the grand old age of 86.
AlamyRichard Wilson will back be on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend at the grand old age of 86[/caption]
The One Foot In The Grave star, famous for his “I Don’t Believe It!” catchphrase, features in the show’s new mini-series called Murder At Bigwig Manor.
The Victor Meldrew actor plays the head of ITV in the spoof, which also includes cameos from Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Dermot O’ Leary, Keith Lemon, AJ Odudu, Stephanie Cole and Judi Love.
Richard’s last notable TV role was a brief stint as Phileas Fogg’s butler in BBC1 drama Around The World In 80 Days in 2021, plus a 2015 cameo in Sky sitcom Trollied.
Speaking recently, the star said he had no plans to retire, adding: “In some ways I feel young inside. I don’t want to stop. I still enjoy it, still feel I’ve got something to offer.”
After Saturday’s show, the offers will no doubt be rolling in.
GIO EYES STRICTLY
FORMER Queen of the Jungle Giovanna Fletcher says she’d like to have a stab at competing in another huge TV show – Strictly Come Dancing.
Speaking on Steph’s Packed Lunch on Channel 4 yesterday she insisted she’d follow in the footsteps of her husband, McFly’s Tom Fletcher, on one condition.
Giovanna, who won ITV’s I’m A Celebrity in 2020, said: “If I could go on Strictly and have Johannes Radebe I’d happily do it.
“I’ve always been a bit scared of it but seeing Tom do it and how much he absolutely loved it . . .
“Amy [Dowden], his partner was amazing, I think I’d enjoy it.”
It’s back
JAMIE DORNAN is off on his travels again as hit BBC1 drama The Tourist gets a second series.
The 50 Shades hunk and co-star Danielle MacDonald will reprise their roles as Elliot and Helen, but this time they’re heading to Ireland, after spending the first series Down Under.
