It’s not like this is Gino’s first game show, they’d have seen him in Win Your Wish List which possibly suited him better. But it’s not likely it was the totally random choice some are claiming.
I've not watched the new series yet, but have always thought a show like this needs a family friendly comedian as a host to be able to be quick witted and respond to naturally funny answers contestants are going to give. Gino just seems such a weird and awkward left-field choice, it's like someone got a dart board and that's the combination they ended up with.
Whilst Bradley Walsh would have made a fine host, he's probably got enough shows on the go at the moment, so probably someone like Jason Manford or Michael McIntyre would have worked better.
Or Brian Conley. He was funny on The Chase the other day. He is very similar style to Bradley.
But I guess Gino fits in with 'diversity' quotas.
He was awful though and has put me off watching it again.
I think Brian Conley wouldn't draw in a crowd, a fair number of shows he's presented has flopped in recent years.
It's better for ITV to be trying new talent for their shows.
I think Family Fortunes would be a vehicle for Mel & Sue. I know Gen Game was a disaster but FF is a more intimate affair and I could imagine them each taking a family under their wing and the banter is not a million miles away from their gentle ribbing on Bake Off.
I think Family Fortunes would be a vehicle for Mel & Sue. I could imagine them each taking a family under their wing and the banter is not a million miles away from their gentle ribbing on Bake Off.
That's a great shout! I would never have thought to put Mel & Sue and Family Fortunes together -
though nor would I have thought 'I know who'd be a great idea for this baking programme; comedians Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas!'
- but I like the sound of that very much. Would certainly bring a different dynamic compared to the previous model of having a single male presenter which has been constant since launch with Bob Monkhouse back in the 1980s, and could potentially open up a new audience for the show.
Forgot about The Vault. Even beyond ITV in primetime at least I can only think is Davina with Million Pound Drop and Victoria Coren Mitchell with Only Connect in recent years, though both originate over a decade ago.
Forgot about The Vault. Even beyond ITV in primetime at least I can only think is Davina with Million Pound Drop and Victoria Coren Mitchell with Only Connect in recent years, though both originate over a decade ago.
Thinking beyond primetime ITV, Sandi Toksvig did 15-to-1 and 1001 Things You Should Know on Channel 4, and Fiona Bruce did Hive Minds on BBC Four. The Weakest Link ended in 2012, so ended a while after things like The Vault.
EDIT: And let's not forget Letterbox with Mel Giedroyc on BBC Two, the modern classic.