Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins on the pressure of presenting The Generation Game
The former Bake Off duo dismiss claims that the BBC's decision to cut the number of episodes reflects the show's quality
Being asked to host a revival of arguably the most beloved TV game show in British history could make even the most seasoned of presenters break into a sweat – but former Bake Off duo Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins didn’t buckle under the weight of expectations.
“We didn’t hesitate at all when we were offered it,” explains Mel, 49, who filmed the two-part series with Sue back in November.
“We were just so excited about the idea of getting this incredible show that we loved as kids.
"But it was very surreal stepping on to the set. The only thing keeping me sane was the oversized conveyer belt.
"You can stand on it with all the prizes, and we were just so distracted by the heated towel rail.”
“I straddled a fondue set and that was a mood buster,” Sue, 48, nods in agreement.
“The thing is, The Generation Game has had numerous iterations over the years and every time there is a new one, people have kicked off.
"I get that, but at the same time, we are not trying to change it or hurt the brand. We have invested it with the same spirit as some of our favourite episodes, and there was such a feeling of joy about it.”
For those who need a refresher, the show – which sees four teams, each comprising two contestants of different generations from the same family, compete in madcap games – aired on-and-off from 1971 to 2001, hosted by the likes of Larry Grayson, Jim Davidson and, of course, the late Sir Bruce Forsyth.
The iconic challenges involving pottery wheels and dancing, as well as the famously kitsch prizes such as a cuddly toy, are back, along with appearances from Basil Brush (“A total legend but a bigger diva than Mariah Carey,” grins Mel) and some new games.
Mel and Sue, though, were determined not to imitate Bruce or his iconic catchphrases (“Didn’t they do well?”).
“I think that would have got people’s backs up,” says Sue. “There is only one Brucie and we would never try to copy him, he is irreplaceable.”
“I tell you what, though, the spirit of Brucie is there in the show,” adds Mel.
“I think people need a bit of good old-fashioned silliness in their lives again.”
“There could have been a big rush to make it high-tech but we felt: ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’” says Sue.
“Ultimately, it’s just silly costumes, people slipping in s**t and then crying with laughter.
My overriding memory from filming is wading through about 40,000 smashed plates.”
The pair dismiss claims that the BBC’s decision to cut the number of episodes from four to two reflects
poorly on the show’s quality.
“The reason we just want two episodes is that we want to get it right, rather than doing 10 shows and learning on the job,” Sue reveals.
“We’ll see what people think and also what we can do better. No show hits the ground running – the first series of Bake Off got such a panning and people talked about the terrible ratings – but
I sincerely hope we get to make more.”
Basil: “My brush is insured for £1million”
What made you decide to join The Generation Game?
I wanted to be seen again on Saturday nights on the telly, and to be featured – even in a small way – on such a prestigious show… I could have said no, but I’ve got to pay my vets’ bills somehow.
How did you get along with Mel and Sue?
I’ve looked up to both of them for many years now – though being 18 inches tall, I look up to everyone! They’re booming marvellous. I am sure the public will love them on this.
You’ve been in showbiz for more than 50 years – what’s the secret to your success?
Crikey, it seems like only yesterday I was reading Blast Off Basil [on his 1970s Saturday tea-time show] with Mr Derek [Fowlds, his co-host] before Doctor Who came on. The key is a good catchphrase – “Boom boom” ranks up there with “Nice to see you, to see you nice”. And being the only talking fox on TV helps because there aren’t any others, though that Foxy Bingo chap tries hard. I can’t tell
you the secret to my success ’cause it’s a secret. I can keep secrets, it’s the people I tell who can’t. Ha ha! BOOM BOOM! There I go again…
Are there any other TV shows you’d like to appear in?
I’d like to race in the Reasonably Priced Car on Top Gear, I’m not sure how I would reach the pedals and see over the steering wheel, though. Most of all I’d love to be inside a Dalek as the alien bad guy: “EXTERMINATE… BOOM BOOM!”
How do you keep your tail bushy?
My brush is my fortune... it’s insured for a cool million. I get it brushed every day by my personal assistant, but I only wash it once a week ’cause it takes so long to blow dry.
If you were Prime Minister for the day, what would you do?
I’d paint the door of No.10 Downing Street bright orange, declare the first of April ‘National Redhead Day’ as a celebration of me and my fellow redheads, and give Mel and Sue cabinet posts as joint Ministers of Fun. Ha ha! BOOM BOOM!
And will the duo bring their Bake Off innuendos to The Generation Game?
“If there is an occasion to slip one in, then you have to,” says Mel, cheekily, although Sue claims sometimes the visuals don’t require any commentary.
“Some things are so hilarious and horrific, you don’t need to say anything,” she smiles.
“We did one game with a sausage maker and will never forget the look on the contestant’s face as a pork skin flapped unlovingly in the breeze...”
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