Generation Game almost didn’t have a conveyor belt

CUDDLY toys, microwaves and toasters moving along a conveyor belt were a much-loved part of The Generation Game.

But the memory test round of the family show nearly didn’t make it to our screens.

A former BBC producer has revealed there was an ‘internal row’ over contestants winning armfuls of prizes. Bosses apparently wanted to give away licence fee stamps instead.

Jim Moir, who produced the show from 1971 until 1975, said: ‘At the time there was some anxiety and indeed an internal row and argument about the propriety of the conveyor belt.

‘They wanted to give away licence fee stamps. The argument went in favour of prizes.’

Mr Moir was speaking on a TV tribute to the show’s late presenter, Sir Bruce Forsyth, who died aged 89 last August.

He said: ‘The Generation Game was made for Bruce Forsyth.’

Sir Bruce: A Celebration airs on Sunday at 9pm on BBC1.