Fasten your seatbelts for Dermot’s return
We’ve missed Dermot O’Leary recently. Although Caroline Flack and Olly Murs – despite some unfair criticism – made a decent stab of presenting The X Factor, you can’t help but feel that the fading talent show could have used his charisma to give it the boost in the arm it so desperately needs. However, like a rat deserting a sinking ship, O’Leary has moved on, although it seems he’s sticking to Saturday nights for now. He’s the frontman for this new entertainment extravaganza that the BBC hopes will attract viewers who might usually have been tempted into watching ITV’s hit shows Take Me Out and Ninja Warrior UK. “This is a show that’s really about relationships,” claims the presenter. “We all think we are great drivers, but what tickled me most is seeing how people, who obviously love each other very much, speak to each other when they are behind the wheel of a car. It brings out the worst in all of us... but in a fun way. “It’s a warm show that will stretch a family’s patience with those they love most in the world. I had a whale of a time doing the pilot and now can’t for everyone to see the series.” The format for The Getaway Car (Saturday, BBC1, 6.50pm) is simple. Each edition will follow the progress of couples as they compete in a series of exciting driving challenges that test the limits of their relationships once they’re behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. Married couples, grandparents and grandchildren, siblings and best friends are all set to take part, and it’s up to them to work together in a bid to win the top prize – providing they don’t lose their temper with each other first. Staying cool and remaining close is the way to win here, and that won’t be easy for some of the volatile duos taking part. They will race 4x4 buggies and high-powered supercars, as well as the getaway car itself, in a bid to win £10,000. What’s more, former Top Gear superstar The Stig pops up, accompanied by his nephews Blue Stig and Red Stig. “The Getaway Car is an ambitious and exciting Saturday night entertainment show that enhances the BBC’s commitment to producing some of the most original entertainment formats around,” says Katie Taylor, BBC Production’s controller of entertainment and events. “With Dermot in the driving seat, I’m sure the BBC1 audience will love it.”