Farewell to decades of laughter
ITV, 8pm
FOR nearly five decades, the London Studios, an icon of the city skyline, was home to some of the biggest shows in Britain.
It also felt like home to some of the nation’s biggest stars.
“I’ve been coming here for over 25 years,” says Paul O’Grady. “It’s almost like home, this place. It’s really sad.”
Yes, the iconic London Studios closed its doors in April, leaving a lasting legacy as well as making celebrities a bit emotional.
“It’s the beating heart of ITV,” says Phillip Schofield, who welled up after his final This Morning show in the building. “It’s history, it’s part of all our lives,” adds Holly Willoughby.
It’s fair to say that these four walls have had a huge impact on a lot of people.
Paying tribute to the studios, Dermot O’Leary, whose career was launched there, takes us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, looking back at the programmes filmed there over 46 years.
There’s footage from television goodbye to ITV’s London Studios classics such as Blind Date, Metal Mickey, World of Sport, Aspel & Company, Upstairs Downstairs and On The Buses.
And we hear from a long line of stars who have worked for ITV, includ¥ing World of Sport host Dickie Davies, presenters Michael Aspel, Andi Peters, Davina McCall, Gloria Hunniford, and comedians Hale and Pace.
“We’re giving this famous building the send-off it deserves,” says Dermot.
Cut to footage of Holly and Phil nicking the furniture as they leave the Studios for the last time.
Holly says: “You will be able to hear the laughter in the walls of this place for a very long time.”