MONTY PYTHON: ALMOST THE TRUTH – THE BBC LAWYER’S CUT
THE HIT ‘90S TV SHOW IS MAKING A COMEBACK – BUT EXPECT SELF-CHECKOUTS AND BAGS FOR LIFE AS THE CULT HIT MAKES A MAD TROLLEY DASH INTO THE 21ST CENTURY. NEW HOST RYLAN CLARK-NEAL TELLS MORE
PREPARE to go wild in the aisles as Supermarket Sweep makes a welcome return to our screens. Last on air in 2007, the iconic 90s gameshow – famously fronted by the late Dale Winton – will return to ITV2 with a primetime week-nightly show that, while paying homage to the original, will also introduce new games, challenges and a new host in the shape of Rylan Clark-Neal.
“I’ve always been a fan of Supermarket Sweep – I remember bunking off school just so that I could watch it,” he says, quick to profess his superfan status.
“I’ve been so privileged to host shows like Xtra Factor, Big Brother and I’m joining Strictly (on sister show, It Takes Two),” adds Rylan, 30, who, it has just been announced, will also revive BBC daytime show Ready Steady Cook.
“I’ve been so lucky with the gifts of institutions that I have been able to join and either make my own or put my stamp on it.
“To be able to do it all again from scratch has been amazing.”
So what else can he tell us?
AIM OF THE GAME
FROM building up the clocks to the iconic jumpers and the super sweep finale (the high-speed trolley dash), many of the show’s iconic elements will remain intact.
“It’s the Supermarket Sweep you know and love,” promises Rylan.
“I know it’s a new era and this time the show is an hour long so we
Tonight, BBC2, 9pm
have lots of time to fill but I was adamant that we couldn’t lose the warmth and fun of the original series.
“We’re keeping those format beats like the mini sweep and the round HARD to believe it’s 50 years since a bunch of university types got together and made a series that would have an indelible effect on popular culture.
Michael Palin, John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle and Terrys Gilliam and Jones were late 1960s mavericks whose mix of sketches, the odd musical number, and even more odd animations struck a chord with millions around the world.
This documentary tells their story, from humble beginnings; first meetings; their influences and how their transition into movies, changed the face of comedy. It’s followed by Python at 50: Silly Talks and Holy Grails. Rylan with Corrie’s Jennie McAlpine who provides the voice of the supermarket PA system
TREASURE ISLAND WITH BEAR GRYLLS Tomorrow, Channel 4, 9pm
WHAT happens when you take a dozen Brits; plonk them on an uninhabited island in the Pacific, and leave them to face the toughest five weeks of their lives? Well, with the lure of £100k at stake, the answer is edge-of-the-seat TV, courtesy of Bear Grylls.
They arrive with just what they’re wearing; have a day’s supply of water and a few basic tools, then have to face the dangerous south east side of the island.
However, they must make a tough decision when a helicopter flies over and parachutes a box of cash on the north shore.
Do they chase the money or try to make camp? robin, which we now call supermarket swap, but we are introducing new games as well as some of the old favourites,” he says ahead of the 20-episode run.
“We also have some new games for the modern age so you might see a self-checkout.”
As for the cash prize, he says: “In the big sweep you want to get the highest value of products in your trolley to be in with a chance of getting to the final round – the super sweep.
“That’s where you can win £3,000 cash by finding hidden marked products and solving clues to find them.”
GOING GREEN
RYLAN, who rose to fame on the ninth series of The X Factor, says of his store manager role: “Rather than running around I am actually taking the mickey.
“Like if I get a bit peckish then I’ll just walk down one of the aisles and pick up a packet of crisps or raid the pick
‘n’ mix.
“The store is real, the products are real, so there’s everything there that I could possibly want.
“But what’s lovely about the show is that none of the food is going to waste – instead of chucking it out we’ve been sending all the food to a local food bank and shelters.”
He adds: “I really love the fact we are making sure there is Elaine Pickford, but is only reminded of her own problems, having not seen her daughter Becky for several years.
With things looking bleak for Wiltshire police, a brilliant piece of work finally points Fulcher towards a definite suspect.
THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF
BREAD Week has arrived, and the remaining bakers face the challenge of proving their worth.
First, the contestants must prepare a signature bake that is designed to be shared, while the ingredients for a popular summer staple are lurking beneath the gingham cloth in the technical. Finally, the Showstopper will test their steady hands and artistic flair.