The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
New BBC show has ‘its work cut out’
BBC One’ s new programme Morning Live has begun with a discussion of face masks, coronavirus restrictions, and the clocks going back.
But the programme, which is going up against ITV show Lorraine, and presented by Kym Marsh and Gethin Jones, has been warned it faces “tough competition” by former ITV stars Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.
The BBC show features celebrity guests, discussions on topical issues, and consumer advice.
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood was interviewed on the show, which will be broadcast until the festive period.
At the start of the programme, Marsh said: “Every morning for the next eight weeks we will be here to get your thoughts on the things that matter most to you, and we are not only here to listen, we really want to solve some problems too.”
Jones said: “We have a team of experts who are working flat out behind the scenes to bring you the best advice.”
Dr Xand van Tulleken appeared on the programme to discuss the best way to clean face masks and how to maintain a healthy sleep pattern.
Homes Under The Hammer presenter Martel Maxwell told viewers about the impact of the pandemic on the housing market.
Jones presented a segment on homeowners who discover their building is coated in unsafe cladding materials.
There were also discussions on coronavirus restrictions in Wales and the impact of the clocks going back.
The BBC previously said the programme will be a “lively and entertaining mix of topical content and expert advice”.
Revel Horwood discussed the new series of Strictly Come Dancing in an interview.
He said: “I think the nation really needs it at this point in time, just having familiarity and also something to look forward to.”
He added: “I’ve got a front row seat in one of the best shows ever.
Meanwhile, the BBC has its “work cut out” with their new morning TV show, former presenters Richard and Judy have said.
Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan hosted This Morning for 13 years on ITV and are now celebrating 10 years of their book club.
Finnigan, 72, said it was a “no brainer for the BBC” to launch a new morning show but it faced tough competition.
“Lorraine is fantastically popular,” she said.
“As she has shown over the years that she has stayed at the helm of that show, she’s really made herself a legend in that time slot,” she said.
“Good luck to them (The BBC). I wish any new TV show enormous luck, everybody needs a great deal of luck launching anything these days.
“I hope it works but I think it’s got its work cut out against Lorraine.”
Madeley, 64, warned that the BBC previously suffered a “bloody nose” when it attempted to go up against This Morning.
“We came on the air in 1988 and rapidly built a big audience,” he said.
“The BBC, looked at this and thought, ‘ We’ ll have some of that’ and saw a ‘ big, juicy’ opportunity.
“They launched a couple of series against us ... and I think the BBC got a bloody nose as far as the This Morning slot was concerned and they left it alone.
“It’s still a juicy target, so clearly they’ re having another pop.”