SIR BRUCE FORSYTH

1971-1977 and 1990-1994

Partly inspired by Brucie’s Beat the Clock quiz on Sunday Night at the London Palladium. ratings for the show regularly topped 21 million in the 1970s and it became one of the BBC’S biggest hits.

Larry Grayson

1978-1981 When Brucie left, bosses reportedly tried to woo the likes of Cilla Black and Jimmy Tarbuck to host.

Larry and co-host Isla St Clair turned out to be the perfect choices, reaching a peak of 25 million viewers.

Jim Davidson

1995-2001 After Brucie returned for the 1990s revival and then left the BBC again, South London comic Jim took over.

Graham norton

2005 Christmas Special The king of chat brought the show back for Generation Fame, a one-off festive episode featuring celebrities.