- Radio Times
- Review by:
- Jane Rackham
It’s hard to imagine a TV schedule without a talent show popping up on it somewhere, but then the genre has been with us for 50 years. Back then Hughie Green’s Opportunity Knocks on ITV relied on postal votes (“in your own handwriting”) from the public, though it later introduced the revolutionary concept of an audience “clapometer”.
This five-part series looks at the history of TV talent shows such as Pop Idol and New Faces as well as the current phenomenon of The X Factor. Those giving their take on the subject include Simon Cowell and Lenny Henry, while Victoria Wood, who won New Faces in 1974, narrates.
About this programme
1/5. Exploring the history of televised talent contests, from the original Opportunity Knocks to today's super-slick shows such as The X Factor. The first edition includes Susan Boyle discussing her 2009 breakthrough on Britain's Got Talent, and examines Will Young defeating Gareth Gates in 2002's Pop Idol, and how the Noughties series Popstars ushered in a new era of programmes. There is also a tribute to former New Faces host Marti Caine and a contribution by ex-judge Nina Myskow. Narrated by Victoria Wood.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Narrator
- Victoria Wood
- Contributor
- Nina Myskow
- Contributor
- Susan Boyle
Crew
- Director
- Kerry Allison
- Director
- Yvette Lyons
- Executive Producer
- Mark Robinson
- Executive Producer
- Richard Holloway
- Producer
- Kerry Allison
- Producer
- Yvette Lyons
- Series Producer
- Stuart Ramsay
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