Undated file photo of the Channel 4 logo. Channel 4 has reported a record deficit of ¿52 million for 2023 but has ruled out turning to the Government for assistance. The broadcaster’s annual report published on Wednesday said it had ambitious plans at the beginning of the year, but challenges due to inflation and high […][/caption]
A NEW “game show” is being developed where contestants make a variety of life decisions based on the rolling of dice.
The programme, which is currently untitled, aims to help people whose problems making decisions are holding them back in life.
The experiment, which will probably air on Channel 4, looks at what happens if choices are based on a random process, and draws on two popular books covering the same theme.
An insider said: “It follows an idea that has been explored previously, in The Dice Man by Luke Rhinehart where a character makes daily decisions based on the casting of a die.
“Or Danny Wallace’s book Yes Man, where he answered affirmatively to every proposition put to him and observed the often unpredictable outcomes There’s also the concept of flippism, which is based on deciding things depending on flipping a coin.
“Whatever method is chosen, it’s all about what happens when decisions are taken out of our hands and determined by something else entirely.
“At this stage it’s just a pilot, but the concept is so intriguing it stands a good chance of making it to a full series.”
Production company Five Mile Films has put out an appeal for contestants, who can apply as individuals or as pairs.
It asks the question: “Stuck in a rut? Want to change things in your life but don’t know where to start? Want to be braver, more decisive?”
“We are making a pilot of a new TV series where participants use dice to make all their decisions big and small.
“If you think you could be getting more out of life then get in contact.”
Now, if that doesn’t make you want to apply for a TV show, nothing will . . .
Gavin a laugh, Alison
ALISON STEADMAN and Larry Lamb are regarded as one of sitcoms’ most lovable parents, as Gavin & Stacey’s Pam and Mick Shipman.
But like all couples, they are prone to the odd row – including the time Larry swore at his on-screen wife for delaying filming because she had a fit of the giggles.
Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb are prone to the odd row[/caption]
Alison has revealed she struggled to shoot a scene because she could not stop laughing and the entire segment had to be delayed.
In her new book, Out Of Character, Alison explains: “It must have gone on for at least 20 minutes.
“The director Christine Gernon said: ‘OK, we’re going to give everyone a break now to give Alison the chance to sort this out’.
“Larry, who is the epitome of patience, even ended up saying to me, ‘For God’s sake, Alison, just say the f**king line will you’.”
Art attack!
SKY is offering up their own Bob Ross-style art classes as Masterclass launches on December 2.
The series will be hosted by the artists from the channel’s latest Portrait Artist Of The Year, teaching easy techniques with a portrait lesson from judge Tai-Shan Schierenberg.
Gary: I’m no wine expert
TAKE THAT star Gary Barlow is about to kick off his new series about wine – but he doesn’t want anyone to think he’s an aficionado.
The singer/songwriter fronts Gary Barlow’s Wine Tour: South Africa, which will air every day next week on ITV1 at 2pm.
Gary said: “I just wanted to approach this as someone who is trying to learn about it all.
“And hopefully we show the audience that they don’t need to feel too daunted by wine.”
I bet the series won’t do sales of Gary’s own wine range any harm, either.
Hard man Nath
NATHAN STEWART-JARRETT plays a former criminal desperate to escape his shady past in Disney+ series Culprits.
But there was one thing the actor could not escape from while filming – the gym.
He said: “I opened up the script and it said ‘muscle’ on the first page, and I was like, ‘Oh, no, no’. I got the part and they marched me to the gym! I lived in that gym.
“I ate whole cows and coops of chickens and eggs. It was really hard. But to be able to pick grown men up was incredible – I loved it.”
Culprits will also be available to stream on ITVX from December 19.
Fergi flogging scripts
EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison has revealed that she’s selling scripts from the BBC One soap to “put a roof over her head” after being “overlooked” for acting roles.
She played Heather Trott on Albert Square from 2007 to 2012, when her character was killed off.
Room for Rose
TAKING over from Greg Davies on Junior Taskmaster had its perks for Rose Matafeo – not least because she got to sit on the famous throne.
The comic has also been tempted to makeover her home with set pieces.
Rose joked: “Sitting in the Taskmaster throne, it does change a person – power does crazy things to the mind.
“It was weird realising it’s not going to be Greg’s face on the art, it will be mine. I did think I could take those . . . and have my face around my living room.”
Junior Taskmaster returns on Friday at 8pm on Channel 4.
