Did we like it?
It’s obvious that ITV are saving their pennies for the autumn because this is possibly the cheapest hour of primetime TV we’ve seen in years. However, it actually turned out to be quite enjoyable.
What was good about it?
• Presenters JK and Joel (we’re not sure which is which – one is really cute; one isn’t). They are like Apprentice Ant and Decs and have a long way to go – but they’re far more fun to watch than Dick and Dom.
• The format just about worked, requiring contestants to sing missing pop song lyrics in four varied rounds. The Round And Round round was our favourite.
• The contestants were all amazingly likeable, especially winner Nathan who narrowly triumphed against a lad who reminded us of that toothy Joseph wannabe.
• When Paul Gambaccini forgot about trying to be austere in a Cowell/Robinson/Magnusson manner, he did an acceptable job as the questionmaster and arbitrator.
• The attempt to introduce a new catchphrase – “They’re only succeeding when they know what’s preceding”. Full marks for ingenuity. Not sure it’ll catch on. This was trotted out in the really hard final round when the finalists had to sing the lyrics that came before bursts of songs that were played out.
What was bad about it?
• The wild applause and talk of “tension and nerves” didn’t fit this low-key show – but ITV can’t resist whooping things up to the point of stupidity.
• The Weakest Link-style pieces to camera by the contestants interrupted the flow and made the programme a bit ponderous at times.
• Contestant Leigh reminded us of that ex-Big Brother contestant Michelle – and we’d rather not be reminded of that hideous horror.
• One of the songs was Angels by Robbie Williams. Enough already!
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