You couldn’t make something like Sm:tv Live these days. For starters, Saturday morning kids’ TV is barely a thing any more, cancelled entirely on the soon-to-be-nixed Citv channel, while over on the BBC, it’s relegated to the decidedly more wholesome Saturday Mash-Up Live on Cbbc.
Perhaps this is because – deep down – everyone knows nothing will ever beat Ant & Dec and Cat Deeley’s iconic weekly three hours of Saturday morning mayhem that was Sm:tv Live.
Dec described Sm:tv Live’s goal from the outset when it launched in 1998 was to counteract the “cosier… nice auntie or uncle” vibe of Live & Kicking, the BBC’s Saturday morning show, by being more like their viewers’ “mischievous older brothers and sisters”.
This required them taking some pretty massive risks, like not being quite so nice to the children watching, and pushing the humour to far more grown-up places. It’s highly...
Perhaps this is because – deep down – everyone knows nothing will ever beat Ant & Dec and Cat Deeley’s iconic weekly three hours of Saturday morning mayhem that was Sm:tv Live.
Dec described Sm:tv Live’s goal from the outset when it launched in 1998 was to counteract the “cosier… nice auntie or uncle” vibe of Live & Kicking, the BBC’s Saturday morning show, by being more like their viewers’ “mischievous older brothers and sisters”.
This required them taking some pretty massive risks, like not being quite so nice to the children watching, and pushing the humour to far more grown-up places. It’s highly...
- 8/19/2023
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
Alex Westthorp Oct 3, 2016
It's 40 years since Multi-Coloured Swap Shop made its television debut and kick-started the Saturday morning kids' TV slot...
Imagine the excitement - it's just before 9.30am on Saturday 2nd October 1976. It's almost like Christmas has come early, such is the anticipation. The nation's kids, who hitherto got their kicks at the Saturday morning pictures, settle in front of their television screens and press the button marked 'BBC1'. Those who read their parents' Radio Times know a new show is about to start with Radio 1 Breakfast Show DJ Noel Edmonds at the helm. 28 year old Noel is cool and down with the kids. Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen - the Doctor and Sarah Jane from Doctor Who - are to be the first star guests, and you can actually speak to them live by telephone! The TV set warms up and the familiar blue and yellow BBC...
It's 40 years since Multi-Coloured Swap Shop made its television debut and kick-started the Saturday morning kids' TV slot...
Imagine the excitement - it's just before 9.30am on Saturday 2nd October 1976. It's almost like Christmas has come early, such is the anticipation. The nation's kids, who hitherto got their kicks at the Saturday morning pictures, settle in front of their television screens and press the button marked 'BBC1'. Those who read their parents' Radio Times know a new show is about to start with Radio 1 Breakfast Show DJ Noel Edmonds at the helm. 28 year old Noel is cool and down with the kids. Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen - the Doctor and Sarah Jane from Doctor Who - are to be the first star guests, and you can actually speak to them live by telephone! The TV set warms up and the familiar blue and yellow BBC...
- 9/28/2016
- Den of Geek
Ant & Dec have described being dropped from Cbbc series Byker Grove as the lowest point of their 25-year careers, admitting that they thought they were on the "scrapheap" when they exited the show.
The duo are celebrating 25 years of working together in 2014, and when asked to name their biggest career high and worst career low, the pair agreed that departing the children's drama was a difficult moment.
Motorboating and paintballing: 25 years of Ant & Dec
"Probably the low, and we didn't know at the time it was happening for a reason, was when we got told we were leaving Byker Grove," said Dec.
"We were 18 and we were told that we would be too old to be hanging about a youth club. We were told that the only 18-year-olds who hang around youth clubs are pretty weird. As far as we were concerned, it was all over.
"We thought we were...
The duo are celebrating 25 years of working together in 2014, and when asked to name their biggest career high and worst career low, the pair agreed that departing the children's drama was a difficult moment.
Motorboating and paintballing: 25 years of Ant & Dec
"Probably the low, and we didn't know at the time it was happening for a reason, was when we got told we were leaving Byker Grove," said Dec.
"We were 18 and we were told that we would be too old to be hanging about a youth club. We were told that the only 18-year-olds who hang around youth clubs are pretty weird. As far as we were concerned, it was all over.
"We thought we were...
- 7/9/2014
- Digital Spy
Ant & Dec have suggested that they haven't closed the door on children's television.
The duo first found fame as Pj and Duncan on Byker Grove, and went on to host Saturday morning show Sm:tv Live with Cat Deeley between 1998 and 2001.
Speaking to The Sun, Ant McPartlin said: "It's a real shame there's not a Saturday morning kids' show on ITV or BBC. There should be one.
"We talked about it with ITV and said we'd love to get involved as we really miss it."
The pair - who are set to host three shows this year, Saturday Night Takeaway, I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and Britain's Got Talent - also addressed some of the lower points in their career.
McPartlin said: "Everyone says, 'Oh, everything you guys do turns to gold', but it doesn't. Look at Red or Black. That didn't do what we all hoped it would do.
The duo first found fame as Pj and Duncan on Byker Grove, and went on to host Saturday morning show Sm:tv Live with Cat Deeley between 1998 and 2001.
Speaking to The Sun, Ant McPartlin said: "It's a real shame there's not a Saturday morning kids' show on ITV or BBC. There should be one.
"We talked about it with ITV and said we'd love to get involved as we really miss it."
The pair - who are set to host three shows this year, Saturday Night Takeaway, I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and Britain's Got Talent - also addressed some of the lower points in their career.
McPartlin said: "Everyone says, 'Oh, everything you guys do turns to gold', but it doesn't. Look at Red or Black. That didn't do what we all hoped it would do.
- 2/21/2014
- Digital Spy
Like 10p Chomps, Lee Ryan's dignity and Shia Labeouf's acting career, we thought we'd seen the last of Saturday morning children's TV shows.
However, ITV went and surprised us all at the end of last year by announcing Scrambled, their attempt to revive the much-loved and much-missed TV format.
Can it revive the glory days of Live and Kicking and Sm:tv? It can if it follows our 'How to' guide to making a dream Saturday morning kids show. If you followed all these guidelines, there would be no better way to kick off your weekend.
1. There must be gunge. Lots of gunge.
It will probably also have to involve Peter Simon. The No.1 King of Gunge in the '90s. What self-respecting child of the '90s didn't want to push him in a load of blue gunk on the set of Run the Risk?
2. It must include...
However, ITV went and surprised us all at the end of last year by announcing Scrambled, their attempt to revive the much-loved and much-missed TV format.
Can it revive the glory days of Live and Kicking and Sm:tv? It can if it follows our 'How to' guide to making a dream Saturday morning kids show. If you followed all these guidelines, there would be no better way to kick off your weekend.
1. There must be gunge. Lots of gunge.
It will probably also have to involve Peter Simon. The No.1 King of Gunge in the '90s. What self-respecting child of the '90s didn't want to push him in a load of blue gunk on the set of Run the Risk?
2. It must include...
- 1/18/2014
- Digital Spy
ITV has announced details of its new weekend breakfast show for children.
Scrambled!, which will begin to air on Saturdays and Sundays later this month, will feature Citv programming and will be hosted by four young presenters.
In the style of previous hit brands such as Live and Kicking and Sm:tv Live, Scrambled will include both scripted programming - such as Almost Naked Animals, VicTORIous, Horrid Henry, Deadtime Stories and Bottom Knocker Street - and sketches, games and chat.
It will be presented by Freshly Squeezed's Laura Jackson, Cbbc star London Hughes, The Voice UK online host Luke Franks and 4Music's Sam Homewood.
Children will also be encouraged to interact with Scrambled by sending in photographs and videos.
Scrambled! begins on January 18 and will air between 7.30am and 9.25am on ITV and Citv.
Catch up on all the latest TV and Movies releases in Digital Spy's Screen Time:...
Scrambled!, which will begin to air on Saturdays and Sundays later this month, will feature Citv programming and will be hosted by four young presenters.
In the style of previous hit brands such as Live and Kicking and Sm:tv Live, Scrambled will include both scripted programming - such as Almost Naked Animals, VicTORIous, Horrid Henry, Deadtime Stories and Bottom Knocker Street - and sketches, games and chat.
It will be presented by Freshly Squeezed's Laura Jackson, Cbbc star London Hughes, The Voice UK online host Luke Franks and 4Music's Sam Homewood.
Children will also be encouraged to interact with Scrambled by sending in photographs and videos.
Scrambled! begins on January 18 and will air between 7.30am and 9.25am on ITV and Citv.
Catch up on all the latest TV and Movies releases in Digital Spy's Screen Time:...
- 1/10/2014
- Digital Spy
Ant & Dec have signed a new three-year exclusive deal with ITV, which will see the pair through to December 2016.
The duo will continue to host I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain's Got Talent, the last of which was recently confirmed for three more series.
Ant & Dec said: "We are thrilled to be extending our relationship with ITV for a further three years.
"After 15 years at the network we are still excited about continuing to make great shows for a great channel."
ITV director of television Peter Fincham said: "Ant & Dec are consummate entertainers, their talent is such that they make it look effortless, and their ability to connect with our audience is unrivalled.
"Our creative relationship with them is a strong one, and I'm delighted we are extending it."
ITV's director of comedy and entertainment Elaine Bedell added: "We love working with Ant...
The duo will continue to host I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain's Got Talent, the last of which was recently confirmed for three more series.
Ant & Dec said: "We are thrilled to be extending our relationship with ITV for a further three years.
"After 15 years at the network we are still excited about continuing to make great shows for a great channel."
ITV director of television Peter Fincham said: "Ant & Dec are consummate entertainers, their talent is such that they make it look effortless, and their ability to connect with our audience is unrivalled.
"Our creative relationship with them is a strong one, and I'm delighted we are extending it."
ITV's director of comedy and entertainment Elaine Bedell added: "We love working with Ant...
- 11/22/2013
- Digital Spy
David Beckham has signed up to star in an upcoming children's show on Sky.
The former Manchester United footballer will regularly feature on the Saturday morning show aimed at encouraging kids to get into sport.
Beckham will host "masterclasses" on the programme, which will be aired on Sky Sports and on Freeview.
Game Changers will be hosted by athlete Darren Campbell and presenter Di Dougherty, while Jessica Ennis-Hill will also regularly appear.
Paralympic wheelchair rugby captain Steve Brown will also be one of the show's reporters.
Beckham said: "It's an ambition of mine to inspire more young people to take part in sport. I'm excited to be one of a great group of athletes contributing to Game Changers and working with Sky, who have the passion to make it happen."
The series will air on Saturday mornings from 9am live with a studio audience, in a similar fashion to...
The former Manchester United footballer will regularly feature on the Saturday morning show aimed at encouraging kids to get into sport.
Beckham will host "masterclasses" on the programme, which will be aired on Sky Sports and on Freeview.
Game Changers will be hosted by athlete Darren Campbell and presenter Di Dougherty, while Jessica Ennis-Hill will also regularly appear.
Paralympic wheelchair rugby captain Steve Brown will also be one of the show's reporters.
Beckham said: "It's an ambition of mine to inspire more young people to take part in sport. I'm excited to be one of a great group of athletes contributing to Game Changers and working with Sky, who have the passion to make it happen."
The series will air on Saturday mornings from 9am live with a studio audience, in a similar fashion to...
- 7/17/2013
- Digital Spy
Brian Dowling went from Ryanair flight attendant to becoming one of the most recognisable faces on TV back in 2001 when he triumphed in Big Brother 2. After a TV presenting career on shows including The Mint and Sm:tv Live, he soared to victory again in Ultimate Big Brother last year. It was no surprise therefore that Channel 5 has today confirmed his as (more)...
- 7/21/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Cat Deeley plans to work with Ant and Dec again.
The 34-year-old host – who appeared with the presenting duo for three years until 2001 on Saturday morning children’s TV show ‘Sm:tv Live’ – is still friends with the pair and admitted they have regularly discussed finding a new project to appear in together.
She said: “We talk about working together. I’d definitely love it to happen. We haven’t decided exactly what we’d like to do but we’ve all agreed that we will at some point in the future.
“We had such an amazing time before.”
Cat – who has fronted Us show ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and ‘American Idol’ – admits she, Ant and Dec were lucky to be allowed to host the show for as long as they did because they were learning as they went.
She said in an interview with the Daily Mirror newspaper: “We literally grew up together.
The 34-year-old host – who appeared with the presenting duo for three years until 2001 on Saturday morning children’s TV show ‘Sm:tv Live’ – is still friends with the pair and admitted they have regularly discussed finding a new project to appear in together.
She said: “We talk about working together. I’d definitely love it to happen. We haven’t decided exactly what we’d like to do but we’ve all agreed that we will at some point in the future.
“We had such an amazing time before.”
Cat – who has fronted Us show ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and ‘American Idol’ – admits she, Ant and Dec were lucky to be allowed to host the show for as long as they did because they were learning as they went.
She said in an interview with the Daily Mirror newspaper: “We literally grew up together.
- 12/29/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Ant & Dec have a list of credits which must leave TV commissioners salivating. Pop Idol, Sm:tv, Britain's Got Talent, Saturday Night Takeaway were/are all mega ratings smashes and appointment TV viewing. They can also call themselves successful popstars, child actors and producers. In fact, there's apparently very little Ant & Dec can do which doesn't turn to gold. But how much do you know about the cheeky chappies from the North East? Keep reading for ten fast facts about the Geordie duo! 1. Anthony David McPartlin was born on November 18, 1975. Declan Joseph Oliver Donnelly was born on September 25, 1975. Dec was the youngest of seven children to Irish parents Anne and Alphonsus. Ant is the taller of the pair (at 5'8") and he is the one who always stands on the left of your TV screen. 2. Ant & Dec have no regrets (more)...
- 4/21/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
John & Edward are reportedly in talks to host Sm:tv and CD:uk. According to the News of the World, ITV executives are hoping to revive the Saturday morning shows with the X Factor twins acting as presenters. The programmes originally ran from 1998 to 2006 and raised the profile of hosts Cat Deeley and Ant and Dec. "CD:uk was a winning format," a source said. "It was taken around (more)...
- 4/4/2010
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
X Factor twins John and Edward Grimes are reportedly being considered by ITV for a new Saturday morning kids TV show.
The channel want to bring back Sm:tv and sister music show CD:uk, which have in the past been fronted by such stars as Ant & Dec and Cat Deeley and are said to be deciding between Peter Crouch’s fiancée Abbey Clancy and Jedward for the presenting role.
A source told The News Of The World: “CD:uk was a winning format. It was taken around the world and bosses at ITV always intended to bring it back.
“It’s taken a bit longer than expected but the ball is really rolling now. There’s plenty of buzz about it coming back.”
Other people being considered are Britain’s Got More Talent presenter Stephen Mulhern and Big Brother’s little Brother presenter George Lamb.
Related posts:Graham Norton Lined Up To...
The channel want to bring back Sm:tv and sister music show CD:uk, which have in the past been fronted by such stars as Ant & Dec and Cat Deeley and are said to be deciding between Peter Crouch’s fiancée Abbey Clancy and Jedward for the presenting role.
A source told The News Of The World: “CD:uk was a winning format. It was taken around the world and bosses at ITV always intended to bring it back.
“It’s taken a bit longer than expected but the ball is really rolling now. There’s plenty of buzz about it coming back.”
Other people being considered are Britain’s Got More Talent presenter Stephen Mulhern and Big Brother’s little Brother presenter George Lamb.
Related posts:Graham Norton Lined Up To...
- 4/3/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
ITV (UK) enters into a new exclusive two-year deal with popular on-air talent Ant (Anthony McPartlin) and Dec (Declan Donnelly). The agreement extends the duo's long-standing relationship with the commercial broadcaster through December 2011. Under the new pact, Ant and Dec will continue to host some of the broadcaster's top shows in addition to Push the Button (working title), a new primetime entertainment program from their production company Gallowgate, slated to launch on ITV1 in 2010. They will also develop exclusive content for ITV.com. Ant and Dec are best known for c0-hosting ITV's Saturday morning kid-aimed shows Sm:tv Live and CD: UK, as well as I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!, Britain's Got Talent and Saturday Night Takeaway and have appeared in BBC series, including BBC Children's Byker Grove, The Ant and Dec Show, among others.
http://enews.cynopsis.com/html.asp?XZY2225034UTF60...
http://enews.cynopsis.com/html.asp?XZY2225034UTF60...
- 11/6/2009
- by gwen@cynopsis.com
Ant and Dec have signed a new exclusive two-year deal with ITV, which will last until December 2011. The Saturday Night Takeaway hosts joined the broadcaster in 1998, when they helmed Saturday morning shows Sm:tv Live and CD:uk. They have also presented reality series Pop Idol, Britain's Got Talent and I'm A Celebrity.... "Ant and Dec are without question two of the UK's most talented television stars who have helped make ITV the home of entertainment They have a unique appeal and a very special quality which means that they are loved by young and old alike," said ITV director of television Peter Fincham. "After more than a decade on ITV, I'm delighted that they will continue to exclusively work with us on our hit shows and in developing new programmes (more)...
- 11/5/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Ant and Dec have claimed that hosting Saturday morning kids show Sm:tv is the highlight of their career so far. The comedy duo, who presented the ITV1 series between 1998 and 2001, said that they enjoyed the creative freedom they were given to develop their own sketches and segments. "We really felt like we had utter freedom to do what we wanted and if things didn't work we wouldn't do it the next week," Ant told This Morning. "Although sometimes we'd quit things half way through! There were a few sketches that I remember Dec giving up on. "I think it's a real shame that there's no more Saturday morning children's television on terrestrial television because that's where we all learnt our trade and that's where you learn about live television and that's where you're allowed to make mistakes and keep (more)...
- 9/25/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.