Did You See That

Simon Cowell practically owns Saturday night TV on ITV1, with his Grease Is The Word show ending tonight (his company produced it), and being immediately followed by his new vehicle in which he also appears. Alongside him on the panel of judges are sacked newspaper editor, Piers Morgan, and err.. notorious adultress, Amanda Holden. It’s not dissimilar to X Factor, except the acts can do anything and be any age.

There’s no getting away from this. This is a fantastic show. You’ve got the useless clowns, of course, but you’ve also got the incredible performers with the moving back story that makes this really special.

Highlights for me were the phone salesman turned opera singer (ok the teeth might need some work), the cheeky little comedian / singer, and probably best of all, the baton twirler who had come with his nanna, and hadn’t told his parents because they didn’t approve and were worried it wasn’t what their son should be doing. Think Billy Elliot with a stick. When Amanda asked him how it felt, I was longing for him to reply “like electricity!”. Then his nan came on for an ovation too. This show has the right mix of laughs and moments to tug on your heartstring to mean it surely has “hit” written all over it.

Welcome back Variety, you’ve been missed.

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