Making My Own Space

The day before I was due to go to the broadcast on 27 April, a researcher rang me at lunchtime to check whether I would still be attending. I confirmed that I would be there, and then he asked whether I would consider doing the show’s introduction. Just to explain, a feature of each broadcast was that a member of the audience would make the introduction to the show as a kind of novelty. As I’m sure you can imagine, I agreed to do this immediately! The researcher and I talked about Richard and his work and, realising that I was a fan and had a good knowledge of Richard’s work, he asked whether I would also be willing to be interviewed by Mel during the programme. Again, of course, I didn’t take much persuading! At the time there was also a chance that I might be asked to help out on the show’s cookery slot by bringing on the dessert, but in the end the proprietor of a real-life bistro called Robin’s Nest confirmed that he would be able to do this. Never mind - there were still the intro and interview to take part in.
The following morning I set off for London and on arriving at the London Studios a researcher checked that my name was on the call sheet and then called a colleague to meet me. I was then taken to one of the studio cafés, where a production assistant explained what they wanted me to do. I was then whisked off to make-up where I was able to meet Mel and Sue, who were already having their make-up applied. Then another member of the production team came to collect me and take me to hospitality. On our way there, we walked through the studio building. The London Studios is an extremely big complex that had once been just the home of London Weekend Television. However, as well as being the home of many of the big ITV light entertainment programmes, several visiting production companies make shows there for other channels, including the BBC. Indeed, as I have already mentioned, Light Lunch was being made there for Channel 4.
My impression was that the London Studios would be very easy to get lost in if you were a stranger there. Fortunately, however, the production assistant that accompanied me knew exactly where we were going! As we continued on our way to hospitality, we passed by an open door and, on glancing into the room, I noticed that a production meeting was being held for the hit show, Have I Got News for You. The original host, Angus Deayton, was busily discussing Friday night’s show, which was being pre-recorded that Thursday evening at the studios.
On reaching hospitality I was introduced to Richard O’Sullivan, and we shook hands. Explaining that I was to be interviewed about Richard and the sitcom Robin’s Nest, to which the show was paying homage, he looked a little taken aback and said, “But you’re a little young to remember that show, aren’t you?” By now I was actually 23, but even though I was only quite young when I first saw the Thames Television series in the late ’70s, I remembered it very well. I had also seen repeat runs of that series and also of Man About the House, as well as having episodes on video amongst my large comedy collection. I had also been a keen viewer of the LWT sitcom, Me and My Girl, which Richard had made in the same building.