Iconic 90s children’s TV show ‘returning’ after 17 years off air – with new host Romesh Ranganathan
It was the kids’ TV show that bordered on cult viewing, now Art Attack is set to get a second chance of life – albeit with a whole new identity.
The original, which saw host Neil Buchanan show off his arts skills to the nation, ran from 1990 to 2007 on Children’s ITV.
Now a surprise hero has emerged in the form of Romesh Ranganathan, whose production company, Ranga Bee, is making what it calls: “Art Attack for the next generation.”
A TV insider said: “Like millions of Brits who grew up in the Nineties and Noughties, Romesh was no doubt a fan of the show.
“So now he’s passing that joy on to the next generation with this modern-day interpretation, which is destined for a major children’s network, probably Children’s BBC. It will be something of a departure for Ranga Bee however as they tend to make comedy shows, usually starring their owner, Mr Ranganathan, himself.”
Filming is set to start next month and continue for months so it’s unlikely to appear on our screens until at least next year.
Although he was once a teacher, it’s unlikely to have Romesh showing off his arts skills to youngsters.
Anyone who witnessed the comedian on Rob & Romesh vs Art on Sky in 2021 will know that he isn’t a natural creative force.
Together with pal Rob Beckett they had to create two pieces of work that was presented in an art exhibition – and it’s fair to say the results certainly made an impression.
Not the right kind, however.
Joel-y green giant
As host of telly’s silliest show, The Masked Singer, Joel Dommett is used to embracing chaos – but he’s usually a lot more sharply dressed.
The presenter swapped his chic suits for bright green Lycra to take part in a workout regime on This Morning.
And even his most ardent fans would admit it was more Jolly Green Giant than TV hunk.
Joel is presenting the ITV daytime show alongside Alison Hammond this week as part of the summer roster while hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard take a break.
Never let it be said that Joel’s not prepared to suffer for his art.
Emily’s Zorro stylish
With the backing of Sex And The City’s wardrobe whizz Pat Field, Emily in Paris was always going to be a stylish watch.
But it seems the Netflix hit’s lead Lily Collins has really upped the ante this season.
Especially if you rate that stripy Beetlejuice, swashbuckling Zorro vibe, it would seem.
A new trailer for the fourth series landed yesterday and suggests Emily is no closer to solving her love triangle – sharing kisses with both Alfie (Lucien Laviscount) and Gabriel (Lucas Bravo)
But the teaser hints she may well be looking elsewhere as she tells pal Mindy: “Suddenly everywhere I look are hot men.”
The drama begins with part one on August 15 and part two in September.
Shaun’s no Ender of talents
He’ll always be known as Barry From EastEnders, but there’s life beyond Walford for Shaun Williamson.
After starring opposite Cher in an advert for the rebranded U&Dave channel, he has been cast in Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson caper Apocalypse Slough.
The duo return as Terry and Gemma Bremmer for the new instalment of their Gold series following the success of Blood Actually at Christmas.
It will see Gemma finally achieve her dreams of becoming a serious crime investigator as she probes a double murder at a rugby club.
Other guest stars when it airs this September will include Sanjeev Bhaskar, Annette Badland, Simon Day and Jim Howick.
Creator Jason Cook said: “What an amazing cast we managed to get for this one, with some really fantastic performances.”
Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters and Erin Doherty will star in gritty, four-part Netflix drama Adolescence. The crime thriller tells the story, in real-time, of how a family’s world is turned upside down when their 13-year-old son is arrested for murder. Filming began last week.