‘Blockbusters’ is set for a comeback.
The popular TV game show – which was hosted by Bob Holness in the 80s and 90s, and a recent reboot was fronted by Simon Mayo – will return to screens in 2019 made by production company Thames TV, but a presenter or a channel are yet to have been decided.
A TV insider said: "It’s been the year of the revival with classic shows including ‘The Price Is Right’, ‘Generation Game’ and ‘It’ll Be Alright On The Night’ all making a comeback.
"Now Thames TV has decided it’s the right time to bring back ‘Blockbusters’. It’s just one of those feel-good shows that has a special place in a lot of people’s hearts."
While a channel is yet to be given the green light, the programme – which saw contestants aim to make their way across or down a game board of hexagons by answering questions correctly – will have the same format as always.
The source added to The Sun’s Bizarre TV column: "It’s still very early days and a channel hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the plan is for it to have the same format and catchy theme tune."
‘Blockbusters’ – also known for the regular comical contestant question, "Can I have a P please, Bob?" – first aired in 1983 with Bob at the helm, where he remained for 11 series until 1995.
Michael Aspel took on the mantle in 1997 for one series on BBC Two, and the show featured Stephen Merchant as a contestant.
Liza Tarbuck fronted a reboot between 2000 and 2001 on Sky One, and in 2012 Simon hosted the programme for six months on Challenge.
This comes just a day after Simon quit BBC Radio 2 to focus on writing books.
In a series of tweets, he wrote: "So. A few things to say. Very sadly, I have decided to move on from Radio 2. Sad to leave the show, sad to leave Jo, sad to leave Wogan House (I thought I’d be dragged out aged 120). But circumstances change…
"Juggling my writing and radio has become increasingly tricky (a nice problem to have). I’ve just signed a new 2 book deal with the nice folk at Transworld and they’ll be expecting something half decent before too long.
"On top of that my ‘Itch’ books are about to be filmed for television in Australia and the work turning ‘Mad Blood Stirring’ into a movie continues apace.
"I know, I know, I’m as surprised at this turn of events as you. But at my grand old age to be setting off on these brand new trails is enormous fun. And all the more so for being so unexpected.There are, however, only so many hours in a day. (sic)"
Blockbusters to return
