I really like it too - I didn't think much of the first two series, but something really clicked last year and it's become one of my favourite programmes.

It's entertainment/education/a show to help you take stock of your own lucky life. Kids these days could do with reminding.

Jeremy Kyle gives me nightmares - god knows what he does to kids.

I've got the overnight for last Sunday's - Gary Kemp's take on modern British art - which got 0.78m (4.9%) including +1 according to Broadcast magazine (no tape-checking adjustment needed). It had tough competition from BBC News (5.81m/30.4%), the regional news, and Match of the Day 2 (2.91m/24.6% for the whole programme, not tape-checked).

The Sunday before it was about Houdini with Alan Davies which I don't have the figure for but I imagine did rather better given the guest presenter and more-accessible subject-matter.

Tonight it was René Magritte with Will Young, of all things.

Is that as bizarre as it sounds?

Haven't watched; maybe H did and can tell us.

Fun fact: Will Young once had a meal at our local pub.

Is that what counts as fun in Cornwall?

What are we expecting for Bear Grylls new show on C4 at 9pm tomorrow? Seen a lot of promo, even on ITV during Corrie and on the radio as well so surely should be looking at over 2m inc plus 1 to be worth it all?

We take what thrills we can get...

The few predictions so far in the RPG range widely, from 1.0m to 2.0m (exc +1). Must be quite an expensive enterprise to start with, never mind the promotion. I would agree that 2m (inc +1) is a minimum for what would be acceptable really.

Channel 5 are trotting out repeat after repeat all Bank Holiday evening which will help a bit. And this Corden/Barlow thing I'm thinking will do very poorly. Prey should do quite well with no terrestrial drama competition, especially if the snooker fails to go the distance, as seems likely.

Hopefully. What a dire offering from BBC ONE at 9PM on a Bank Holiday.

I saw it advertised but didn't really pay attention to the slot. I assumed it would be placed no more prominently than on the fringes of primetime, not right in the heart of it!

I have to agree; it's a shocking excuse for a Bank Holiday centrepiece. There isn't even a charity-related or any other kind of hook to it: just Corden following Barlow around and chatting about the latter's life.

Is there anyone in the country who actually likes both of these fellows? It's doubtful.

Robbie would be apoplectic at BBC bosses if he were here.

Thanks. Such a shame a quality doc is avoided so much by the wider audience. They obviously would prefer news after news. That is one thing ITV should have started, a channel dedicated to quality docs.

Thing is, ITV have got rid of as many PSB commitments as they can over the years, so people who are interested don't think to look to the channel for the few arts programmes and serious documentaries that remain. They used to be a powerhouse for such content, but of course they once had a monopoly or near-monopoly on advertising income and so could afford to.

No. It's because they're all on the dedicated Strictly thread.

This might be controversial but I don't care as it's five past three in the morning - I think increased competition has actually hurt the quality of television programming rather than improved it, particularly on the commercial networks.

I would say that's the wrong way 'round.

Increases in the number of channels is a result of the decline in the quality of both BBC and ITV as sources of entertainment.

Disatisfied with BBC/ITV the public look around for something to watch and lo!, channels spring up to take advantage of this.

Not sure I agree with that. You might have an argument if the new channels themselves had any quality but in the main they are dross.

Looks like a love in, Corden being sycophantic to Barlow throughout.

I wouldn't be surprised if it rated well though, people do like Barlow particularly the core older generation who like a nice chap rather than someone like Clarkson.

The BBC do seem to have a thing for Barlow.
Not sure how popular he is either not exactly a big success on XF was he?

Yes but the people watching don't think so.

But more people are still watching the main channels as well.

Would be nice to see it be a breakout hit but it's a tough slot with Prey and Game of Thrones amongst the competition.

Perhaps his 'popularity' (I use that term loosely) on The X Factor is based on their decision to use him more. Particularly after that concert on NYE, with ratings like that I'm sure there are a further 10 programmes lined up for Barlow to star.


This doc tonight will do well despite its apparent poor offering. I'm betting it will still get 4million watching. Or I could be competently wrong and it does really badly, but I doubt it.

Some low total numbers last night:

Countryfile - 5.28m (28.2%)
Antiques Roadshow - 4.57m (20.6%)
The Crimson Field - 4.42m (18.9%)