Absolutely. Like Strictly, it mustn't take itself to seriously. I'm well excited. 2017 suddenly looks brighter.

ITV Studios already produces Shetland which is visually beautiful so I'm hoping The Loch has a similar vibe.

I wouldn't say Emmerdale's success is overlooked.

Practically every time the ratings come in there's talk of it 'still being ahead of EE'. That and The Chase outrating Pointless seems to get some through the day.


What would you do with the seventh Emmerdale ITV run during the summer James?

For those commenting on how much promotion the BBC are providing for Let It Shine.

I'm currently watching last night's QI and it was immediately preceded by a trailer for LIS. Yes, they're even going for the QI audience.

Rubbish. You do not balance each other out. H isn't "pro-ITV" in the way you are BBC obsessed. I am pro-BBC but also recognise it has faults and does things that need criticism from time to time. Plus I watch some ITV shows because some ITV shows are, and always have been excellent.

The BBC have come up with the worst and tackiest ident package in history that a minor digital channel would never consider using let alone the nations premier broadcaster.

H watches, praises and enjoys BBC content. He also strongly criticises ITV regularly because he recognises what is good and what is bad regardless as to who makes and shows it. You are not pro-BBC. You are BBC obsessed, and your problem is that you are demanding everyone else to be so too. You are ruining this thread.

I watched The Queen on ITV on Christmas Day. I assume it was exactly the same as what BBC1 showed, unless of course the Queen was wearing a dinner suit and had a pro-BBC baseball cap on during BBC1's coverage. I also watched The Lion King on Christmas Day too!

That is the best opening I have ever seen on a talent show. Absolutely brilliant.

The production values look very high.

I hope it's a success. I like the Stars on the floor Scores concept too.

For those complaining about BBC bias towards BBC programmes in their cross-media promotion.

Steve Wright's guest yeaterday afternoon on BBC Radio 2 was Shaun Evans who was heavily promoting ITV's Endeavour whilst later today Graham Norton's guests on BBC Radio 2 include Neil Dudgeon and Nick Hendrix, the stars of ITV's Midsomer Murders.

Just saying.

I wasn't really bothered about Let It Shine, but I must admit the trailer has got me interested so I will check it out of curiosity. I've never really got into The Voice.

I do think Let It Shine will be the highest rated tonight, purely because it's a new show. I think The Voice has its fans but I can't see there being the same curiosity value for it, even though it's now gone over to ITV.

I predicted 6.6m for Let It Shine in the predictions game, but I do think it may now be able to nudge 7m. I think The Voice will be around 5.6m - 5.9m.

BBC Breakfast and The One Show very often feature stars from upcoming ITV programmes. ITV's This Morning do the same for BBC Shows.

Whatever happens regarding ratings, one can't deny that the BBC are at least putting out, at least on paper, a strong varied schedule tonight. that in itself is worthy of a gold star!

Very true Wizzy. I'm really looking forward to Taboo as well and seeing how that does

It suggests that the Lottery Quizzes were just clogging up the schedule. BBC1 now looks much stronger without the lottery!

They could always keep some of the lottery quizzes, but show them in the 6pm slot in the warm up to primetime (and give Pointless Celebrities a bit of a break too). I know it's quite a few years old now, but my favourite one is In It to Win It so I hope they keep that one going.

In It To Win It has looked a bit tired recently, but they might make more Who Dares Wins. I think they advertised for contestants, didn't they?

The only problem with Let It Shine is that it could be the biggest rating thing on television all year (obviously it won't be) but it isn't a returnable series. In any way. You can't do the same thing again. They could do similar shows like they did before finding the lead for musicals etc, but I'm not sure what bands could be used (that just happen to have an upcoming musical...) that would have the same broad appeal and back catalogue of well known songs. And with a singer that could also be a judge. Etc etc.

That said, it's for those reasons I think it will rate very well as it is effectively a one off novelty for the year so it is good for the BBC regardless.

CBB: 1.44m and 1.48m (excluding +1)

I think they may be considering a similar series looking for female singers. I'm sure the BBC won't want to let the idea die after one series if it proves to be a ratings success. That would have BBC management hyperventilating. "Ratings, ratings! We must have ratings!"

MOTD: 4.21m (20.2%)

About where I expected due to the match and bring a Friday.

BBC2 (Top 3: 7pm-11pm):
The World's Most Extraordinary Homes: 2.09m (10.1%)
Mastermind: 2.04m (9.9%)
Only Connect: 2.00m (9.1%)

I expected 4.5m so looks I was quite close there!

Channel 4 (7pm-11.5pm) (exc. +1):
The Big Fat Quiz of Everything: 1.44m (7.7%)
Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast: 1.36m (6.4%)
Channel 4 News: 0.53m (2.6%)

That's with +1

I think it was an excellent time to launch Julia Bradbry's Walks at 8pm on ITV, with no EE, I wouldn't be surpised if it was over 4m.

BBC1 (Top 3: 7pm-11.25pm):
The One Show: 4.23m (21.7%)
FA Cup Match of the Day Live: West Ham United v Manchester City: 4.21m (20.2%)
BBC News (10pm): 4.09m (22.2%)