Jason Manford teases return of ICONIC BBC game show
Jason Manford has hinted at the return of an iconic BBC game show, 21 years after its last series aired.
The comedian, 41, revealed that he would make a “fine host” following in the footsteps of the late, great Sir Bruce Forsyth.
speaking to television magazineJason said: The only show that I would have a big hit on, if it came up, is The Generation Game.”
The classic show featured pairs of multi-generational family members competing in silly tasks and challenges to win prizes that were then displayed on the famous conveyor belt.
“If that were to come up again, and they wanted me to do it, I would definitely be up for it.
High hopes: Jason Manford has hinted at the return of an iconic BBC game show, 21 years after its last series aired.
Shoes to fill: The comedian said he would make a ‘good host’ by following in the footsteps of the late, great Sir Bruce Forsyth (pictured on the show in 1992)
New job? Jason said, “The only show I would have a big hit on, if it came up, is The Generation Game.”
‘I feel like I would be good at it. I’m not a big fan of celebrity shows and all, I like normal people.’
The late Sir Bruce Forsyth presented the show from 1971 to 1977 before being replaced by Larry Grayson, who ran the show from 1978 to 1982.
Bruce then returned to the series from 1990-1995 before Jim Davidson directed the series from 1995-2002.
In 2018, the game show returned briefly with a widescreen reboot hosted by Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.
Controversial comedian Jim criticized the new hosts of the beloved TV show saying they were “not right” for the show that used to attract an audience of 25 million.
The one from the former GBBO team: ‘They’re not right, they won’t know how to improvise. They’re not there to teach you how to bake a damn cake.
“I don’t know these women, never heard of them, but you need someone who is able to improvise and push the show forward.”
The news comes after Jason took to Instagram on Monday to share a “heartbreaking” update after his beloved grandmother Leah, 99, was rushed to hospital last month.
Fun Moments: The show featured pairs of multi-generational family members competing in silly tasks and challenges to win prizes that were then displayed on the now-iconic conveyor belt.
Golden Comedy: The late Sir Bruce Forsyth hosted the show from 1971 to 1977 before being replaced by Larry Grayson (pictured), who headlined the show from 1978 to 1982.
Back Again: Bruce then returned to the 1990 and 1995 series before Jim Davidson directed the series from 1995 to 2002 (above with Melanie Stace)
Widescreen: In 2018, the game show returned briefly with a widescreen reboot hosted by Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins (pictured)
The comedian posted photos of himself and his loved ones at the old lady’s bedside as he revealed that he had sadly stopped eating.
An emotional Jason told his followers that the family was doing everything they could to “stay strong” despite the upsetting situation.
Writing: ‘Unfortunately she is still in hospital. Everyone is trying their best to get her home, but she just stopped eating (even when they gave her a box of her favorite Mother’s Day chocolates!)’.
“I’m not sure why, he says he wants to come home, he knows eating will help with this, but for some reason, maybe his dementia, he just doesn’t want to eat.”
Heartbreak: The news comes after Jason took to Instagram on Monday to share a ‘heartbreaking’ update after his beloved grandmother Leah, 99, was rushed to hospital last month.
Family: The comedian posted photos of himself and loved ones at the old lady’s bedside as he revealed that he had sadly stopped eating
Love: the loving caressed the hand of his sick grandmother in a photo
Before I add: It’s heartbreaking if I’m being honest, especially seeing my dad upset. But we stay strong as a family, laugh a lot and spend more time than necessary rubbing hand cream into those 99 year old hands… thanks again for all your kindness in the messages.”
Fans and celebrity friends rushed to the comments section to offer their support with GMB’s Kate Garraway writing: ‘Sending love.’
While West End star Ruthie Henshall commented: ‘So much love. X’.
And former Emmerdale actress Gemma Oaten wrote: ‘Sending lots of love, Jase. Continue. Keep hugging, you got this, always here if you need an ear/friend (an ear friend? That’s creepy!) I love you xxxx’.
Last month Jason told MailOnline he believed his grandmother was ‘on the mend’ and should be home in a few days.
No more: It comes after Jason said he’s ruled out having more children, saying he needs a ‘spreadsheet’ to organize his six children.
Jason shares his four oldest children with his ex Catherine and his two youngest children with TV producer wife Lucy Dyke, but the couple refrain from posting their family’s identities on social media.
He explained: ‘She’s doing much better.
“They get to a certain age and stop eating and drinking, so we had to put her on a drip, but she’s feeling so much better.”
He will return home in the next few days. It was a real change, she didn’t look like she was going to go that way. She’s turning 100 in December and she’s desperate to get there, so it was a little worrying.
“I stayed up all night with her at the hospital and they were great, they took such good care of her and she’s a million times better thankfully.”