The first episode of Mel and Sue's revamped The Generation Game airs on Saturday evening, Easter Sunday, and the presenters are certain the show will be their own thing with no imitation or emulation of previous hosts.
Larry Grayson, Jim Davidson and Bruce Forsyth all helmed the popular family series, but former Great British Bake Off hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins say their version ‘’won’t take anything away from earlier versions."
"The thing is, The Generation Game has had numerous iterations over the years and every time there is a new one, people have kicked off, " Sue Perkins told The Sun.
"I get that, but at the same time, we are not trying to change it or hurt the brand. We have invested it with the same spirit as some of our favourite episodes, and there was such a feeling of joy about it."
Neither will the pair attempt to emulate the inimitable talents of late Bruce Forsyth, who hosted The Generation Game arguably with the greatest success.
"I think that would have got people’s backs up," Sue added. "There is only one Brucie and we would never try to copy him, he is irreplaceable."
One of the games they will revive is good old plate-spinning. In past series, families were only allowed to take part if they wore safety goggles, as BBC execs made sure there was no litigation.
The Generation Game first arrived on BBC screens almost 50 years ago and in its prime attracted audiences of 25 million. Such heady figures can hardly be expected in the fiercely competitive TV climate of Sunday night TV today.
The Generation Game airs at 8.00pm on BBC One tonight.
