Simon Mayo Named Host of Challenge’s “Blockbusters”
Challenge, the British game show network, has named radio and television personality Simon Mayo the new host of the cult classic quiz show Blockbusters. Simon Mayo previously hosted two series of the lottery quiz show Winning Lines and a TV adaptation of his radio feature Confessions. Blockbusters first began on British television in 1983 and was hosted by the late Bob Holness. The show is based off the short lived 1980s American version. The British version enjoyed much longer success, lasting until 2001 in its first run.
“Blockbusters is the ultimate cult TV quiz, and we think that Simon Mayo is the perfect host to bring it back to our screens,” commented Barbara Gibbon, director of Challenge TV. “We hope that it will be popular not only with those of us who loved it the first time around but also with a brand new generation of fans. We might even bring back the hand-jive!”
Simon Mayo, Blockbusters presenter said: “Blockbusters is an iconic show and a winning format. I feel very honoured and excited.”
Suzy Lamb, Head of Entertainment, Thames added: “It’s testament to the huge popularity of Blockbusters, that Challenge TV have commissioned a new series.”
Here’s a bit of Simon hosting Winning Lines. We’re looking forward to the new series of Blockbusters and, personally, I feel it’s an incredibly smart move, if you’re a Game Show Network, to look at past popular game shows that are usually in the top ranking of your lineup, and attempt to find a way to revive them.
Simon Mayo is an excellent radio host (I’ve heard him a few times), and I think he’ll do well with this. Congrats! :)
How about a new Syndicated version for the US maybe fall 2013 or 2014 from Fremantle (owners of the G-T library titles)?
I think I’d rather get a good long-lasting 1-hour primetime game show, rather than yet another 30-minute syndicated game show…too many of those these days that don’t interest me…
I think You’re right; a 1 hour primetime network version may work best, say NBC, home of the original 80-82 Cullen and 87 Rafferty shows; who would be a good host to do this and also how much Gold Run would be worth to win?
Great choice of host!! Love him on Winning Lines (when I see it on YouTube). Wish we [USA] could get in on some of these great UK shows.
Very Good Idea. It should be exciting to see US Game Shows, UK Game Shows and Aussie Game Shows if only GSN, Challenge TV(UK) and FremantleMedia are making a partnership agreement.
But because if they were, then Sony would also have to be involved now that they own GSN.
Love that last bit, Alex. I see what you did there.
I honestly think that Blockbusters should get a revival here in the states. its long over due and since theres been a lot of talks that Drew Carrey have been looking like Bill Cullen, then I think its safe to say that Drew should host it.
His jokes were AWFUL!!!