ONE of the BBC’s most popular shows is making a return, with its former host behind the wheel – but there’s a twist.
The comedy series Room 101 will be heading to BBC Radio 4, with Paul Merton returning as host, seven years after it was last seen on TV.
The iconic show will be aired on BBC Radio 4[/caption]
Bob Monkhouse controversially cast ‘the French’ into Room 101[/caption]
The show, where guests discuss their pet hates and attempt to have them banished, first aired on BBC Radio 5 in 1992 with Nick Hancock as host.
When it moved to television in 1994, Hancock remained in charge, welcoming comedian Bob Monkhouse as the first-ever guest, who controversially cast “the French” into Room 101.
Producers confirmed: “Room 101 returns to Radio 4 in its original one-to-one incarnation, with host Paul Merton interviewing a variety of guests from the world of comedy and entertainment to find out what they would banish to Room 101.”
In 1999, Hancock was replaced by Paul Merton, who had been the first-ever guest on the original radio version.
His first TV guest was Hancock himself, and his last was fellow Have I Got News for You team captain, Ian Hislop.
The show featured five nominations per episode, represented by surreal props, with at least one item ultimately banished.
Merton stepped down in 2007, and while a replacement was initially sought, it wasn’t until 2012 that the show returned with Frank Skinner as host.
The revamped format featured multiple guests per episode and ran until 2018 when Skinner announced its cancellation after 24 years, telling the Daily Star saying: “Who the f*** cares?”
According to the newspaper, Frank added: “Room 101 is dead. But I’m alright fiscally.
“I’ve done seven series. I don’t feel that I have been washed up on the shores of stand-up.”
Now, Room 101 is returning to its roots, bringing Merton back for a fresh run on BBC Radio 4.
The next recordings of the show will be recorded on 24th March and 7th April 2025 at the Shaw Theatre in London.
If you would like to join Paul and his brilliant guests for a great night, apply via the website at www.sroaudiences.com.
