Paddy McGuinness

Paddy McGuinness engaged to former Miss Liverpool

Paddy McGuinness got engaged to former Miss Liverpool, Christine Martin, over Christmas.

The Sun, 22nd January 2010

After a seven-year hiatus - aside from last year's so-so Christmas special - the madcap quiz show returns for a sixth series. Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer are once again at the helm, while Little Britain's Matt Lucas returns as the ever-excitable George Dawes, the man with the scores. Joining team captains Jack Dee - who replaces Will Self from the last series in 2002 - and Ulrika Jonsson this week are The One Show's Christine Bleakley, 21-year-old pop star DJ Ironik and comedians Paddy McGuinness and Dan Skinner, the latter of whom appears in the guise of a Greek burger van owner called Angelos Epithemiou.

The show, which first aired in 1993, has always divided opinion: many have found it refreshingly quirky, while others believe it to be just annoyingly bizarre.

Certainly, the aficionados will be pleased to hear that its basic format is staying true to its roots. Sadly, though, the surreal, frenetic humour which characterised Shooting Stars in its heyday now feels a little stale - and perhaps slightly forced. Nevertheless, the show still has its moments. Reeves's shameless leering and harassment of a game Bleakley, in particular, will draw a smile. The highlight of tonight's series opener, however, is the appearance of comic newcomer Epithemiou, whose lugubrious style is such that it makes the cranky and deadpan Jack Dee seem comparatively sprightly.

Patrick Smith, The Telegraph, 26th August 2009

An incredible 16 years since the pilot (what were you doing in the autumn of 1993?) this celebrity panel show - arguably the greatest but surely the quirkiest ever - is back with a six-part run. It's helmed, of course, by Vic and Bob, with Ulrika-ka-ka and Jack Dee as captains and man-baby George Dawes on drums and scores. Award-winning burger van owner Angelos Epithemiou will also be a regular, while tonight's first victims - sorry, guests - are Christine Bleakley, Paddy McGuinness and DJ Ironik. Huge fun.

What's On TV, 26th August 2009