Mel & Sue to present The Generation Game?
- The Sun newspaper reports that Mel & Sue are to host a new version of The Generation Game
- The job is reportedly part of a package being offered to them by the BBC following the loss of Bake Off
- A BBC spokesperson said: "This is speculation and we have nothing further to add"
The Sun newspaper reports that Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins are being lined up by the BBC to host a new version of The Generation Game.
The newspaper says that the game show is part of a package that BBC executives have offered the comedy duo to keep them on the channel following The Great British Bake Off moving to Channel 4.
A source reportedly said: "Mel and Sue are seen as exactly what this classic show needs. They were seen as a perfect replacement."
It has been known for some time that BBC One controller Charlotte Moore wants to revive The Generation Game. In 2014 it was announced that Miranda Hart was to host the format, but she has subsequently distanced herself from the project.
Launched in 1971, The Generation Game was regularly on screen until 1982, and then revived for another 12 years between 1990 and 2002.
The game show's format involves family members of different ages competing in a series of challenges. The final round famously involved a conveyor belt of potential prizes, most of which were not of very high value - including a large cuddly toy.
Bruce Forsyth is perhaps the best remembered host of the show - with catchphrases including "Nice to see you, to see you, nice!" and "Didn't they do well?" - however the format was also fronted for a period by Larry Grayson (1978 to 1981), known for catchphrase "Shut that door!", and Jim Davidson, who took over from Forsyth in 1994.
Responding to The Sun's news story about Mel & Sue, a BBC spokesperson said: "This is speculation and we have nothing further to add."