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Play To The Whistle
- TV panel show
- ITV1
- 2015 - 2017
- 19 episodes (3 series)
Sports-based comedy panel show hosted by Holly Willoughby. Also features Bradley Walsh, Frank Lampard, Romesh Ranganathan, Seann Walsh and Jimmy Bullard
Press clippings
ITV to rest Play To The Whistle panel show
ITV will reportedly not be commissioning a fourth series of sports-based panel show Play To The Whistle, however the format may occasionally return for one-off specials.
British Comedy Guide, 6th September 2017Acceptable banter with intermittent sporting references as the quiz series continues. Tonight's guests include Jonathan Ross and Chris Kamara, the famously haphazard Sky football pundit. The quiz itself is fair enough, and reveals Frank Lampard to be capable of justifying his alleged genius-level IQ in his solo round. Still, Jonathan Ross is a far better host than guest, and Kamara is wont to seize the limelight whenever possible, making for uncomfortable viewing.
John Robinson, The Guardian, 30th April 2016Forty-five minutes of high spirits in front of a rowdy audience - Play To The Whistle isn't so much a sport quiz as a chimps' tea party hosted by Holly Willoughby. Team captains Bradley Walsh and Frank Lampard attempt to keep things steady, while Romesh Ranganathan supplies banter. The show distinguishes itself, however, with the inclusion of physical games, which add an element of surprise. Diver Tom Daley and career panellist Richard Osman are tonight's guests.
John Robinson, The Guardian, 16th April 2016ITV order Series 2 of Play To The Whistle
ITV has ordered a second series of Play To The Whistle, the sports-focused comedy panel show hosted by Holly Willoughby.
British Comedy Guide, 18th November 2015ITV give Frank Lampard little to laugh about
Management might look more attractive to ex-pros if appearing on panel shows is the alternative, writes Alan Tyers.
Alan Tyers, The Telegraph, 24th May 2015Holly Willoughby interview
Big nights out are few and far between for the Sussex-raised star, who is also mum to Harry, who turns six in May, and four-year-old Belle.
This is Gloucestershire, 29th April 2015An obvious attempt to capitalise on the success of Sky One's superior A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle had none of that show's charm or boyish humour. Part of the reason for this was the bizarre decision to have Holly Willoughby host the show which I don't think suited her girl-next-door style. Indeed, I found that she failed to make any of her scripted lines remotely funny and her attempts to act like one of the boys fell flat. In my opinion Play to the Whistle would've been a lot better had team captain Bradley Walsh taken up hosting duties. As anybody who watches The Chase knows, Bradley Walsh is a fine anchor and he was the stand out performer against a mediocre group. The only other highlights were provided by Jimmy Bullard who was the show's recurring character, often competing against team members in a number of challenges. Bullard, who was the best contestant on last year's I'm a Celebrity, would've made a better team captain than the dull Frank Lampard and I do feel the roles on the show definitely need a rethink. The other problem was that each round didn't last very long meaning that it was hard to play along at home or indeed root for either team. One example saw comedian Rob Beckett take on Bullard in a hurdles race which lasted all of about thirty seconds and provoked no laughter to speak of. There was also very little humour provided by the opening five minutes of banter the majority of which didn't do much for the overall feel of the show. At the end of the day, for a programme that's meant to have comedy at its centre, there was nothing about Play to the Whistle that was very funny. I do feel that if Walsh had replaced Willoughby and Bullard had taken his place at least there would've been a bit more fun. But as it was Play to the Whistle is one of those shows that has been written by committee and looks destined to join the host of Saturday night shows that eventually sunk without a trace.
Matt, The Custard TV, 18th April 2015Holly Willoughby to host new ITV panel show
Holly Willoughby has signed up to present Play To The Whistle, a new comedy panel show for ITV focused on the world of sport.
British Comedy Guide, 26th March 2015