This ITV show is compulsive and moving viewing and with more episodes to come, it’s clear this original series is going to be massive.
So, what is it all about?
It is a celebrity interview show where the interviewers have autism, other forms of neurodivergence and learning disabilities. BEST YET, NO QUESTIONS IS OFF LIMITS AND THEY HAVE TO ANSWER HONESTLY.
The first episode had Danny Dyer in the hot seat. The first question was asked by a young woman called Chardonnay, who dived straight in asking the Eastenders star about his finances and if he shares a bank account with his wife. It was once reported that his wife Jo kicked him out of the house and drew off their joint funds. What I appreciated was that he was fully transparent and stated that he was constantly off his face at the time and was struggling with drugs. He explained that Jo now controls everything now when it comes to finances.
I loved his honesty and the open and non-judgmental way the questions were asked.
I’ve never heard such a direct question on TV before, where most of the time they just give the celebrity a spot to plug their latest venture.
The questions become lighter as one woman asks about how much money he got paid for presenting the gameshow ‘The Wall”. He did answer it, saying that he got £100,000.
Some of the questions where excellent even the generic ones about Eastenders and how it rejuvenated his career.
As a journalist myself I have learnt a thing or two from the group’s interviewing style. It is all quite laid back but very direct, which is great as you feel like you are in the conversation with them. They intertwine the past and present questions brilliantly whilst the celebrity guest can give some anecdotes and answer the question truthfully.
I have to say that I did enjoy the second episode more as they interview David Tennant, and I prefer him as an actor to Danny Dyer.
David is a less unguarded than Dyer, but he does reveal his devastation at losing his parents and he is impressive in his vocal support for trans people. There are also some great moments such as when he performs Shakespeare with a young interviewer and when he learns how to dance Madonna’s “Vogue”.
There was great bit where he was listing who played Doctor Who in order with a panellist and made a bit where he occasionally “forgot” to include himself (the 14th doctor, who was that again, he hilariously said).
What I thought was very moving was at the end of each episode we get to hear excellent live musical performances from the interviewers that close out the programme (covers of movin’ on up by Primal Scream and the Proclaimers Sunshine on Leith respectively).
These renditions bought tears to the guest’s eyes.
It is warm and funny show and in its quiet way, deeply serious and heartfelt. I am excited to watch Gary Lineker and Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall, who are lined up next and see what topics they are going to share.
The challenges that the group of questioner’s face in real life comes second to the amazing insight, empathy and individuality that they possess.
I really do recommend this light-hearted and amazing show.
I am sure it is going to be classic TV.