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Television

31st Dec 2020

Bill Bailey says he is up for a Never Mind The Buzzcocks reboot

JOE

“I don’t think there is anything that’s replaced it”

Bill Bailey has said he would love to be part of a revived Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

Speaking to The Mirror, the Strictly Come Dancing champion said that making the show was “some of the best fun I’ve ever had on television”.

In September it was reported that Never Mind The Buzzcocks would be returning on Sky. Comedian Paul Chowdhry posted a now-deleted photo on Instagram of himself and Dizzee Rascal on set at Riverside Studios, reportedly filming the new show.

“I don’t think there is a show that’s similar now,” Bailey told The Mirror. “I don’t think there is anything that’s replaced it. “It’s not like they’ve given it a reboot and changed the format.”

Never Mind The Buzzcocks had a raucous reputation, with guests including Lemmy of Motörhead, Preston of The Ordinary Boys and Huey Morgan from the Fun Lovin’ Criminals all famously walking out during recordings.

“It was some of the best fun I’ve ever had on television. I mean, those records would go on for two hours sometimes,” Bailey explained.

“What you ended up on the screen was just a fraction of the mayhem that was actually going on. They were great fun. And people would sort of get nervous.”

“Just take it in good stead. That’s what we used to say to them. Just come on the show and just be yourself, and just maybe mention some kind of shenanigans you got up to.”

Never Mind The Buzzcocks ran for 281 episodes over 28 series, between 1996 and 2014.

The show was originally hosted by Mark Lamarr for the first 17 seasons. After one season of guest hosts, Simon Amstel took over for two years. After another round of guest hosts, Rodd Gilbert presented the final season in 2014.

Bill Bailey took over as team captain from Sean Hughes in 2002, until being replaced by Noel Fielding.