The Unpredictable Genius of Shooting Stars
In a nostalgic look back at the beloved BBC panel show Shooting Stars, creators Bob Mortimer and Vic Reeves have revealed the inspired idiocy and chaotic creativity that defined the programme. From stink bombs to stuffed buzzards, the duo shared anecdotes that highlight the show's unique blend of humour and spontaneity.
Origins and Early Days
Bob Mortimer recalls first seeing the concept during Vic Reeves Big Night Out, where a segment called The Big Quiz caught his attention. "I'd never seen anything like it," he said. "It was full of meaningless questions and had an attitude." This sparked the idea that eventually evolved into Shooting Stars. The show began as a one-off in a Christmas special, but its success led the BBC to commission it as a full series.
The writing process was intense, with Mortimer and Reeves spending hours crafting true or false questions. "We loved it, so we were happy to give it the time," Mortimer noted. The show's unscripted nature extended to its cast, including Matt Lucas as George Dawes, whose costumes and songs were often a surprise to the hosts.
Chaotic Moments and Guest Reactions
Vic Reeves, also known as Jim Moir, emphasised the show's unpredictable elements. "No one knew about stuff until we did it," he said. One memorable prank involved placing a stink bomb in Stephen Fry's shoe, which filled the studio with a foul odour. Another controversial moment featured a stuffed buzzard wearing a crucifix, leading to complaints from Christians who argued that birds couldn't be Christians. "It's the most complaints we ever got," Reeves admitted.
Guests often found themselves in bizarre situations, from having cheeses dropped on them to fearing a cage with a monkey. Some, like Larry Hagman, seemed unsure but went along with the madness. "People always say they're glad they did it. They may be lying," Mortimer quipped. The challenges, such as the Dove from Above round, were invented purely for laughs, with no clear origin.
Impact and Legacy
Shooting Stars is credited with altering the parameters of panel shows, introducing a level of fun and imagination previously unseen. "It was one of the few places where you got a little glimpse into what a celebrity was really like," Mortimer reflected. The show's catchphrases, like "Eranu" and "Uvavu," became iconic, along with Reeves' habit of rubbing his knees and raising handbags.
Team captains Mark Lamarr and Ulrika Jonsson added to the dynamic, with Lamarr's deadpan style and Jonsson's competitive spirit. Reeves recalled how easily Lamarr joined the show, while Jonsson's gravitas from weather presenting made her a perfect fit. The hosts encouraged them to give as good as they got, fostering a lively atmosphere.
In summary, Shooting Stars served as an antidote to traditional comedy, offering a format that audiences could embrace before taking unexpected turns. Its legacy endures in the memories of fans and the continued influence on modern panel shows.
