Though no fan of the late Jim Bowen, I must admit that I enjoyed this darts based game show, helped by the fact that I am not averse to the odd game of darts myself. The long running Central Television game show began in 1981 and at its peak pulled in viewers in the region of 20 million, pleasing viewers with its light hearted quips provided by Bowen, as well as the interesting array of guests who appeared on the show.
It was like this - three pairs of contestants would compete against each other to win prizes. One member of the pair would be instructed to answer general knowledge questions whilst the other was instructed to throw the arrows. The star prize ranged from being a car ( which would be no use to someone who couldn't drive ), a speedboat, a caravan or a luxury holiday. Though the losing players would leave with a least a set of darts and a bullseye tankard.
Tony Green appeared alongside Bowen as co-host ( who always told the player ''In your own time!'', as they were about to take their throw ). Bowen could irritate somewhat, especially with the use of his catchphrases such as ''Lovely, Smashing!'', or ''Let's see what you could have won!'' ( which he would tactlessly say after the player lost their prize. Nothing like rubbing salt in the wound, is there?'' ).
Many of the biggest darts players of the time guested on the show such as Jocky Wilson, Eric Bristow, Ray Farrell, Mike Gregory and John Lowe. There were also plenty of celebrity guests on the show too such as Pat Roach, Lionel Blair, Gary Wilmot, Carol Lee Scott and, believe it or not, The Krankies.
Central cancelled the show in 1995 but it was revived in 2006 for Challenge TV, this time with Dave Spikey hosting but it didn't work. The original will always be the best.
Say what you will about the show but I still find it highly enjoyable, even if it is purely just for the nostalgia of the piece. In 1987, 'Naked Video' did an amusing parody of the show, with Tony Roper as Jim Bowen and Gregor Fisher as Tony Green.
It was like this - three pairs of contestants would compete against each other to win prizes. One member of the pair would be instructed to answer general knowledge questions whilst the other was instructed to throw the arrows. The star prize ranged from being a car ( which would be no use to someone who couldn't drive ), a speedboat, a caravan or a luxury holiday. Though the losing players would leave with a least a set of darts and a bullseye tankard.
Tony Green appeared alongside Bowen as co-host ( who always told the player ''In your own time!'', as they were about to take their throw ). Bowen could irritate somewhat, especially with the use of his catchphrases such as ''Lovely, Smashing!'', or ''Let's see what you could have won!'' ( which he would tactlessly say after the player lost their prize. Nothing like rubbing salt in the wound, is there?'' ).
Many of the biggest darts players of the time guested on the show such as Jocky Wilson, Eric Bristow, Ray Farrell, Mike Gregory and John Lowe. There were also plenty of celebrity guests on the show too such as Pat Roach, Lionel Blair, Gary Wilmot, Carol Lee Scott and, believe it or not, The Krankies.
Central cancelled the show in 1995 but it was revived in 2006 for Challenge TV, this time with Dave Spikey hosting but it didn't work. The original will always be the best.
Say what you will about the show but I still find it highly enjoyable, even if it is purely just for the nostalgia of the piece. In 1987, 'Naked Video' did an amusing parody of the show, with Tony Roper as Jim Bowen and Gregor Fisher as Tony Green.