Shows the stars can’t resist

Press, 25 November 1982, Page 19

Shows the stars can’t resist

From JUDITH REGAN in London Never have fun and games been such big business . . . when they are on TV. Once regarded as down-market shows for second-rate actors, TVs top panel games are now firm favourites with the stars. "After all. there’s no better wav of getting your personality over to the public — and enjoying yourself as well.” said a veteran panellist, Kenneth Williams, and

other stars agreed. Now. even “straight” actors and actresses like Joanna Lumley, Christopher Cazenove. Beryl Reid and Richard O’Sullivan are venturing into the unscripted jungle of panel games — and enjoying every minute. Beryl Reid regularly turns up on such shows as “Celebrity Squares” or “Does the Team Think?” “Well, it's nice to keep working, isn't it?” she said. . “I'm one of those people who can’t bear to be idle, so if I’m not involved in a play or a film, then TV is the answer, and why not a panel game? And. besides, they’re fun.”

Madeline Smith, another

“Celebrity Squares” regular, said: “I’m always delighted to be asked to appear on panel games, but I certainly don't do it for the money — it costs a fortune in clothes. "You simply can’t keep turning up in the same outfits.”

Frank Muir .seems to have very few wardrobe problems, and his pink satin bow tie has become a hallmark of “Call My Bluff.” He said: “I never have any trouble persuading people to come on to the show. For a start, I think it’s an amusing format — and there’s nothing so-called celebrities enjoy more than a good old battle for their share of the limelight.” Said Joanna Lumley, who has now landed her first big film starring role in the new Pink Panther movie: “Without wanting to sound too serious about it all, I think panel games give one the opportunity to ‘stretch’ oneself.

“By that, I mean you have to be entertaining in your own right, as opposed to sticking rigidly to a prewritten script, and it’s quite a challenge.”

Una Stubbs, who leads her team in “Give Us A Clue,” also loves appearing on other panel games. “I like all the backchat that goes on in between the serious bits,” she said.

“Although it’s a bit nerveracking at- first, it’s lovely when it all warms up and everyone relaxes.

“I enjoy ‘Give Us A Clue’ most of all, though, I think, because I trained as a dancer, and I love mime. We get so many letters from viewers who say they started off by thinking it was all so silly, and then got hooked on it.

“That’s nice, because I think, basically, although there’s an enormous amount of clowning in it, it’s clever, and a lot of the mimes are really difficult. “You get an enormous feeling of satisfaction if you can get your own particular message across to your team.”

Lionel Blair, who is also a trained dancer, agreed. “I love the challenge of mime, and I think our show is perhaps a little more difficult for ‘straight’ actors and actresses.”

Richard O’Sullivan admitted: “I’m an absolute sucker for panel games. I enjoy watching them as much as I do appearing on them. “They’re such jolly affairs, and it’s fun to be absolutely outrageous at times.

“They’re a great ‘leveller,” too, for you daren’t take yourself too seriously, otherwise you just come over as pompous.” Diana Dors, always a, top

favourite with panel game presenters, agreed: “I think that although you are asked along because you’re ‘you’ whoever you might be, 'you also have to remember that you are there primarily to entertain.” Liza Goddard, who will be back on British screens in a few months in “Take Three Women,” which is the followup to the hit series of 13 years ago, “Take Three Girls,” said: "A lot of socalled stars think they’re too big to appear on panel games, but it’s such a silly attitude.

“I’m always delighted to be asked to do one. If it’s something that involves actual skill, then I’m thrilled if I get it right, and if it’s guess-work I’m even more pleased. “Either way, it’s fun, and a lot of laughs.” The singer, Lulu, and the magician, Paul Daniels, are two other panel-game regulars. And, like! Madeline Smith, Lulu said: “I certainly, don’t do it for the money. “I think panel games are enormous fun, but for a showbusiness personality they are also useful. I don’t do an enormous amount of television work, so the occasional ‘game’ is very handy, for it’s a way of keeping in touch with viewers.” Said Paul Daniels: “I don’t have as much time free as I used to, so l have to turn down more panel-game shows than I’d like these days.

“But if I do have a couple of weeks in between jobs then I’m delighted to appear on something. “Why? Two very good reasons — I like to keep my mug before the public, it’s an important part of the job — plus, of course, the fact that it is a job. And I’m a workaholic!” Features International.