Saturday Banana, The

1 9 7 8 – 1 9 7 9 (UK)
32 x 120 minute episodes

Starting in July 1978, Goodies star Bill Oddie presented this Tiswas-style Saturday morning ITV show for younger viewers. Oddie was assisted by Bill Gamon.

Originally planned as a nine-week experiment over the summer, the show eventually ran until 30 December and returned in November and December 1979 for a brief second series, which was only broadcast in Southern and Anglia viewing regions.

Broadcast live from the Southern TV studios in Southampton, The Saturday Banana featured pop music, phone-ins, film spots, the “Banana Top 10”, “Banaggravations” (where youngsters could air their grievances) and a fast and furious version of the Runaround game.

Wrapped into the show were old episodes of Sesame Street, Batman, The Beachcombers, and The Monkees.

Guests included The Rezillos, Darts, The Rich Kids, Ed Stewart, Lene Lovich, Mr Nasty, Eddie Kidd, Wreckless Eric, Rachel Sweet, Roy Dotrice, Metal Mickey, Robert Powell, Gruppo Sportivo, Graeme Garden and Tim Brooke-Taylor.

Host
Bill Oddie

Video