Star Games

1 9 7 8 – 1 9 8 0 (UK)
16 x 45/60 minute episodes

Thames Television presented this kind of superstar It’s A Knockout hosted by Michael Aspel in which comedians, DJs and personalities from the television and music scenes tested their athletic skills to raise money for charities chosen by the Variety Club of Great Britain.

The sports included target golf, five-a-side football, tug-of-war, relay race, canoeing, archery, ten-pin bowling, motorcycling and an obstacle course consisting of ropes, bars, tyres and climbing frames with a final sprint for home.

Competitors throughout the series included actors Robin Askwith, David Jason, Dennis Waterman, Rula Lenska, Liza Goddard, Robert Lindsay, Bill Oddie, Richard O’Sullivan, Colin Baker, Richard Beckinsale, Linda Hayden, Bernard Cribbins, Peter Gordeno, Gareth Hunt, Nina Baden-Semper, Nigel Havers, Arthur English, Lewis Collins, Gabrielle Drake, Nicholas Ball, Tony Selby and Patrick Mower.

Musicians taking part included Suzi Quatro, Kenny Lynch, Dave Dee, Micky Dolenz, Acker Bilk, Joe Brown, Alvin Stardust, Lynsey de Paul, Jackie Trent (who pulled a hamstring in the relay and fainted from the pain before she could receive treatment), Denny Laine of Wings, Jimmy Pursey, Steve Harley and Duncan Mackay from 10cc.

DJs Alan Freeman, John Peel, Tony Blackburn, Bob Harris, Dave Lee Travis, Peter Powell, Sue Cook, Maggie Norden and Emperor Rosko also competed.

Assisting Aspel at various times as commentators and interviewers were Jenny Hanley, Alan Pascoe, Lynda Bellingham, Gerald Sinstadt, Pam Rhodes and David Wilkie.

The coveted TV Times trophy was awarded to the successful finalists at the end of the series.