Crush A Grape

1 9 8 8 (UK)
16 x 30 minute episodes

Energetically presented by one-time Crackerjack host Stu Francis – along with co-hosts Nikki Ellen and Linda Nolan (the “Naughty Nolan” of the Nolan Sisters singing group,) and clown Charlie Cairoli – Crush A Grape featured two teams of children (assisted by a celebrity guest) who took part in games with names like “Grab a Grape” and “Bumper-Buch”.

The low-rent games included grabbing beanbags out of a giant head to answer questions and pulling a balloon off the wall, and performing a challenge based on what lay behind it.

At the end of each show, one of the celebs would take on one of the hosts whilst sitting in a gunge tank – failure to get a question right resulted in a very messy finish.

Guests included The Krankies, Rolf Harris, Bail Brush, Jim Bowen and Geoff Capes.

The ITV show – produced by Border Television and filmed at the Sands Leisure Centre in Carlisle – was named after Francis’ catchphrase.

Hosts
Stu Francis
Charlie Cairoli
Nikki Ellen
Linda Nolan

Video