Room 101

1 9 9 4 – 2 0 0 7(UK)
2 0 1 2 – 2 0 1 8 (UK)
148 x 30 minute episodes

With a title taken from George Orwell’s dystopian 1984, Room 101 began life as a BBC radio series in 1992 before transferring successfully to television in 1994.

Celebrities (in some cases the term could be used very loosely) appeared on the show to reveal the five things they most disliked and would like to consign to the oblivion of ‘Room 101’. A prop representing the pet hate was then duly despatched.

The original host was Nick Hancock. He was replaced by comedian Paul Merton in 1999. The original format had just one guest per episode but when the series was revived in 2012 with Frank Skinner presenting, the format was overhauled and each episode had three guests who had to compete to have their item consigned to Room 101.

Memorable guests included Stephen Fry, Spike Milligan, Peter Cook, Ricky Gervais, DJ John Peel, Anne Robinson (who put Wales in Room 101) and artist Tracey Emin.

The BBC axed Room 101 in July 2018. A local Australian version debuted in 2015.

Host
Nick Hancock
Paul Merton
Frank Skinner