Going Live!
Going Live! was a Saturday morning magazine show, broadcast on BBC1 between 1987 and 1993. It was presented by Phillip Schofield and Sarah Greene. Other presenters included Trevor and Simon, Peter Simon, Emma Forbes, and puppet Gordon the Gopher. The show was broadcast during the autumn to spring seasons, with other shows such as the 8:15 from Manchester and Parallel 9 taking over during the summer months. It was preceded by Saturday Superstore, and succeeded by Live & Kicking. In 1988, when the second series started, Greene was hurt in a helicopter crash with her then boyfriend, Mike Smith. Guest presenters stood in for her including T'Pau's Carol Decker. Similarly, in 1992-93 during the final series, Schofield was starring in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and was unable to present the show. A third presenter took his place. Originally, Neighbours actor Kristian Schmid took the role but soon left after problems with his work permit. Various other celebrities to stand in included Shane Richie and Robbie Williams during his Take That days.
Insights
Plot Summary
Going Live! was a flagship Saturday morning children's television show broadcast on the BBC. Hosted primarily by Phillip Schofield, it featured a mix of cartoons, interactive games, music, and celebrity guests. The show was known for its vibrant energy, engaging segments, and the beloved puppet character Gordon the Gopher.
Critical Reception
Going Live! was a highly popular and influential program during its run, widely considered a defining show of 1990s British children's television. It consistently garnered large audiences and positive feedback for its entertainment value and appeal to its target demographic, becoming a weekend ritual for many families.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its energetic and fun presentation.
- Celebrated for its variety of content, appealing to a wide range of children.
- Phillip Schofield's hosting was consistently highlighted as a major strength.
Google audience: Audience reviews for Going Live! are largely nostalgic, with many users remembering it fondly as a highlight of their childhood Saturday mornings. The show is recalled for its infectious enthusiasm, memorable characters like Gordon the Gopher, and its ability to entertain a generation.
Fun Fact
The show famously featured a live on-air incident where a segment of the floor collapsed during a demonstration, sending presenter Phillip Schofield and guest Andy Peters tumbling into a pit below.
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