ITV’s shiny new celebrity sports day-esque programme The Games seemed all too familiar for many viewers. Fans of a certain age will be able to remember a very similar format which could be seen on TVs almost a decade ago.
Also called The Games, this original series ran on Channel 4 from 2003 to 2006. The show saw 10 celebrities compete against each other, by doing Olympic-style events, such as weightlifting, gymnastics and diving. You can certainly see the similarities!
At the end of the series, the contestants with the most points from each round were awarded either a gold, silver or bronze medal. Winners across the four series included Hollyoaks actress Terri Dwyer, Boyzone’s Shane Lynch and presenter Kirsty Gallacher.
Read more: ITV The Games viewers switch off after ‘boring’ opening night
With this reboot leaving many viewers underwhelmed, largely down to the long stretches of talking, those who watched the original version believed that format to be the superior one. Jamie Theakston was the man chosen to front that version, with Holly Willoughby and Freddie Flintoff taking the reins this year.
It was mainly filmed in Sheffield, at the Sheffield Arena, Don Valley Stadium and Ponds Forge. In later series, further venues were used, such as the English Institute of Sport Sheffield, iceSheffield and, in series 4, the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham.
Track-side reports from Jayne Middlemiss in series 1–3 and Kirsty Gallacher in series 4 were features of the show - Alex Scott has taken over that role this year - while David Goldstrom took on the role of commentator - now provided by Simon Brotherton and Chris Kamara. There were even three Champion of Champions specials during its stint on the telly.
One iconic moment from the show seemingly lost to history was Bobby Davro wonderfully dive-bombing into TV legend. Septimus McClonk (@clm2071) reminded fans of this wonderful moment from the TV vaults.
Other viewers also took to Twitter to share their memories of the programme. Cat (@sparkles589) said: “Used to absolutely LOVE the Channel 4 programme "The Games" “So I'm very very intrigued by ITV's version of #thegames."
James (@JamesOlympics) was in no doubt about where this format belongs. “The early 2000s just called - they want #TheGames back…" he said.
Daniel Fawcett (@DanTheManF1) was hopeful of similar levels of enjoyment: “Loved #TheGames on Channel 4 when I was a kid! Let’s see if this revival is any good…”
While Katie Dunlop (@scarykt) had a more personal recollection: “Fun fact, in the original version of #TheGames circa early 2000 I was a tester/stand-in for the hammer throw so they could practice all the camera angles etc. Also got to stay in 'the house' overnight & got filmed 24/7, I was fake Charlie Dimmock. It was bonkers & great fun!”
It wasn’t just Channel 4’s The Games which it reminded people of, some were transported back to the ‘90s and Gladiators, but many saw it as a poor man’s Superstars. The much-loved sports entertainment programme was initially broadcast between 1973 and 1985 and was presented by David Vine and Ron Pickering.
ChrisP (@Chris1968E) said: “#TheGames feeling a bit nostalgic for superstars, can't think why.” While Matt Bright (@brighty70) said: “Love @flintoff11 but #thegames was absolutely shocking. Rip off superstars with Love Islanders. Awful. Bring back superstars and do it properly.”
