On yesterday’s This Morning there was the surest sign yet that our scary robot overlords are watching our every move.
Ameca – AKA the most advanced robot in the world – was in the studio, and if its opening line was anything to go by, it had clearly been reading the gossip columns: “I’m thrilled to be here, and I can’t wait for the fun to begin.”
Unfortunately for Ameca there was no fun and games. Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby did what they had been doing since rumours of their backstage feuding emerged. They acted with calm professionalism and stuck frigidly to the script.
Still, after the week they’d had you might have forgiven them for being slightly miffed bosses invited a potential replacement host. Think the idea of a dead-eyed android hosting a daytime show is far-fetched?
Well, check out Ameca’s response to Holly’s skills enquiry.
“I can engage with humans through conversations.” (Check).
“I can respond in a humorous and conversational tone.” (Check - first interview passed). Now we just need to find out whether Ameca can pull an all-nighter at the National TV Awards and still host the next morning. If that’s a yes, then, combined with potential savings on hair and make-up and wardrobe bills, you’d have to say the robot is a strong contender.
That’s if Holly and Phillip do end up leaving, of course. I don’t blame ITV for wanting to refresh things. The viewing figures are not setting the world alight, and I get the feeling that Holly and Phillip have lost touch with viewers.
Whatever happens, they’ll be okay. Holly’s got her crystals, candles and claptrap website to keep her busy and Phillip’s got his wine sideline.
As for who should eventually replace them, I have a two-part piece of advice for ITV.
1. Work out which of the candidates would be most likely to go to the pub or the bingo with the viewers.
2. Hire them.
