It’s about to kick off

Where will you be at 6 pm on Saturday the 7^th June? Like most self-respecting football fans I expect that you will be settling down to watch Switzerland v Czech Republic, Euro 2008’s first match.

But where to watch it is another matter , Big-Screens planned for Birmingham, Liverpool, Hull, Leeds, Rotherham, Bradford, Derby and Swindon are no-longer going ahead.

This is thanks to the trouble caused by some Rangers supporters after the recent UEFA Cup final in Manchester city centre, apparently local councils have decided it just isn’t worth the risk anymore.

So if you want atmosphere but can’t make it to Austria or Switzerland this summer, it looks like sports bars are going to be the best place to catch the games.

It is actually worth looking around for a good place to catch the action, I have found out that my local pub is selling limited entry tickets; the price includes a guaranteed armchair, Big screen, Burger and chips and a pint – all for £10.

Alternatively it might be time to splash out on a new Plasma TV get the barbeque on and invite the neighbourhood round. Why not put some posters up where you live: “Wanted EU nationals that might actually have something to celebrate this summer to add atmosphere to my party”.

Tags: Digital TV, Programmes, Sky by John Hillman
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Three, two, one… Go!

Can anyone remember the joy of watching two grown men in dazzling lycra ‘man-bikinis’ attack each other with giant cotton wool buds?

Then you will be thrilled to hear that Gladiators returns to our screens on Sky One this Sunday afternoon.

Stern Scottish ref John Anderson, foam fingers, the Eliminator, all played out to the glorious sound of We Will Rock You by Queen, if really doesn’t get any better than this.

Of course it isn’t going to be everyone’s Sunday afternoon tipple, and I genuinely feel for those unsuspecting teenage boys across the country who are about to suffer the embarrassment of watching the new Jet (Ice is the name) wrap her thighs around another female competitor on the Hang-Tough, whilst they sit there next to their Nan trying to look nonplussed - painful memories those.

Ian Wright, having given up his court jester role at MOTD on the BBC, has taken on the job of presenter – presumably to add a bit of gravitas to his CV – and he will joined by co-host Kirsty Gallacher.

Here’s hoping it goes as well as the old series so that we can all enjoy the inevitable tabloid fall-out that comes from giving narcissistic body-builders 15 seconds in the limelight. Ready? You bet.

Tags: Programmes, Sky by John Hillman
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