A lot of people slag Fame Academy as a lame rip-off of ITV shows, but I really like it, and I’ve been quite enjoying the Comic Relief version. I thought tonight’s show was particularly good because….

• it reminded me that I like some cheesy songs (like erm “Kissin’ in the Back Row of the Movies” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” 🙁 yes I do like them, and I don’t care who knows it.)
• I like the celebs that are left in (in fact I’m not sure who I would want to win now)
• it looked and sounded good and had a feel-good factor about it (almost like a bit of the weekend, but during the week!)

I must point out as well that I have met Shaun Williamson and had a couple of drinks with him (not that I’m name-dropping there) after he appeared on The John Daly Show here, and he is one of the nicest people I have ever met. So I guess I’d like him to win. I thought his rendition of the tracks above were great tonight – they made me smile. So far however, I have been voting for Colin.

Anyway, it’s been two years since Comic Relief does Fame Academy has been on our screens, but I’d also like to see the proper show back (i.e. the one with ‘normal’ contestants). I think it could fill the gap left by X-Factor when it’s not on air, and I think the format would stand up to a good 12 week run (although obviously it wouldn’t be on every night then).

I had lunch with a controller of BBC One once and asked if Fame Academy was going to be brought back in its original guise. Comic Relief versions were mentioned so I pushed again, but didn’t get a yes! Hopefully though, it will return, and sooner rather than later. I reckon the BBC needs more popular entertainment shows like it!

Cheerio!