[Feefs]

On smtv they have Brian doing his very own version of Challenge Ant, now called Brian's Brians. I was supposed to be coming into work, but had to stay and watch. It was worth being late, because it was one of the funniest things I've seen in ages. I only hope Dean wasn't watching.

For those of you unfamiliar with the setup, a small child asks Brian 10 questions based on general knowledge, popular culture especially childrens things. Out of these 10, Brian only got 1 right. I can't even remember what it was he knew, but he thought a 12-sided shape might be a square, the Tudor monarch with 5 wives was ..... King Henry? ..... Henry 2nd? ... 3rd? 5th? and that Will Young's twin brother was called Gareth.

The small child had one 9 computer games, but was given the chance to gamble them for a computer to run them on and the one game he didn't win. To get this he had to ask his killer question, which even Brian knew the answer to. (What platform does the Hogwarts Express leave from - 9 3/4).

It was wierd, because I was pleased Brian could get another question right. I don't think Ant ever fared to badly the whole time, and you could see Brian was a bit embarassed, but it seemed so unfair that they'd let the child use such an easy question for the gamble. Part of the fun of that item was always that Ant always tried to win, but I think it would have been better all round if the child had won this time. Everyone was looking a bit awkward when I ran out of the door.

Did anyone else see it? I'm looking forward to it again next week and hope Brian doesn't get a nasty phone-call from Dean. Or Penny!

[Honey]

Still laughing now feefs HA! HA! HA!!!!! It was absolutely brilliant! Brian built up the fact that he was up for it and would find the questions a doddle, and as he discovered that he didn't know any of the nine out of ten, along with all his hilarious replies and reactions, his obvious but humerous humiliation was a sight for sore eyes! I actually prefer 'Brians Brains' to the old 'Challenge Ant'...as good as that was, but then I do like Brian more than I ever did Ant. Ant was very funny but there is something about Brian's approach that is much funnier to me, and I for one cannot wait for the next dose HAHAHA!!!

[Feefs]

I don't think it's as good as Challenge Ant - yet. I have to say I still love Ant and Dec more than Brian, so perhaps that's why. Brian and Cat pretty much followed the same format as Ant and Dec, but with less sponteneity, but I'm sure that will come.

I wonder what Brian's specialist subjects will be? Ant prided himself in always getting the football and Simpsons questions and always grimaced at the slightest hint of a maths question or anything that you were supposed to have learnt in school. I was surprised they had Cat as question master. As she's leaving I would have thought it would make more sense to have James doing it and building up their relationship in time for her departure.

[Honey]

Just a guess feefs but Brian would probably do well being asked questions on pop, fashion and 'first aid' haha!! I appreciate your preference... but being a Brian fan I'm bound to like watching him more than I did Ant, no disrespect to anyone!!.

[Feefs]

I don't know how many of you have been enjoying this on smtv, but if you have time for nothing else, this will take you back to some golden BB moments. Unfortunately I've missed smtv for the last few weeks, but was spoilt this week.

To update you from previous postings - in spite of Brian's early lead over the kiddies, he went into yesterday's challenge 4-1 down in the series even though he tried to pretend it was only 2, or 3-1. Notable gaffs include thinking that a chestnut tree is the tree acorns come from. Slightly embarassed by the howls of laughter from the crew and audience he tried to run backstage to hide.

However, he clearly hadn't been paying attention during the letters game. When the 12 year old asked "What do you call a baby kangaroo" he really should have known better. In a successful bid to outdo Helen, he replied "A Billy".

If I were him I'd claim I'd been watching my old Brookside videos with Billy and Jimmy Corkhill. Helen can take the blame for confusing him by talking about Jimmys.

After the 10 questions Brian had done very well (for him). He'd got 5/10 right, and he believed this was very good. He had as many games as the child. This was where Cat reminded him that the child was only 12. Then it was time for the Killer Question. He was asked the name of the dog in The Wizard of Oz. Brian jumped up and down stamping his feet trying to remember and telling everyone that he owns a copy. He did get it right eventually, but he was out of time. The child was so pleased he started unplugging the playstation to take home immediately.

I'm pleased to see Brian and Cat developing their own style for this item. After answering something correctly Brian was so thrilled he jumped up to declare he was King of the World, complete with outstretched cloak and arms. Cat put him back in his place by retorting "Yeah, if the world was this big", jesturing something very small. Brian needs someone like that to bounce off of, so it's a shame Cat's leaving.

[Romantic Old Bird]

I actually did see this yesterday. It was funny! I don't normally watch it, and haven't seen it for a while. He seems very comfortable.

I felt personally that Brian should at least have credited Helen for her assistance in helping him to answer the baby Kangaroo Question!!!

I also thought it was a little short-sighted to ask a gay bloke a Wizard of Oz question as the decider! I mean! If he doesn't know that!!!

Now, I didn't pick this up, but my OH (Psychology Grad) watched it for the first time and said he doesn't think Cat likes Brian. My eldest son (also Psychol Grad) rang me shortly afterwards and spontaneously came up with the same thing from observing body language. Am I missing something?

She's probably just missing Ant and Dec. Doesn't really matter, as it will be him and Tess and H and Lisa soon.

Now, next question.

How will Brian get on with H I wonder?.....

[Feefs]

That's exactly what I've been wondering too! They've done a bit of the show-biz pals things before and supposedly get on great, but not competed for the attention of 10-year olds. Even if they can cope, I think it might be too much for the audience having them on together. I'm still sulking about them sacking James. I really fancied him and don't fancy H at all. Yes, he was a bit rubbish at some of the links, but he was happy to be Brian's straightman and pulled the best faces in Casually.

Interesting about the dynamics between him and Cat. I think they do get on well, but she may get exacerbated with his antics from time to time. When he first started Cat and James were meant to be doing the proper presenting, and Brian was to have a bit of a carte blanche to muck about. This would mean she has to spend time reigning him in and being the boring person while he gets to play to the crowds. Her job might be more skilled, but I bet he gets the glory, which might irk her. It was probably OK when Ant and Dec did it, because they were the primary creators of the show and they employed her as their glamerous assistant. She perhaps hoped she'd be the only queen of the castle after they left.

I must admit, I revel in Brian's little outbursts and tantrum throwing, but I'd be interested to know what anyone who didn't watch BB thinks of it all. I thought he perhaps took his free reign too far when he ran off stage yesterday. It was really funny for me to watch, but probably not so good for Cat trying to hold things together. Actually, now you mention it she could have been really annoyed. I thought she was being a bit thick or flustered herself when she had to check the cards for the actual answer to Acorns coming from Oaks, but maybe she was pissed off. I'm remembering all those things she said about getting the lad to defend her if Brian gave her grief, and the look on her face when Brian made comments about her practicing kissing on him during one of the interviews.

I'll watch with interest next week, but I'm sure they'll be friends again. She's too professional, and if she really was annoyed she should have a quiet word off air to get things back on track. She knows he's new so there is no shame in giving him guidance. And as you say she's leaving soon.

This is why BB was better. You'd see what was said backstage too! So long as Brian doesn't bring Naz in to mediate.

[kaphc]

I also watched the "Brian's brains" bit on ITV on Staurday morning and thought it was hilarious!!

I liked the style between Cat and Brian, it added to the humour, though now you come to mention it, some of her comments did seem a bit barbed.

I am so not looking forward to Claire and H being on the show. I think H and Brian's personalities are too similar - though I don't know that much about H, he always comes across as OTT and attention-seeking, i.e. similar to Brian, but without Brian's lovable vulnerable side! H also seems quite camp in a Butlins-redcoat type of way (if that makes sense!) I think there might be some clashes between those two unless they both have particular roles to be in.

[Feefs]

kaphc - you are more observant that you realise. If I'm not mistaken (possible) H used to work at Butlins or similar holiday camp. H does seem quite similar to Brian in terms of being extovert and loving the limelight, making people laugh etc., but I can enjoy Brian more because I know what he's like the rest of the time.