Welcome to London Tonight Tonight.

This is the official website of London Tonight, on ITV1 in London and the South East every weeknight at 6pm.


28.2.07

London Tonight Tonight Weds 28th February

Good Afternoon one and all,

Hope the day's panning out well and anyone who got drenched heading in to work this morning has dried out by now.

This evening's programme has a fair old range to it - stretching from rats to a hundred year old have-a-go hero to a movie star who wowed hundreds when he took his kit off.

Let's start with the rats. This has had us all cringing in the newsroom today - with the new programme editor, Faye, making clear exactly what we should slip into her drawers come April Fools Day (thank you Sid James). Sorry, back to the story. Rats - lots of them. Lots and lots of them in fact, who've made life a misery for residents in a street in Hackney. Not surprising that the problem has got out of hand when ('Rat Fact' alert) a rat is born in London every second. Marcus Powell has been along with a very brave cameraman to film the little blighters. Oh, and he took a man with a ferret too.

Now. The Olympics - how much ARE they going to cost? Earlier today, our Prime Minister said it's important to keep a lid on costs, but he didn't shed any light on how much the 2012 bill WILL be. The International Olympic Committee is in town today checking up on the preparations, presumably asking "er, and what's the price for all this then?" Let's hope so. Meanwhile, Simon Harris has been doing some sums of his own.

Phil Bayles has been along for a chat with Buster Martin. You may remember him - the oldest guy to be working. He's 100 and he washes the vans at a big plumbing firm. That we knew. But what we've found out today is that he was attacked last week by a group of young thugs. Guess what. He fought the little monsters off. He says they hadn't counted on his temper...

By Buster's standards, the Barbican is a mere stripling. However, '25 years up' is something to celebrate and celebrate it is. Kate Recordon will be there live to tell us what a party at Europe's biggest multi-arts and conference venue actually entails.

And to round off - Harry Potter without the wizard's hat. Or, indeed, the wizard's cloak. Or the trousers. In fact, Potter star, Daniel Radcliffe's latest role has him taking to the West End stage completely naked. (Stop tittering at the back there.) Last night was first night and all the post-performance talk was of what a cracking performance he turned in. Steve Hargrave has been talking to the 'artist formerly known as Harry Potter' to find out what HE made of his West End debut.

Quick 'Rat Fact' before we go - the Latin name for the Black Rat is, get this, 'Rattus Rattus'.

See you at SIX.

Ben and Emma.

27.2.07

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday 27th February

Hi, Willsy here. And this is what we've got for you on London Tonight.

She was stabbed to death outside her own home in the middle of the night, now Special Constable Nisha Patel Nasri's husband has been arrested. We'll be live with the very latest.
Now it's a big ask but Mayor Ken Livingstone is going to try to turn London from being one of the worst, as far as its green credentials are concerned, to one of the very best...and one of the questions we'll be asking is are WE prepared to change. We'll be giving you a few tips as well.
A novel Olympic story for you. If you are over six foot read on. Sir Steve Redgrave has been in the capital on the hunt for possible giants to take part in the 2012 Olympics. It seems sports such as Rowing and Volleyball are lacking in the bigger department and if you've got what it takes, you could be on your way to representing Britain in your backyard!
We've got the rather grizzly discovery of a mummified baby in the attic of a Cricklewood semi and A-lister Ed Norton will be talking to us about his new film as an illusionist who falls in love with the wrong girl.
Join me and Katie at 6....see you then.

26.2.07

London Tonight Tonight Monday 26th February

Hello, back from my holidays and raring to go..

We're kicking off the show tonight with the rather eerie story of a rogue baby monitor. Imagine, you get a special gizmo so you can keep an eye and ear on your new little bundle, only to discover that your neighbour can pick up pictures of your baby on THEIR monitor next door. And it seems the problem isn't a local one ... Phil Bayles investigates, and tells you what you can do about it.

Marcus has been to see a hip hop opera with the worthy intention of getting an anti gun message out to young kids in London .. Sounds a bit uncool until you meet the people doing it ..

Did you hear that Ken's planning to build 6 gateways into London? Big, showy monuments? Pieces of capital art, if you like? Well Simon Harris has had a few ideas, and we suspect you might too . .. We'll be asking for your thoughts.

There's a rather gruesome case of mistaken identity, with a body swap in a funeral parlour .. Kirsty Allsopp has filmed a special report for us about sealed bids, the new bidding technique becoming popular in London's crazy property market ... We're in Southend, hometown of Essex's new golden girl, Oscar Queen Helen Mirren, and, I don't believe it, actor Richard Wilson's in the studio with us too.

So see you at 6!

Katie and Willsy.

23.2.07

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 23rd Feb

Good Afternoon,

Nearly there, just a few hours 'til the weekend. We hope you're planning to spend 30 minutes of that time with us.

We start tonight's show with a positive spin on a tragic tale. You'll remember promising young footballer Kiyan Prince. He died after being stabbed outside his school gates. Since then his father's devoted himself to honouring Kiyan's memory. With the help of London Tonight he's put together a charity record, a tribute to his son. Not only to raise money to try and keep youngsters off the streets but also to raise awareness of the problems today's city kids face. Kiyan's story is, unfortunately, not a unique one. We also speak to the mother of Gavin Brown. He was also just a teenager when he was stabbed in the neck with a commando knife. He also lost his life.

In the studio - a group of teenagers determined to reverse this trend. They're members of Urban Voice an initiative which tries to get young people OUT of gangs and INTO the music industry. We'll be talking to them about their take on recent events and how making music has helped them keep out of trouble.

Also....Have you got a garden at the front of your house or flat ? Or have you had it paved over, heaping cement not only onto grass or flower beds but also the roots of any nearby trees. If so then you could be storing up some serious subsidence issues. Apparently its a growing problem in the capital. Glen Goodman finds out why.

Because it's Friday we though we'd treat you to our usual goody bag of sport and showbiz. James King's in the studio to chat about Jim Carey, Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie. ...and Willsy's going to be showing off a very special cup. If you're Arsenal OR Chelsea fans you'll want to watch this.

We'll see you at 6.

Tamzin and Willsy

22.2.07

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Thurs 22nd Feb

Good afternoon.

We have a time and motion expert with us this afternoon so I'll keep this as succinct as I can, displaying a well managed and measurable use of my valuable time.
Our American cousins, having spent a fortune protecting themselves and upsetting their Grosvenor Square neighbours are planning to move their Embassy. Simon is following them.
Jason Donovan, who was thrown out of Harrods fifteen years ago for wearing jeans was back at Harrods - wearing joins in a good cause rather than as a questionable fashion statement. Steve saw him.
The British Film Institute have opened up their utterly stunning archive to the public which is yet another brilliant reason for spending a bit of time on the South Bank. Ben's been drooling.
And two really nasty crimes: one has left a man in Reigate dead and his girlfriend and baby, heart-broken.
The other was a gun spree last year in Islington which was finally resolved today when a young man was found guilty and awaits sentencing.....
Liz and Phil, respectively, on those tales.

Ah. She's gone.

Right, the other thing I really wanted to tell you about was Marcus going down to Brixton to report on the Peace March which is a way for the local people to say they have had enough of gun-crime on their streets. It will be tense and a lot of folk are expected. The greatest hope is that they will be able to make their point, peacefully and that there will be no nasty incidents..

(Oh, she's back, stop-watch and clip-board in hand..)

OK: weather, papers and your e-mails, all at 6.
Do join us if we're not being re-programmed for greater heights of efficiency.

Alastair and Tamzin.

20.2.07

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Tues 20th Feb

Hello,

Any Mayor watchers among you will remember Mr Livingstone trotting off to Cuba last year.. his ultimate aim was Venezuela and a meeting with Hugo Chavez over an oil deal. Embarrassingly for Ken though Chavez decided he didn't have time and the trip was apparently made in vain. Well today comes the announcement that that deal HAS been made. It amounts to 20% off oil from Venezuela, a saving that'll mean cheaper fuel for the capital's buses and help with travel costs for Londoners on income support. So was Ken right to head off to South America after all ? As ever our Political guru Simon Harris is ready with HIS, no doubt insightful, take on the story.

Now what do Ronan Keating and Alf Garnet have in common ? The answer; Kenwood House. The first has played there, the second (or rather Warren Mitchell, the actor who played him) is one of the Hampstead residents who complained about such concerts. For 55 years the historic venue has played host to many music makers, attracting thousands of concert-goers. But no more. Local residents had had enough of the disruption so the council limited the number of gigs allowed. Organisers say it's simply not worth it on that kind of scale. Liz Wickham's been talking to both sides on this musical dispute...

Also....have you ever wandered through a less than salubrious area of Soho only to notice a primary school nestling in amongst the sex shops and strip clubs ? If so have you ever wondered what it must be like to be a pupil there, or indeed how the school fits in with its local community ? Well Ben Scotchbrook HAD wondered about it so set about investigating. Watch his fascinating report later.

It's a big night for Arsenal. They take on top Dutch team Eindhoven. The Gunners ARE favourite so fingers crossed, we'll have a preview and then later you can catch the game on ITV4.

Steve's been chatting to Badly Drawn Boy (in a fish and chip shop). We don't know if that knitted hat remained in place thoughout but the betting is it did.

And tonight Robin Lermitte's the one with the weather so surreal conversation may well occur.

Talking of surreal....we speak to the London student behind the first ever Pen Spinning championships. Oh yes, there really is something for everyone in tonight's show.

We'll see you at 6

Tamzin and Alastair.

19.2.07

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Mon 19th Feb

Good afternoon: you join us as the tea-trolley arrives. It used to have to pay a congestion charge when it entered the news room. It now has to pay the moment it leaves the kitchen area which lies just to the west.... (Ah, builders tea for Alastair and coffee for Tamzin).

We fully anticipate a further extension so the charge will apply the moment the tea leaves India, the coffee beans depart Kenya and the milk sets sail from Jersey. Only time will tell.

In the 1960s, Tamzin wasn't yet born but Alastair had a parka with a fur collar and all the Who albums there were to have. But his safety conscious mum wouldn't let him have a scooter. Well, if you are one of those retro fans who are in that same sorry position today, we can rectify that.
We have a Piaggio fantastic MP3 scooter to win. But don't tell mum....
(Editor's note - if you want to see why this one's safe and cool - have a look here http://www.mp3.piaggio.com/)

All of this comes neatly together in an obvious way when we remind you that today is the day Ken's westward extension of the Congestion Charge comes into force. And among the vehicles that are exempt is, of course, the scooter.
Simon has all the details, including other exemptions. He also has the arithmetic which reveals a very undiplomatic twist to the economics. He'll also explain why those who don't pay, end up paying nearly a third of all the revenues.
Glen's been talking to a lot of you to glean what Londoners think about it all.
And Tamzin and Alastair will be talking to Ken.

Our colleagues at ITV Anglia will be telling you about the arrest of a man in Cambridge in connection with the letter bomb attacks which targeted, among other locations, the offices of the firm that administers the Congestion Charge.
Aerosmith, depending on your point of view, are planning or threatening to go on tour including a Hyde Park gig...
The Royal Albert Hall is hotter than usual....
And mixed fortunes for London clubs in the final 16 of the FA Cup.....

Monday means Inside Property and we've an interesting little tale about stamp duty for you "thinking about moving" people.

Plus the weather and the papers, it makes for a perfect brew, we hope.

Cheers.


A & T

16.2.07

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 16th Feb

Hello - sorry for the lateness of the email - but better late than never etc etc..

Tonight we've more from Clapham - Glen's been talking to some of Billy Cox's friends. They say he was picked on because of his size and race. The local MP is Kate Hoey - she's coming into the studio to talk to us - straight from a meeting with the Home Secretary.

Also tonight - we're in training with the London TA's about to go on a tour of Afghanistan. Find out why they're giving up their day jobs to go to war.

James King's feeling better and back with us talking movies.

Willsy has the weekend sport - including a netball special. You better tune in to find out more on that one..

And we're on top of the world - or at least Alex Forrest is - we sent her to the Arctic with a group of MPs - the second of her special reports runs tonight.

Much more too. Ooh, and on Monday we're giving away a congestion charge beating three wheeler scooter. It's worth quite a bit - don't miss the opportunity to beat the eight pound fee.

By the way, for those of you who asked, Radio Peckham, that Ronke featured yesterday, can be found at http://www.radiopeckham.org/

Tune in at six then have a great weekend.


Stuart
Editor, London Tonight.

15.2.07

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Thurs 15th Feb

All eyes in the country seem focussed on one area of our great city tonight - and for reasons that are very far from great. Yesterday yet another young man lost his life to what some are calling South London's "Gun crisis".

Billy Cox. A 15 year old who died yesterday
Michael Dosunmu. A 15 year old shot last week.
James Andre Smartt-Ford. A 16 year old who lost his life just days before that

In Streatham, in Peckham and yesterday in Clapham.

It's a tragic rollcall and it begs the questions why is this happening and what can the police, government and society do to curb what seems to be an increasing spiral of violence.

Whatever your point of view OR your experience on this issue we hope you'll join us for the latest news and the debate on where we go from here.

Alastair's in Clapham and he'll be speaking to the Mayor's director of policing and equalities, Lee Jasper, and Deputy Assistant Commissioner Cressida Dick. We'll also hear from Richard Blackwood, now a celebrity but once just another young man growing up in Clapham, he takes us back to the haunts of HIS childhood and looks at what's changed in the intervening years.

Glen Goodman will have a full report on yesterday's tragedy and Ronke Phillips will be looking at gang culture and how it can be controlled.

Also....

The Congestion Charge countdown continues...as do our special reports. Today Liz Wickham looks at the effects the expansion of the zone will have on local businesses. We've also the latest on the 2012 Olympic budget...it's a story that's going to run and run (appropriate really) and we'll be running with it. We've also got the first of some fantastic reports all the way from the Arctic. We're joining Emily Thornberry - MP for Islington and Finsbury - as she takes an up-close look at climate change, and makes friends with some huskies.

It's going to be a very busy programme - join us at 6 and we'll share the latest

Tamzin and Alastair

14.2.07

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Weds 14th Feb

Hello,

We've got an incredibly busy show today and then obviously everyone's rushing off to be fed champagne and chocolates by their loved ones so let's got on with telling you about it...

First. An outcome to a chilling story we've been following since summer 2005.

18 year old Roberto Malasi burst into a christening party and shot Zainab Kalokoh dead - she was cradling a tiny baby. Two weeks later, before being caught for that first horrifying crime, he dragged teenager Ruth Okechukwu from her car and stabbed her through the heart. A double murderer, today sentenced to thirty years in jail. But those close to the second victim are asking why he wasn't caught sooner. We speak to the policeman in charge.

A story, not unconnected comes next. Marcus Powell's been finding out more about a website called gonetoosoon.co.uk. It's a space for anyone who's lost a loved one, often through violent means, to remember them, mourn them, ask questions about why their death occurred. And its popularity is growing. We speak to the founders and take a look around some of the touching tributes.

Ken Livingstone's the star of a new web advert. Well he's the main attraction anyway, even if it's not actually him in it. This ad's been dreamed up by a political lobbying website and it attacks the Mayor's records, with the gloves very firmly off. It's the kind of short film you're likely to see during American elections, no punches pulled. Can elections and political agendas be swayed by this kind of ad? What's Ken's reaction? We'll tell all later.

After the dark start to the show - the light....the sparkly showbiz light of music's biggest night. Yes, It's the Brits (by the way if you were our competition winners earlier in the week enjoy your evening !!). Steve's on the red carpet lying in wait for all the celebs who will be parading up it. He's also checking out the runners and riders...AND looking ahead to the actual ceremony. Russell Brand is presenting it. Live. Before the watershed. Can the anarchic comic be trusted or will it all end in tears. Whichever way it goes we're sure it'll be entertaining. Especially if you're off to the aftershow party (no we're not jealous of our winners at all !!)

More sparkle here - in the shape of Tiffany jewels.....a THOUSAND POUNDS worth of them could be yours, PLUS a romantic night for two at fancy London hotel PLUS champagne and flowers PLUS a romantic meal in a top restaurant, a limo, entrance to a top nightclub AND - his and hers Tom Tom Sat Navs in special Valentines Day cases. We want to win this one but we're not allowed. You are though so tune in and get texting !!!!

Chrissie's here too and she's got a some of your photos to show off. Thanks to everyone who's already sent some in. She's looking forward to seeing many more - weather@itvlondon.com is the address.

We'll see you at 6.

Tamzin and Alastair

13.2.07

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Tues 13th Feb

Greetings and welcome to the London Tonight e-mail.

Forest Gate and the police raids divided opinion sharply in London: innocents invaded or suspicious behaviour, nipped in the bud? There was more rumour and conjecture than fact at the time. Now the dust has settled, though the grievances are as live as ever, the Independent Police Complaints Commission has handed down its verdict. It is fascinating and Ronke has the story. She has also talked to the two brothers who were the focus of the operation. Among a plethora of recommendations, the Commission suggest the Met apologise, publicly, to the "victims" of the "aggressive, terrifying" raids. Will they? Will they, heck. Reaction to that, too, at 6.

Now, Simon Harris is in the studio, as we write, preparing a graphic sequence for his report on the congestion charge which demonstrates that, since the charge was launched, congestion has got WORSE!!!
"It looks a bit psychedelic" said some of the newsroom 'art critics'.
"love it", said the rest of us, including the Editor - always a bit of a clincher in moments of dispute.
"Just like the cover of a Cream album... or Jimi Hendrix"....
Which reminds me, we have a fantastic prize to give away tonight.
Want to know what?
Well, you'll have to wait to find out.
Plead with me? Petition me?

Ah: petition... you may have seen the story about the petition on the PM 's Downing Street website asking him not to introduce road-pricing. There's also one asking him to stand in a barrel of custard and sing a silly song. He is unlikely to respond positively to either and, petition or not, I am not going to be bullied into telling you any more about our competition until I am good and ready. The petition Mr Blair might respond positively to is the one that comes in at Number 6 in the charts (getting all 'pop-music' again: another competition hint?).
It is the petition asking him to save the Royal Surrey County Hospital at Guildford. We've that story and a sideways look at petitions: we'd like to hear what you think about them and we'll read the most astute and/or funniest thoughts out at the end of the programme.

Now, David Beckham is married to Posh Spice who was/is a pop star (and had a rather good backing-band).
There was a great movie in which neither of them appeared and in which there was very little pop music, but not quite enough Keira Knightly for Alastair's taste, called "Bend it Like Beckham": the brilliant woman who directed it is in town today to get her OBE from HM The Queen (not THAT Queen, good rock band though they are and what a fine musician Brian May is?).
Anyway, hot foot from Buckingham Palace, Gurinder Chadha OBE joins us in the studio.

Steve is live from Leicester Square for the premiere of Hot Fuzz - a wickedly funny film wherein the violence, crime and brutality is so hilariously understated that it makes Telly Tubbies look positively Tarantino. (Who also directed Pulp Fiction. Which includes the name of Jarvis Cocker's rock band. Which comprised some find instrumentalists...)
Chrissie wants your pictures for her weather forecasts because she says the Met Office ones are "pants". (Note to Met Office: don't sue: we'll all deny it.) She'll feature your best offerings in her future forecasts.

Finally, that competition: if you are a pop-rock music player, it is awesome.
If you want to become a pop-rock music player, it would be like learning to drive in a Ferrari or Bentley but, hey, what a way to start?

If you are a mum, dad, uncle, aunt, grandma or grandpa to any of the above then you could be about to become the most popular example thereof.
Our prize is.... a brand new, certified Fender Telecaster electric guitar.
If you want to be in the running for a strum you'll have to join us live at 6.
The editor promises to stop us pinching it before then.

Alastair & Tamzin.

12.2.07

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Mon 12th Feb

Good Afternoon ...

Today Alastair will mostly be purrrrring with the legendary Ms Eartha Kitt. The unique actress/singer/performer is dropping in to the London Tonight studio to talk about her brand new show that's running in the capital this week. Pretty impressive considering she's just turned 80 !!

But before that we've a packed show of news and features for you....

The congestion charge expands next week. Here on London Tonight we're counting down those 7 days with a different look at the story every day. Today, property prices and what the new rules will do to them. If you live WITHIN the zone your house price could apparently go UP because it'll mean you get a huge discount on the charge. If you live just OUTSIDE the zone but your school, shops, place of work are within it then it's not such good news. Property guru Kirsty Allsopp's coming in to give us her (no doubt strong) opinions on the subject.

Also - large parts of Holborn, The Strand and Covent Garden have been out of action today because of a flood which led to a power cut. The buildings affected included the Royal Courts of Justice....Emma Walden has a full report.

With all eyes on 2012 it might be easy to overlook another huge sporting event the World Cup in 2018... but never fear Gordon Brown's got his eye on the ball. He's been at Wembley today revealing the support there is for US to host the tournament.

Plus Strictly Come Curtain Call.....We speak to Bruno Tonioli the man choreographing the way one West End cast are taking their bow. He's there to make it all a lot more interesting apparently.

We've a fantastic competition for fans of the Brit Awards - tune in to find out more...

And of course Chrissie is here with London's weather prospects.

Plenty to keep you entertained on a damp and drizzly evening

We'll see you at 6

Tamzin and Alastair.

9.2.07

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 8th Feb

Hello

Bit of a moveable feast tonight - but here's what we know we'll bring you.

There's been an arrest in the letter bomb investigation. It's a strange tale involving a radio phone in. Marcus is on the scene, he'll have the latest live.

The woman who puts the shoes on the stars is talking to Tamzin - she'll explain why she's Hollywood's cobbler of choice (yes, really).

Then there are the couple who decided to recreate the end dance in "Dirty Dancing" at their wedding. Then post it on the internet. Some have called it cringeworthy. It certainly made me cringe. Judge for yourself - we talk to them - and show you the video - at 6 tonight.

We've the sport - a special guest movie reviewer (get well soon James) and your guide to the weekend too.

That's all on ITV1 at six. Do join us.


Stuart
Editor, London Tonight

8.2.07

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Thurs 8th Feb

BBBRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!

But beautiful!!!!

Now if you have had an accident, had your hedge or wall driven in to or had frozen pipes, we apologise but you have sent us some of the loveliest pictures ever of this rather inconvenient blanket of snow. But we think most of you have rather enjoyed it.

OK, the trains got screwed up but what's new?

Airports at Luton and Stanstead were shut for a while but others remained opened and they are both OK, now..
But those snowmen! Those smiling children! Those toboggan races! We'll have the full story from Simon Harris and lots of your lovely images. Also, Chrissie with the weather prospects from City Hall, all lit up. To find out why it's environmentally OK, join her at 6.

And, to warm the hearts of all, the delightful Hugh Grant talks to Tamzin while motormouth, one-man arts industry Ben Elton talks to us about his latest charity initiative. Mama Mia, what a line up.

Finally, pun fully intended, a chilling story from Essex about burglars who target just one object in your house if they get in: wonder what it is? The story and the warning from Ronke

See you at 6.

Alastair and Katie

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: EXTRA SNOW EDITION

Hello

Stay tuned to London Today and London Tonight for all the snow information and news.

We've a bulletin at 11.10am this morning and another at 1.50pm before London Tonight at 6pm.

If you've a digital camera then please send us some pictures of the snow near you - and we'll put them on the television!

Email them to londontonight@itvlondon.com - don't forget to tell us where you are in the region!


Take care today.


Stuart
Editor, ITV London News
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7.2.07

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Weds 7th Feb

Hello.

Twin track troubles encircle the capital tonight and we have the most comprehensive coverage of both - plus lots more besides.

First, it is looking increasingly as if Peckham has evolved into London's new badlands. Brixton and Tottenham, in their time, have suffered that depressing accolade but mainly through rioting and mass crime. In Peckham it is a series of singular tragedies, building to critical criminal mass: three killings in four days, two of them quite possibly linked. Knives and guns have been used to end lives. And that, after millions was spent in the six years since Damilola Taylor was killed in the same borough. Something more fundamental than poor housing and scant social provision is at play. We talk to local MP, and Minister, Harriet Harman as Piers takes you on a worrying journey of discovery.

Next, what started on Monday with the letter bomb at Capita, who manage the congestion charge, has now spread like a virus: Vantis, who helped a speed camera firm run it's business were hit yesterday; the Driving License HQ miles away in South Wales today; Wokingham, Birmingham, Oxfordshire and Folkestone have all been hit.
We've the latest from our patch and from Swansea, where three people were hurt.
Heavy stuff but stuff you'll want to know about.

As you will, with the weather. Several of us are staying in town tonight for fear of not being able to make it to work tomorrow: that's dedication to the cause and you, dear viewers, are the cause. Chrissie has the forecast and Ben has the story of the preparations for the big chill. And we're not talking hot chocolate and blankets.

Lots more news, besides, plus the fascinating interview with Tony Visconti, he of David Bowie and T Rex fame, which got squeezed out last night but is as fresh as Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars in Alastair's vinyl LP collection.

Robin Ross is the woman in the trench coat and trilby hat at the Science Museum's new espionage exhibition.
Did I mention why it will be more costly to go to Greenwich? No? Well you'll just have to tune in at 6.

Hope you do.

See you then.

Alastair and Katie.

6.2.07

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Tues 6th Feb

Good afternoon.

It is one of those days when it is difficult to know where to start: yesterday's frightening letter bomb incident in Victoria had a somber echo in Wokingham today: same style and similar target. This time it was company that does the accounts for Speed Check cameras - after yesterday saw a company that runs the congestion charge. So, too glib to say an angry motorist in on the loose but there are weird cross-overs: Liz is putting things together for you.

The theme of repetition runs through another powerful story: a fifteen year old boy, murdered in Peckham - close to where Damilola Taylor was murdered - which is not that far from the ice-rink where another kid was shot and just moments from Southampton Way where a 21 year old was killed on Saturday. Very nasty. Phil has the story.

And then some of the most upsetting video many of us have ever seen: the cockpit video of the accidental "Blue on Blue" killing of Windsor soldier Matty Hull. It is the video the Americans claimed didn't exist: you'll begin to understand when you see it at 6. Marcus is your guide.

On top of that, Europe's biggest ever planning application - it is of Olympic proportion!
Late night tubes delayed for Fridays and Saturdays because of.... well you can guess.
Tony Visconti talks to Steve. Think Ziggy Stardust, Metal Guru, glam' rock and you're there.
And it might snow tomorrow. Chrissie has her warming warning.

I don't think you can miss it.

See you at 6.

Alastair and Katie.

5.2.07

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Mon 5th Feb

Hello and welcome to the start of another week - I think we are nearly back to normal after Friday's transatlantic extravaganza: Tamzin returned from New York, laden with tapes. She got in on the Red Eye at 7am and went straight to work. The results of her efforts will be there for all to behold at 6: it is a fascinating look at the world of The Devil Wore Prada. Ms Sylvester in New York's fashion jungle with the woman behind the styling on Sex and the City as her guide! Wow.

Simon Harris is not around: he will claim he is resting. We think he is taking in Cape Canaveral and the Everglades. Hey ho....

Alastair is still in Holborn, as he was on Friday but then you probably know that: he went on about it enough in the newsroom, word must have leaked. Anyway he is ready to join Katie, who never grumbles about anything, on the sofa tonight.

Two powerful news stories to get us going tonight: a letter bomb sent to the HQ of the firm that runs the Congestion Charge amongst many other services. The recipient was hurt but fortunately only superficially. However, a frightening thing to happen to anyone and a cowardly act to carry out. Ben is on the case.

Next, the weekend shooting of a teenager at the ice-rink in Streatham: a terrifying end to a party but, tragically, all too common. Emma has the story and has been talking to Mothers Against Guns.

More senior members of the Government are in open-revolt against....... the Government, over A&E closures. Harriet Harman and Tessa Jowell are among many who want to keep Maudsley Hospital's Accident & Emergency going. Incidentally it has the only psychiatric A&E unit so they may have a case: but we report - we don't comment. We'll leave that to you as we ask for your e-mails.

We also lighten up with the sound of "mush mush" in Epping Forest as people, including a number of MPs, get fit for a husky sledge race for charity: ( I read this back and felt I should say I have not been drinking nor taking drugs: it is true).... as is the case of the vicar who, standing in his pulpit, said "let there be light" and there was but not in the manner he had anticipated: the hilarious details and images at 6.

Chrissie has found some lovely little Robins who have hatched early.... ah, global warming!
(Not funny: Ed)
(No, but true! Alastair)

And if you were thinking of buying the Gherkin, you're too late: find out what it went for but make sure you are sitting down - at 6, and watching ITV1.

See you then.

Alastair and Katie.

2.2.07

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 2nd Feb

Hello from a busy London Tonight newsroom.

This evening we go all transatlantic, and much to Alastair's disappointment it's Tamzin and Simon who get to bring you the news from the other side of the pond.

Ken Livingstone is in the U.S. to announce the full details of the American Football game that's coming to London. He's happy - claiming it'll bring thousands of American tourists back to the capital. The NFL are happy - because they desperately want their game to take off over here. So is everyone happy? Our own political quarterback Simon is in Miami - he'll report - you decide (as they like to say in America).

Tamzin is co-presenting the programme from New York - where she's also reporting on the city's fashion week - the fashion roadshow's rolled into the big apple - before rolling onto London next weekend.

And from our great capital, Alastair will have the news here - including the latest Olympic funding row.

There are normally a couple of centimetres between them - how will Alastair and Tamzin cope with being 3456 miles apart? Find out - ITV1 at six.


Stuart
Editor, London Tonight

1.2.07

London Tonight: Thursday February 1st

Hello and good afternoon.
It feels more like a travel agents than a newsroom this afternoon: Tamzin is in New York for an exciting exclusive tomorrow. Simon Harris is in Miami because Ken is in Miami: think grid-iron football rather than gridlock traffic and you'll know what we are talking about. Much more from both of them tomorrow!
Emma is on the sofa with Alastair which is terrific, says Alastair.
The rest of them have been scouring London for your enlightenment and edification.
Glen tripped over a report by the Centre for Policy Studies which suggests Ken is possibly, a waste of money. Now it may just be co-incidence but the Centre has, in the past, had quite a close relationship with the Conservative Party and the author is someone who has harboured ambitions to be a candidate for the Mayoralty. Anyway, Glen has put his slide-rule, dividers and protractor all over the report and will share with you his thoughts at 6... on the sole condition that you then share your thoughts with us and the rest of the viewers.
Deal?
Good.

David Cameron is in hospital this afternoon: don't cry if you are a Tory and don't cheer if you are either Labour, Liberal Democrat or, come to that, of any other political persuasion. He is on a mission in Guildford to help the local MP, and many others, save the local hospital.
When Liz last saw him, he was fit as a fiddle and she'll tell you how it all went off.
Damian's lovely piece about barges for business on the river ran aground last night because we ran out of time. We've relaunched it for tonight and it is sailing in your direction at 6.
All aboard: it's really nice.
Ronke is helping Sir Ian Blair with his enquiries on a housing estate and Steve Hargrave, himself quite a talented little plucker, has been to the brilliant guitar exhibition at Harrods.
Steve is in a band but is yet to break into the charts. Mika, on the other hand, went to number 1 with his first effort: we've tickets for a unique Mika concert. But you have to be watching to win, as they say!
Chrissie is with us, in spirit and in person.
So, all in all, a compelling little mixture I'd say. Hope you agree.

See you at 6.

Alastair and Emma