LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 30th March

Hello.

It's a wet and horrible Friday.

Stay inside, stick the telly on ITV1 and stand by for London Tonight.

We start with Ladbroke Grove - and a multi million pound fine for Network Rail. It was actually Railtrack who were in charge when the accident happened - but the firm that replaced them today paid the price for the failures. What we'll ask tonight is if there are still too many signals being repeatedly passed at danger. Just how safe are you on the train?

We were with the police last night as they carried out a huge raid at a big celeb hangout. It's the kind of nightclub that's always full of soap stars, pop stars and Premiership footballers. What did the police find? You can find out at six.

We're on the Falklands for the final of our reports from there - we're talking movies with James King and we're live with some very keen cyclists - a hundred days before the arrival of the Tour de France.

And then. It's Travolta. John Travolta. Need we say more?

Chrissie's got that all important weekend weather and there's your what's on guide for the weekend too.

So keep dry and warm with London Tonight. Join Alastair and Tamzin live at six. (And don't forget - if you're going out - or if you're not home in time - you can watch the programme 24/7 at http://www.itvlocal.com )

Stuart
Editor, London Tonight

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Thurs 29th March

Good Afternoon,

We've not one but two monkey based stories for you this afternoon, something that pleases Tamzin no end (she's a bit of a fan of primates)....First up there are some VERY happy Gorillas at London Zoo after they were shown their brand new multi-million pound pad. The glass enclosure's been designed to give them more freedom and maybe a little more romance. Keepers hope the new set-up will encourage a bit of gorilla loving....we'll let you know if it works !

Plus. Remember the amazing adventures of Bolivian squirrel monkey...Spongebob ? He was the endangered monkey STOLEN from Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey and later found playing with a bunch of kids in Brixton. Well today a man's been jailed for a year for that theft. 23 year old Marlon Brown, was attacked by Spongebob's cage-buddies when he broke in ... the blood he lost there helped convict him. As for Spongebob - he's now settled in Battersea Zoo munching on some celebratory bananas.

Simon Harris is on the trail of Japanese Knotweed....it covers 2% of the Olympic site and could cost tens of millions of pounds to get rid off. A big bill for a bit of gardening.

We've also got our third installment of Mike Pearce's special reports from The Falklands. Tonight he meets up with some ex-pat Londoners to find out what attracted them to the Islands.

And The Lord of the Rings: The Musical. It's a 3 hour epic but what's the betting middle-earth fans will be queueing round the block when it starts previewing in May. We've been granted a behind the scenes peak at the incredible stage set, the costumes and the elfish singing instructors.

It's all here and waiting for you at 6 - see you then

Alastair and Tamzin

London Tonight Tonight Wednesday 28th March

Afternoon!
Huge excitement in the newsroom as we have a Live With Ken Livingstone Special and some of YOU are the stars!
We've got a number of London Tonight viewers coming in to ask questions of the Mayor and all we will be doing is ensuring fare play.
We also want e-mails from you as the programme progresses and we'll read some of them to him too.
So, if it works, it'll be down to you.
Great relief on our part.
We'll also have the news you need with Ben so you won't miss out.
See you at 6.
Alastair and Katie.

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday 27th March

Hello there.

We've had the verdict in the Peter Woodhams case today. You remember the story - terribly sad tale of a young man, father of a little boy, shot outside his front door. And that was after he'd been attacked once already, and constantly complained to the police about a gang who were threatening him and his family. Well, the court has found one man guilty of murder today .. We've all the detail, reaction and background to this tragic case.

It's official - and almost unbelieveable - but the FA Cup Final WILL be played at Wembley. Piers is there to soak up the atmosphere .. Or at least to imagine it, now that this great stadium is finally, finally finished and ready for action.

Simon Harris has been given a sneak preview of Heathrow's terminal 5 - a building, by the way, that IS on time and on budget. It's not due to be open for business for another year yet, but there's still LOADS to see - and it's pretty impressive stuff, so long as you don't think too hard about the environmental impact ...

Hope you can join us at 6.

Katie and Al.

London Tonight Tonight Monday 26th March

Good afternoon and welcome to another week of London Tonight.
A beautiful day, even if we all lost an hour at the weekend: Chrissie is out and about to tell you if it's going to last.

Space, and the lack of space, there's a theme.

In a City Hall, far far away, a man who some say came from the Dark Side, has hatched a bold plan to go with cell-phone transmitters where cell-phone transmitters have never gone before. Ken has bought a share in a rocket-launched satellite transponder that will beam your mobile phone messages around the capital and the south east. 21st Century Ken or a crazy and dangerous plan? The ever logical Simon Harris has the details.

Then there's Network Rail playing sardines due to a lack of ... space. The Cambridge-Liverpool service has an occupancy rate of 185% - no misprint: that's more than 18 passengers for every 10 places on the train. And there are many more examples. Glen has squeezed on to bring you the details and no size-ists jokes, please: it was an assignment, entirely on merit.

There was a time when bad behaviour at school, especially in the "great" public schools like Harrow, Eton and notably Rugby, was met with a clip round the ear, and often considerably worse as those of you who have read Tom Brown's School Days - set in Rugby School 150 years ago - will know.
"Bring it back", many of you bellow, as you see louts and hooligans terrorise your streets.
But take two tear-aways, don't thump them but educate them; inspire and motivate them and, guess what? They win scholarships to....Rugby! It's a great story and Marcus rejoices in bringing it to you.

The Boys in Blue at Heathrow, with a little help from everyone else in authority, decided Snoop Dogg had over-done it in the BA Executive Lounge as he headed home after Live 8 last year. He was told he might not be welcome back. In the Lounge. In London. Even, maybe, the country .
Bit of a problem , that, for the Boys and Girls in the Ticket Box at Wembley Arena where he is due to perform tomorrow with his old mate P Diddy. An intriguing solution beckons, as Kate reports.

How they're packing them in in the latest social housing development and, if you think I am talking six to a room, think again: you'll be amazed or infuriated at the story... depending on where you stand!!!

And as the anniversary of the Falklands conflict beckons, the moving reminiscences of two Londoners who fought there and carry the scars and medals to prove it.

Beam me up, now: there's work to be done!

Alastair & Katie

London Tonight Tonight Friday 23rd March

Good Afternoon....

So when you're driving along in the capital how many times does your head hit the ceiling cos your car's hit a pothole. Looking at the stats we're guessing it's a lot !! And it can be even more irritating, not to mention dangerous, if you're on your bike. Last year 258,000 potholes were filled in but that's not even touched the problem, in fact it'd take 11 years working flat out, to fix the problem.

So we've put a camera on our resident cycling reporter Jon Gilbert's head, not just for fun, but to see how bad these holes are to cycle over. See the results later.

But we start with more on the arrests yesterday in connection with the 7/7 London bombings and we've uncovered East London connections to one of those detained. Marcus Powell's been investigating this for us and will have the full story at 6.

Ronke's still in South Africa and today she catches up with a very familiar face to us Londoners, Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair. He's joined the trip to Cape Town.

And of course being Friday we're serving up a super-duper helping of sport and showbiz.....Willsy at the brand, spanking new Wembley, Mr Bean AKA Rowan Atkinson, Ex Hear'Say singer now classical supremo Myleene Klass AND Teenage Mutant Nija Turtles. We can't imagine you'd want anything more.

See you at 6

Tamzin and Alastair

London Tonight Tonight Thursday 22nd March

Hello!

Phew, what a stinker.
Yes, it's sewage, it's a problem, it's going to cost to fix it, and a large bill is coming our way.
Thames Water is going to spend 2 billion pounds to dig a tunnel so that sewage doesn't overflow into the Thames whenever there's a rainstorm. And those long suffering customers of Thames Water are going to pay for it. Liz Wickham has been investigating the project and taking a look at the company's balance sheets. I think alot of you are going to be rather annoyed....

We see extraordinary pictures of a raid on a passport factory ... And we're twitching down in Esher, where Glen has been to see for himself the flocks of parakeets who have made London their home, to the growing consternation of our indigenous birds.

More from South Africa, where a copper from the Met is learning a few tricks from his opposite number in Cape Town, and if you think you might be descended from slaves we've got a fascinating report to help you trace your roots.

And, then, the highlight of my day .. Tamzin's in her legwarmers, meeting the new cast of the musical Fame. And yes, they really did stop traffic!

See you at 6,

Katie and Al.

London Tonight Tonight Wednesday 21st March

Hello!

Budget day today ... NO! Don't switch off! Don't snooze! We can make it fun and relevant, really we can! I shouldn't joke really because we all know how our dear Chancellor can affect our lives, and this year - as he gave his last ever budget speech - he didn't disappoint. There are all sorts of headlines that you'll be able to hear more about on the national news at 6.30 .. Cutting income tax by 2 p, for one ... But how about announcements that will affect London? There could be some tax horrors looming at a local level. A report was published today recommending some huge rises if you've got a valuable house - which, with the property market in overdrive at the moment - affects lots of us. Liz Wickham has been investigating.

Did you know that London is now the coolest city on earth? It's official .. The New York magazine says so! You're bound to have a view ... We speak to Londoners to see what they think.

Ronke's been to Cape Town to discover how football can change lives ... An amazing project run by Charlton Athletic and the Met police to help disadvantaged kids there, while John Bird, no stranger to hardship himself as the founder of the Big Issue magazine, tells us why he's going to stand for Mayor of London.

We've another of our reports about Slavery as we approach the 200th anniversary of the act that abolished the slave trade, and Tamzin's been to meet Jamelia.

Something for everyone, as usual ..

See you at 6.

Katie and Al.

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday 20th March

Afternoon.

We have unofficial boxing from White Hart Lane, environmentalists offering free tickets to the west country and Carmen Electra on the Red Carpet. All that needs some explanation and you will get it - at 6.

We begin with a powerful piece of reporting from Phil.
Two boys, T Wood Nadauld and his best friend Steven Bayliss, were walking home in Wokingham, after spending the afternoon with another friend, Tom Palmer. What happened next was brutal, cold and evil. Tonight, one faces a life sentence in jail; the families of the other two a life-sentence of loss. It is a compelling story you won't want to miss.

Simon is on the trail of Sir Ian Blair who is "walk-about" but not, so far, "talk-about" - we want to know what he plans to do about the wave of knife and gun killings among our young people. Meantime , police have arrested a young man in connection with the Adam Regis killing. More on all of that at 6.

Ronke is in South Africa watching Charlton Athletic teach primary school kids there, the joys of the beautiful game. A number of Gooners, Hammers and others in the newsroom felt this was a kindly thought, but not the best of starts.... They have all been given lines and told to stand in the corner. Ronke raises spirits at 6.

Also, another nugget in our series marking the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade. The City of London is built on a clay basin: much of it is also built on the wealth generated by the slave trade. It doesn't show up in the books of many of the revered institutions in the Square Mile because, perhaps, it is time to forgive and forget.
Or is it?
We have a debate tonight between two people who know a thing about these matters and they'll be squaring up this evening.

Finally, a few of words about White Hart Lane, Greenpeace and Carmen Electra : YOU'LL WANT TO WATCH.....

See you at 6.

Alastair & Tamzin

London Tonight Tonight Monday 19th March

Afternoon everyone..

We'll be starting the show tonight the only way we can, with the appalling story of yet another young life wasted by knife crime. Adam Regis this time, only 15, out at the cinema on Saturday night, stabbed on his way home at half past nine. We'll have the reaction today, and we'll ask why this crime seems to be on the increase. We've also spent some time with some teenagers in Peckham who are hoping to make a change.

It's monday, so it's property day .... And today we're taking a look at how to avoid repossession. Not that cheery, I know .. But with so many of us mortgaged up to the hilt, and with interest rates heading north, it's best to be prepared. We want your views on that .. perhaps your memories of the early 90's when repossession became all too common.

This weekend sees the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade, and to mark this important event, we'll have special reports all week, reminding us how much London's history is entwined with that of the slave trade. Tonight, Ronke's had special access to a replica of the ships that transported 1000's of souls into bondage... And Steve Hargrave has been to meet Ioan Gruffyd, star of a major new film called Amazing Grace which chronicles the life of the father of abolition, William Wilberforce.

For those of you who were glued to the Formula One yesterday (Alastair ... ) you'll know that a new star has been born in the shape of Britain's first black F1 driver, Lewis Hamilton. We've been to meet his extremely excited friends, and we'll also be asking a marketing guru all about the huge brand appeal of this young man.

That and of course the weather and all the usual stuff.. !
See you at 6. .
Katie and Al.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 16th March

Good Afternoon,

Not long now til the weekend - and it should at least START sunny - more from Chrissie on that in a while (she'll be surrounded by a sea of Spring blooms by the way to get us in the mood)

But first... we start tonight's programme with an update on the murder of Kodjo Yenga, the 16 year old who died after being attacked in the street in Hammersmith. We've pictures you won't have seen before - and more. Can't say too much now - best tune in to find out more.

Also - and this'll be a familiar tale to many - roadworks, with no work being done. The road all dug up, then left...for days...and days...and days. Well some shopowners in Surrey have got so fed up with the hole in THEIR road that they've set up a webcam to demonstrate just how little is happening. We've been to meet the brains behind it.

We've a bumper sport and showbiz offering.....with all the weekend's football action and some car racing news to please Alastair, movie reviews from James King and Steve's been to meet band of the moment The Fray.

All that and a reminder of this year's People's Millions....Grants for good causes worth hundreds of thousands of pounds...we've details of how to apply

That lot should keep you happy.

We'll see you at 6

T&A

SEAGAL. By Scotchbrook.

If I said 'Steven Seagal', lots of you will say "who?"

Actually, I think many more will probably come up with "he's that action guy from some really bad Hollywood films". Others (I'm in this group) will say "yeah but 'Under Seige' was great fun and he fitted the bill perfectly". A smaller group (not me, honest) may even be able to quote lines from it.

I'm fairly certain it's an even smaller group, here in Britain certainly, that will say "Seagal? He's that Blues 'giant', with a honey voice and genuine talent for writing". I'm right, aren't I? You had no idea. Or, at least, the bloke sitting next to you had no idea. I heard a bit of him singing yesterday, and I have to tell you, he can sing. And he takes it very seriously.

To be honest, he takes a lot very seriously. The reason I was boning up on my Seagal sounds was because he was a guest on the programme, ahead of performing at the Shepherds Bush Empire this weekend.

Tamzin Sylvester and I were presenting that night and so, a little later, we went to introduce ourselves to him, ahead of the programme. He, and his entourage (which included a number of Mongolian monks - oh yes) were in our editor's office. It's not the most glamorous of places but it's got chairs - and if it's good enough for the Osmonds, it'll do Seagal just fine. Anyway, in we go, and he's sitting there, head against the window, pretty much ignoring what's going on in the room. Tamzin and I do a round of handshakes and 'hello's, and Steven even stands up - before saying little more than a bare minimum 'hi'. Tamzin then offers a light-hearted apology to the big man "Sorry, the room's not up to much"... to which he mumbles "It's very disappointing. We may have to get someone else"... But just at the point we think he's going to walk, we notice he's been on his mobile all the time. Out we come, laughing, a lot.

Okay, studio-time now and Tamzin and I are wondering whether we're heading for a repeat of an interview we once did with a hugely respected actor - no names, no lawsuits. It was like pulling teeth, from a rather grumpy old hippo. Anyway, in comes Seagal. He sits down and complains about one of the studio lights. It's too bright. This is a man who, presumably, is no stranger to the technical necessities of audio-visual entertainment. Anyway, the light's too bright, but there's no time to change it. It's feeling a little frosty in the studio now - which the big man himself seems to notice. "You could hang meet in this place", he says. Blimey, he's starred in films called 'Fire Down Below' and 'Hard to Kill' and he's complaining it's a bit chilly. To be fair, he then laughs at a back-handed comment about the British climate, but I was tempted to air some deeply-held views on 'stardom', but I didn't - (a) because we need Mr Seagal for the programme, and (b) he's got a black belt in some very painful martial arts.

"Now, he's a man of many talents", begins Tamzin, and we're off. And... I have to say he gave quite an interesting interview. Don't get me wrong - it wasn't like 'Tickles the Clown' had rolled up, but he came across as quite a self-effacing man who simply loves his music. At the end of the interview, in fact, things were going so well, he was busy offering us tickets for his concert. So busy, in fact, we can barely got him out of the studio before the weather finished.

So next time someone says 'Steven Seagal' to me, I'm going to say "Actor in some pretty forgettable films... but he was perfect for 'Under Seige... which I enjoyed... okay, he sometimes moans a bit... but don't we all... oh, and the boy does Blues... really rather well - honest".

London Tonight Tonight Thursday 15th March

Hi everyone - and welcome to London Tonight Tonight.

We've got loads for you... So here's a quick run through.
300 million quid. That's all? Well apparently that's how much the Mayor says he can afford to add to the Olympic pot. He says it won't cost you an extra penny... But are you buying it? Well join us and we'll ask him for you.

There's the terrible story of another dead teenager on our streets - this time it's thought he was fighting off a gang who wanted to steal his dog - four 13 year olds are in custody. We investigate the scale of dog napping in the capital.

They're mental for Oriental in Colindale. And tonight they're fighting a decision to knock down one of the biggest Chinese markets in London. We'll be asking why it can't be saved.

And just when you think we can't fit in anymore... Steven Seagal high kicks his way into the studio!

It's all too much to miss.

See you at six.
Ben and Tamzin.

London Tonight Tonight Wednesday 14th March

Afternoon everyone,

We've had it a few days running, we know, but isn't this sunny weather terrific? Puts a spring in your step and a song in your heart.

One man who's probably singing a happy tune today is London's Olympic boss. Lord Coe has triumphantly announced that Lloyds TSB is the first official sponsor for the 2012 Games... after the banking giant promised a not-unimpressive £80 million. Yes, we know we told you in yesterday's programme but we've got the low-down today on what they'll spend the cash on, and what a bank gets in return. Piers Hopkirk will have the details.

Now, cast your mind back to last month and the horrific 'moped-mugging' of Jane Gauntlett. Three guys on their mopeds grabbed her handbag while she was cycling near Paddington. She was left fighting for her life. What on earth can police do to stop attacks like that? Well, today, Phil Bayles has had exclusive access with the Met to find out.

With environmentalists warning it's time to say our prayers for the future of the earth, questions are being asked as to whether the church is playing its part. Not so much on the praying front, but on the insulating of big old draughty churches front. It's not us asking the questions, it's the Bishop of London and this evening Emma Walden will be walking an energy-saving expert round St Paul's to get marks out of ten.

Two people who DO deserve marks out of ten are PC Byrne and PC Byrne. The Mr and Mrs team of the City of London Police won't mind us saying that their battle to uphold the law is as compared to their battle with the bulge... together they've lost a total of nine stone. And that's a lot of extra weight to carry when you're walking the beat all day. Kate Recordon has been finding out how they shed shed-loads.

We'll also be pitchside before Spurs go head to head with Braga in their UEFA Cup game at White Hart Lane... Jasmine Lowson has been talking to Julian McMahon (he of 'Nip Tuck' and 'Charmed' fame) about his new movie... and Ms Reidy is on weather duty.

It's all on ITV1, this evening, at six.

See you then,

Ben and Katie

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday 13th March

Hi there!
Another day of fantastic weather and we'll be doing it justice, having sent weather guru Robin Lermitte to one under-appreciated beauty spot in west London, under one of the flightpaths to Heathrow.

We've also the latest on how the Internet can be a menace as well as a blessing.
A 13-year-old girl's gone missing from home in Essex and it's thought she might have met up with an Italian penfriend she met on the 'net.
Her family are worried sick. As well as updating the search for her, we'll have tips on how to keep your children safe online.

And after all the money worries surrounding London's Olympics, we're just getting news of a cash boost for 2012.
The Games' first official partner has signed up, bringing money and hopefully treading a path where other blue chip companies - and their money - will follow.
Every little helps!

A couple of brutal stories are also making headlines:
The jailing of a gang of robbers who modelled themselves on Reservoir Dogs.
And three teenagers stabbed outside a college in Essex - 15 people are under arrest over that.

Finally, tonight sees this year's launch of one of our most popular annual features, ITV's People's Millions.
Last year, with a lot of help from you, we gave away thousands to deserving causes - including a school, a nursery and a pet cemetery.
If you've got a cause in need of a pot of cash, make sure you tune in at 6pm when we'll be telling you how to get your hands on some lovely wonga!

The team

London Tonight Tonight Monday 12th March

Hello!
Well, the sun is shining, spring has sprung.. So we've sent Robin off to frolic in the daffodils at Kew Gardens. Of course we have!
But before all that jollity, we're leading tonight's show with some extraordinarily brave parents. You may remember on Friday we told you about the 11 year girl, Olivia McKie who was run over by a bus in Tooting. Today, her mum and dad said they wanted to speak to us about their thoughts, feelings, and memories of Livvy. Their composure is amazing .. And they're not wanting to make a point, or demand justice or compensation... But like us, I'm sure you will be inspired by them. It certainly makes you stop and think about how safely we all drive.

King Tut is back in London .. .Or is he? Phil Bayles is investigating the mysteries surrounding the latest Egyptian exhibition to come to town, as wrapped up in myth and conspiracy as the ancient pharaohs themselves..

Lewisham and Ipswich are going head to head for "cleanest borough" ... No place for dirty tricks in that competition, surely .... ?

Damien's looking into the rather optimistic claim that in 20 years' time, Brent Cross is going to be one of the most desirable addresses in London ... Kirstie's coming into the studio to no doubt pour cold water on that theory!

Then Tamzin's off to meet Brett Anderson from Suede .. And of course, the grand finale.. Robin in those daffodils at Kew. It doesn't get much better than that, does it?

Katie and Al.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 9th March

Hello.

Sorry for the lateness AGAIN. Friday, busy, etc etc.

If you're going out on the town tonight - a warning. Watch where you pee. If you do it somewhere you shouldn't you could end up with a choice. Either an 80 pound fine - or a mop and a bucket. You can imagine what they're for. Robin Ross has been out - and spoken to some of those who opted to clear it up....

Simon Harris continues his series following members of the London T.A. who are off to Afghanistan. Today we see their families getting a briefing ahead of their deployment.

We've the story of a fight in an Ilford underpass - it was arranged - it was supposed to be with fists - it ended in tragedy and today - a life sentence in jail for the teenager who used a knife.

James King is in the studio with his regular movie review. Willsy looks ahead to the sporting action.

Then. A true 70s legend. David Cassidy. Yes - him off the Partridge Family who retired aged 24. Find out where he's been since 1974.

That - and the gorgeous Robin at the Ideal Home Show (you'll need to have seen our lunchtime programme to get that reference)

Tune in at six - and if you can't - don't forget you can watch 24/7 at http://www.itvlocal.com

Have a great weekend.

Stuart
The Editor

London Tonight Tonight Thursday 8th March

Good afternoon - nothing to do with premium rate calls, nothing to do with the higher end of the technology. A misunderstanding explains the tardiness of your e-mail and I am really sorry. The left hand remained in blissful ignorance of the right hand and Katie thought Alastair was writing it and Alastair thought... Well you've got the idea: SORRY.

Tonight, Ali Dizaei... live on the sofa: is he a much maligned, but all round good cop? Or is he a magnet for trouble, much of it whipped up himself and, nearly as much, by his mates? Tune in, give ear and make your own minds up.

Also, the ultimate builders tale: "oh that looks a bit difficult" " Can't see that being easy" "I think it'll take a bit longer than you're hoping"
We've heard them all about our own flats or houses but Wembley has ssen a whole new book of excuses! Well, and it is a brave thing to write: tomorrow the new Wembley Stadium is handed over to the FA... Yes, I know. Well we can only report what we know and tomorrow is another day. Willsy puts his credibility on the line, live!

Also Marcus has been causing a degree of concern as he struts round the newsroom in his lycra - all in the name of sport, charity and Sally Gunnell. Yes, Marcus: we believe you.

And Jasmin has been talking to poor little rich star Hilary Duff. Nice woman, actually, I think you'll find.

More news, lovely weather, what the papers say and your favourite Wembley anecdotes.
Hear the one about the big white stadium everyone loved, they knocked down and then cocked up the replacement?
That sort of thing.
See you at 6.

A&K no, K&A. No, I think you'll find it's A&K .
(Grow up and get on with it: Ed)

London Tonight Tonight Wednesday 7th March

Good afternoon - and it is a cracker of a programme , even if I do say so myself!
Romilly is with me tonight and here's a bit about what the gang have lined up for you.

Faye, who is our new programme boss, was very tiggerish about a story we are calling 'GATOR: it involves a Basildon man on holiday in Florida, a game of golf, an aligator and a groundsman. Tragedy or happy ending? You'll have to tune in at 6 to find out...

We have the story of an incredibly proud dad who has seen his three sons join the army on the same day. Dad was in the military, too, so he has some very good words of wisdom for the lads.

There's an extraordinary siege going on in Kensington at the old Commonwealth Institute building, no less. The squatters are taking the word "Commonwealth" quite literally and refusing to budge. Liz went for a chat: the lads came out: the security guards rushed forward - well, Liz just about survived to tell the tale as you will see at 6.

And then there's the huge woman in the bed -
This is the story that has really set us arguing amongst ourselves. The woman in question weighs 42 stone and has been stuck in her bed for over a year.
She is obese but is she ill?
Indeed, is obesity an illness or a self-inflicted condition?
The NHS exists to provide free health care to those who need it, but do they count her in or out?
Do you think it's her problem, the NHS's problem or society's problem?
Glen has the story and we want to hear your thoughts too.

We will also have the latest on an arrest in the case of Laila Rezk, the Kingston woman who was followed home off a bus and beaten to death in her own home. Her body was found, you may recall, by her daughter.

That plus the weather with Chrissie and, we hope, we've all you need from us.

See you at 6.

A & R

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday 6th March

Good afternooon one and all - and it's a good job the sun is shining because it's been a busy day for the reporters and cameras out and about today.
What is it that makes a person decide it's a good idea to throw a tin of paint all over a train station waiting room? And are bystanders right to walk away? Liz Wickham has been to see the damage done by mindless vandals, costing train companies AND commuters, thousands.
Let's just hope the same anti-social types don't get anywhere near the brand new St Pancras Station....Phil Bayles had an exclusive sneak preview there today, as the very first Eurostar rolled into it's new home.

We're also at the Old Bailey, for the start of the trial of two teenagers accused of shooting a man dead on his own doorstep. Peter Woodhams was just 22 when he was killed in front of his grilfriend and baby. Ronke Phillips has all the details.

Ben Scotchbrook (wannabe thespian) has been known to don a costume or two in his theatrical past - but his salary wouldn't stretch to the prices at Bonhams today as scores of iconic movie outfits were sold at auction. So how much would Sean Connery's 007 tux set you back? Well Ben has the answers.

This one had us giggling in the newsroom...and even better it's at the expense of a council's parking enforcers. When Eric Smart received a penalty charge through the post he was a little surprised - after all it was for his tractor....no not a Chelsea one, a proper farmyard one, parked in a barn in Yorkshire! Piers Hopkirk has the tale of the fined farmer fighting to clear his machinery's name!

All that, and the lastest from Stamford Bridge ahead of Chelsea's Champions League clash with Jose's old team Porto...dont' miss it at 6!

Emma and Alastair

London Tonight Tonight Monday 5th March

Hello.
We start the week with your regular line-up of presenters, now we are both back from our brief breaks and have managed to get to work on the same day!

Emma has our top story today: it centres on a remarkable interview with the mother of Daniel Ross. Daniel was shot dead in September last year. Emma also has some amazing CCTV pictures of what proved to be Daniel's last moments. The Police still need your help. So does Daniel's mum....
Michael Dosonmu was killed last month and his case will feature on the BBC Crimewatch programme tonight: another family in need of help. Another opportunity for someone out there to do the right thing.

OK.
Some fun, too.
What is the collective noun for hedgehogs and what have Two Fat Ladies got to do with it?
Nothing, but both do feature in the softer, cuddly bit of the programme. If you watch, it will all fall into place but don't shout out at the wrong time... And don't try to pick up the hedgehog...

>From movies to make-up, from under-wear to the Underground, pretty well everything gets advertised on London buses these days; but never before have we seen a bus-billboard appeal of such powerful and moving intent as the one Phil intends to tell you about tonight. Tune in and be touched.

And finally, how several boxes and an Allen key are making some people in London happy home-makers. Damien is the man with the instructions....

See you at 6.

A & K

London Tonight Tonight Friday 2nd March

Hooray it's the weekend....and we can tell it's Friday in the newsroom because Faye the new programme editor is getting the doughnuts in!
Don't worry, the sugar isn't going to rush to our heads too much - we'll still have all the capital's top news, sport and entertainment for you at 6 O'Clock.

We start tonight with a cautionary tale for anyone going out on the town - beware the dangerous date. Ronke Phillips has been in court to hear the story of sexual predator Rohail Spall, caught out when a waiter saw him spiking his dinner companion's drink. She had a narrow escape, and London Tonight has the advice women need to keep themselves safe.

Next - the tragic tale of teenager Shadi El Bhnasawy. Following a serious asthma attack the 15 year old was sent home from hospital, only too suffer another attack. Paramedics couldn't save his life, and now his parents are demanding answers from the doctors who treated their son. They've been telling their story to Phil Bayles.

Plenty of people in this office say they have them at home, and I'm sure lots of you have too, but could burning a tea-light be much more dangerous than it appears? Glen Goodman has been hearing about the devastating inferno that killed a woman and two firefighters who tried to save her.

As it's Friday, James King will of course be in the studio to share his movie views and news, and Jonathan Wills will be bringing us all the sport - including a sneak preview of the centre court facelift at Wimbledon...
Excited? Well there's more... we're also joined on the couch by Donny Osmond (apparently the autograph is for Robin Lermitte's wife, not him!)

All that and a fantastic Arsenal competition for one lucky football team - what a fabulous start to the weekend. Don't miss it!
Emma and Alastair

London Tonight Tonight THURSDAY 1st March

Spot the obvious mistake in today's blog eh?

Blame the new Programme Editor - she's useless!

Signed...
Faye, the Programme Editor.

London Tonight Tonight Friday March 1st

Hello - hope you've been enjoying your afternoon and are looking forward to a packed show this evening.
We start out with a woman scorned tonight. When Ann Hunter discovered her ex was moving on in life - she tried to end his by hiring a hitman. Glen Goodman has the whole story - including what she said to the undercover policeman she thought was a killer-for-hire.
His family have been calling for it for years, and now the police investigation into the death of Stuart Lubbock, who drowned in Michael Barrymore's pool will be scrutinised. Ronke Phillips has the details.
Has your car ground to a halt thanks to dodgy fuel? Well plenty have - and the cause could be right here on the Thames. Kate Recordon is live with the latest advice if you're concerned about what you've pumped into your tank.
Simon Harris loves a fight - but they're normally political - tonight though he's with the Territorial Army as they prepare to take on the Taliban in Afghanistan - see his special report.
All that, a sneak preview inside the venue formally known as the Dome, and the Kaiser Chiefs on the red carpet at the NME awards - how could you miss it!?
Join us at 6!
Emma and Willsy.