London Tonight Tonight: 2010

26.10.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

On the show tonight:

How will Londoners will fare on Bonfire night if the Fire Brigades Union stage their strike at the same time? Will the London Fire Brigade be able to cope with their stand-in services?

We continue our focus on how the Spending Review will affect the capital, today looking at how cuts to the Building Schools for Future will take away crucial funding from Little Ilford School in Newham.

We are also looking at how the M25 weill be widened between junctions 16 and 23. Will this reduce the bottlenecks those commuters are used to, and is everyone happy with it?

See you at six,

Charlene and Ben

21.10.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Good Afternoon to you...

Before I go any further I'd like to set some people's minds at rest. It seems that my blog earlier in the week about having to buy a couple of new buckets has raised concerned for my well-being.

Let me quote a 'tweet' from a chap calling himself 'CurrentMartin'... "I like Ben Scotchbrook from London Tonight, however he's clearly lost the plot with tonight's LT blog about buckets!"

I laughed out loud.

Mr Martin (or may I call you Current?)... firstly, a genuine thank you for your kind words. However, fear not about the plot - I know exactly where it is. I've put it in one of my new buckets for safe-keeping.

Now - onto a brief summary of tonight's programme...

Two people have drowned after trying to rescue a dog from the Thames in Surrey... The cost of going over the bridge or under the tunnel at Dartford is to rise from £1.50 to £2.00 next year, before hitting £2.50 the year after... We're live at the premiere of 'The King's Speech' with Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter... Is it true that a non-league club is trying tempt a former Arsenal player to join up?.. And we'll talk to the parents of a baby who was chilled by doctors to the point of death so they could carry out a live-saving operation.

I'm going to end with a few words about Acting Corporal David Barnsdale - killed in action in Afghanistan. Just 24 years old, he was from Tring in Hertfordshire. He's the 40th soldier from London and the South East to die serving in Afghanistan. That his death takes the dreadful toll to a new 'milestone' figure doesn't make his life any more precious than others - every life lost leaves a hole that friends and family will never be able fill. But 40 people - that's 40 too many, and we pay tribute to each and every one of them.

See you at six,

Ben & Lucy

19.10.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Good Afternoon -

I've just had a flu vaccination and, not being a great fan of injections, I'm feeling a tad pleased with myself. I've never actually passed out at the sight of a needle (unlike a boy at school who, moments after his BCG jab, fell to the floor murmuring "Mummy, Mummy, get off me". The fact that I mention it today gives you an idea of how readily his school mates let that one go...). Anyway, the left arm's doing fine and I'm hoping that this year's flu strains will be taking a running jump.

Nina's had her jab too; she insisted on having hers before Robin, in case she came over all funny. She didn't. As for Robin... well, he comes over funny every evening.

Now - the programme.

Another day of misery on the tube. The Victoria line was stuffed today. What on earth is going on? We'll be asking TfL exactly that.

The coroner told one of the survivors of the 7/7 bombings today that she is "truly inspirational" - Martine Wright lost both her legs when Shehzad Tanweer detonated a bomb on a tube train at Aldgate. She's now walking, and today was talking about her experience at the inquests into the deaths of those who died.

24 hours to go until we find out just how much money is going to be stripped from national Government departments as well as local government budgets. We'll have a special programme looking at the Comprehensive Spending Review tomorrow, but today we're looking at the possible impact on the capital's housing budget as well as the future of a specific police patrol in Essex which has, in recent years, reduced the number of accidents dramatically.

The twist and turns of our international relations are a thing of wonder, aren't they? A massive restoration project on HMS Belfast has just been completed- and paid for - by the Russians. Having seen them as our arch enemy for more than 40 years, the Russians have now 'done up' one of our national monuments in recognition of its work supplying the Soviet Union during the Second World War. HRH Prince Philip was there today. And so were we.

Oh - and we'll also be talking to some bloke called Bruce. Forsyth? Willis? Springsteen? Well, let's just say he's in a new action movie with Dame Helen Mirren. We might be talking to her too. I said "might".

See you at six,

Ben & Nina

18.10.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Monday 18th October,

Good Afternoon one and all...

I bought a bucket today. In fact, I bought two buckets - having broken two buckets at the weekend. The details are dull (as is this story so far) but the bottom line is that I ended the weekend with two fewer buckets than I started the weekend. (I would love at this point to tell you the name of the rather well known shop where I bought the two now-broken buckets so you could steer clear of the same model but I'd probably get a telling off.)

So - to restore the bucket balance at home, I wandered through the market near our offices today and bought two more buckets. (I know. This story's not getting any more interesting, is it? If I'm honest I might bail out altogether in a minute.) Here's the thing - walking back to work, I noticed people just staring at me because of the buckets. I passed one of our picture editors who asked if I'd now been asked to clean the office too. A couple of minutes later, the ITV News Head of Output asked "Why the bucket, sorry, two buckets?". As I walked into the building, the Deputy Editor of ITV News raised an eyebrow and said "windows..?" And all the while, I noticed double-taking from pedestrians, cyclists, taxi-drivers and taxi-passengers.

Quite extraordinary. They're just buckets, everyone. Lots of people have at least one. Now, if I'd been wandering about with a Faberge egg... or a month old iguana... or maybe, indeed, with one of buckets actually on my head... I could understand the interest. But just carrying buckets?

Try it yourselves - on the way to work. Perhaps it's just me. Perhaps I don't look like a 'bucket' sort of person. But what is a 'bucket' sort of person? And what do they look like?

Anyway - better get on, before I kick the bucket.

Today's programme can be summed up like this:

The Jubilee line is in a mess after a power failure this morning - trains stopped in tunnels, after people heard a big bang. Well, what would you think? Anyway, we're being told the after effects might linger well into the working week.

The Government announces details of its Comprehensive Spending Review on Wednesday - when we'll all hear which departments are going to lose how much money. It's likely to be a very black day for all of us. We'll be bringing you all the details of the impact of the cuts - and our comprehensive coverage begins today with the results of a survey carried out by Westminster council. It seems to suggest a lot of people just haven't clocked on to how serious the cuts will be. And there's a report on how the cuts could effect something as essential as a 'Meals on Wheels' service.

Another story we've been following very closely, of course, is the day-to-day testimony at the 7/7 inquests. Today we've had some very moving tributes to the 7 people who died on the Aldgate train.

Oh and, in case you're wondering 'The Only Way is Essex'*.

See you at six,

Ben & Nina

* It's a new series on ITV2 featuring a group of real people from Essex. Apparently, a few other people in Essex are really not big fans...

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Thursday 14th October

Once again, good afternoon to you all,

Hope you are all enjoying your Thursday afternoon. Good news is the weekend is almost here. As for the bad news, well, onto tonight's show...

A month it seems dogged by the possibility - and reality - of more strikes. Today we hear from the Fire Brigades Union as they have balloted with a resounding 'Yes' to strike action in the ongoing fight against proposed changes to their shift pattern. Are these strikes going to be warmly received by the public when many are experiencing job losses? We put that question to the Union.

We've been following the July 7 Inquests every day this week - and there's more new CCTV picture that's been released today.

And something that came in last minute, but its a good one - a tale of public good over individual malice. An extraordinary tale of courageous acts from ordinary Londoners. This morning, five masked robbers approached a jewellery shop in Central London and grabbed goods worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.....but they didn't get away with it. Wait and see what happened.

At the other end of the news spectrum, Nina was lucky enough to chat to American soul singer John Legend about his upcoming album, and Sugababe Jade Ewen tells us why she's supporting World Sight Day.

See you at six,

Ben and Lucy

14.10.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Wednesday 13th October 2010

Good Afternoon to you... It's been a while!

Isn't it dreadfully sad about Claire Rayner? She's been a feature of British life in one way or another for decades. I can remember watching her on the TV when I was but a boy and as I've got older seen her name connected with many a good cause. A Londoner born and bred, she was one who campaigned selflessly to make the work a better place - and she will be missed. We'll pay tribute to her tonight.

I'll run through the rest of our menu:

We'll report on Day Two of the 7/7 inquests. The families of those who died were at the Royal Courts of Justice to see and hear CC-TV footage of the immediate aftermath of the bombings. It must have been dreadful for them, truly dreadful.

You may remember how a young man was punched and kicked to death when he asked a passing group of thugs to return his girlfriend's hat after they took it. Well, three men have now been found guilty of murder and can look forward to a lengthy spell in prison. Over a hat.

There's also the skip that left a gaping great hole on a very upmarket road in Belgravia. What's the damage? What does it look like? Who's to blame?

We'll report on the England U21 star, Jack Wilshere, who's been hoiked out of the U21 game tonight to play for the big boys in the Euro qualifier against Montenegro. Will he swing it for us?

And then we have a the mouth-watering prospect of a report marking the 100th birthday of the London Palladium. You may know it for the international celebrities who've wowed the crowds there down the years - Dame Julie Andrews, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, etc. Or perhaps you remember Bruce Forsyth (should be Sir Bruce Forsyth) when he hosted 'Sunday Night at the London Palladium'. Or maybe you've been lucky enough to see one of the blockbuster musicals that's helped give the West End its world-wide reputation - 'Oliver'... 'The Sound of Music'... 'The King and I'. So - lots to look back on and it's Lucy Cotter's job to pick out the best bits.

Plenty to work on then - better get on.

See you at six,

Ben & Nina

31.8.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Good Afternoon one and all...

So, we've had the last bank holiday before Christmas... Not exactly a morale-booster, is it?

Don't know about you but I feel like, yet again, we've missed out on summer. Yes, we had a sunny time back in July but then August was a complete wash-out. I feel cheated.

And, what's more, Manali has just wondered in telling me about her lovely holiday in the Spanish sunshine. Sunny and hot apparently. I'm really pleased for her, obviously.

Now, the programme:

Is Boris' road-works licence actually reducing London's road-works?... What will the General Medical Council make of the doctor who admitted cutting the lip of a rugby player so he could be substituted?... Have you heard about the council worker who claimed sick pay while boasting about how he was shaving time off his 100m personal best?... How many flowers does it an Olympic meadow make?... And we speak to the girl who, having recorded a single to raise money for a cancer charity after her mother died, has now recorded an album.

Plus: if you're a fan of the staff at the fictional London police-station, Sun Hill, tune in as we say goodbye to the 'Bill' after 27 years on the box.

We'll see you at six,

Ben & Lucy
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27.8.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Good Afternoon to you...

I'm not happy. I know I should be - what the bank holiday weekend looming - but that's the reason I'm not happy. All week the weather forecast for the long weekend has, at the very least, said 'sunny intervals' but looking at one website now it's saying light rain on Saturday and Sunday. I'm hoping I've picked a duff website and Robin will put us (and the website) right later on.

Not that Charlene - on duty with me this evening - will care that much, as she's heading off to sunnier climes for a two week holiday tomorrow. I know 'jealousy' is an ugly emotion. I'm feeling very ugly right now. (And before Ken the editor comes up with a funny reply, I've already gone through them. Twice.)

Now, this evening's programme;

We've got (not necessarily in this order):

A sham marriage... The man who sold the house that wasn't his... The 7/7 bomber's widow hears whether she'll get more legal aid... The fire-fighters carry on talking... The single-minded determination of a synchronised swimmer...and news about Whoopi Goldberg and her "Sister Act" in the West End.

Mr King will also be hear to talk about two of the big movies hitting London's cinemas this weekend and, as promised, Robin will talk us through the weather.

Okay - get the teas in.

See you at six,

Ben & Charlene
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6.8.10

LONDON TONIGHT

Good Afternoon to you

Hope you're all well and looking forward to the weekend.

We're all having a cup of tea at the moment (courtesy of one of our producers, George) and for those that like them, I brought in a couple of boxes of chocolate fingers. Have to say, they've proved to be rather popular. I could barely hear what the our programme editor, Hannah, was saying in the meeting above Lucy chomping away. I have to confess that I'm quite partial too; the problem however is that one is never enough. I've had a fistful already.

Now the programme...

We've got 'A Medical miracle'... 'Justice for Gem Thieves... Hanging basket cutbacks'... 'How many fire-fighters does it take to mend a lift?'... 'The Stoics of Stevenage'... 'Marley & Marley'... and 'The Celebrities Have Landed'.

Got to go - we're getting dangerously close to the last chocolate fingers.

See you at six,

Ben & Lucy
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30.7.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Good Afternoon to you...

So, I was on duty reading the late last night - sitting there in the studio, gathering my thoughts you know, practising reading out loud - when the music starts, I look up and.... the 'autocue' says nothing more than 'autocue' on it. It's what Sir Alex Ferguson might call 'squeaky bum time'. Anyway, I don't want to make a drama out of a crisis - we got through the first lead in, reading from the scripts and the presenter's friend was up and running after that. But I've just been told this afternoon that a new chap was operating the kit downstairs in the News at Ten studio and when News at Ten finished, he, er... just switched the whole thing off. Two things strike me ahead of this evening's programme - I must double check I've got my paper scripts with me and hope he's got the evening off.

Now, onto what we have in the programme.

The verdict on who was responsible for the Potters Bar rail crash - and the coroner's ominous warning to rail-users.

The Mayor's 'on yer bike' campaign now comes complete with thousands of bikes to rent and special places to park them.

A Romanian woman has been convicted of all sorts of charges today after getting a group of children to beg for money in London.

Lucy Cotter has been speaking to the new boy band tipped to top the singles chart this weekend. Get screaming girls, for 'The Wanted'.

And, my favourite story of the day. At a time when we're all being told that local council's will have to watch their spending very carefully, East Hertfordshire council has just stumped up almost £6,000 for an exercise park. For dogs. Think on, my friends, think on.

See you at six,

Ben & Lucy

_______

Good evening,

I have a squeaky shoe.

It's an unremarkable fact, I know, & I imagine I'm not alone. Most of the time I don't give it any thought but every now & then I find it acutely embarrassing.

I was in good time for my train this morning & having got my paper I started the walk to the far end of the platform in order to be in the front carriage for a speedy exit at Waterloo. The sky was blue (less of that over the next few days as sunny spells & scattered showers are on the menu), the birds were singing & my fellow commuters were enjoying quiet cups of coffee. And then I started my walk. The calm was soon punctuated by angry squeaking that seemed to get louder with each step I took. I tried to alter my gait to minimise the noise but people continued to look up from their papers & watch, frowning, as I half limped half minced my way down the platform, cheeks burning all the while.

This was 8 hours ago & I still get a hot flush when I think about it.

Hope to see you later. Listen out for the squeak that will herald my arrival in the studio.

Robin.

16.7.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Good Afternoon to you...

We've had a young lady, Poppy, in on work-experience all this week. Now, we get quite a few people coming through looking to see how it all works, wondering whether they might want to help it work in their future career. I certainly did my fair share - quite a few years ago now - but I did my fair share. Anyway, the young people who come in tend to fall into a number of categories. There are those who frankly would rather be doing extra maths - here only because someone else thought it was a good idea. There are those who leave you wondering how they dress themselves in the morning. And there are those who get stuck in, ask lots of questions and add to the general team effort. Poppy's in a category of her own - she brought in home-made cakes today. It's a first. She can come again.

Right, with a mouthful of fluffy-wuffy fairy cake, let's look at today's stories:

Our guest tonight is the astonishingly successful producer/performer Mark Ronson. We'll ask him about his new album and working with Duran Duran on their new album.

Lucy's also been chatting with the X-factor runner-up, Olly Murs, about his first single.

We'll be reporting on the new network of cycle highways that's about to spread out across the capital, and the controversial introduction of a parking fee for motorcyclists in parts of the capital - motorcylists failed in a legal bid to scrap it today.

Marcus Powell has the latest on the £5 million fine imposed on the five companies responsible for the Buncefield explosion 5 years ago - the families who live nearby are, shall we say, less than impressed.

Ronke's job is to tell us about the punishment handed out to one of the doctors involved in the Baby P scandal.

While Sharon Thomas has been talking to the father of a marine, Matthew Harrison, who was killed in Afghanistan this week. I'm sure she won't mind me saying that the composure and generosity of spirit shown by Brian Harrison today left her in awe.

We'll hear from him - and cover the rest of the day's news - at six.

Ben & Lucy

___

It wasn't a good start to the day today. The trains were up the spout due to a power failure somewhere along the line meaning services were down to one an hour & the trains themselves were half the length they would normally be. The combination of lateness & overcrowding is not appealing & usually brings out the worst in people, but today everyone was remarkably well behaved & we all worked hard to make the best of a bad situation.
Perhaps it was just the knock-on effect of relief at escaping the brief shower (a left over from last night) that was pouring down as we whiled away the delay on the platform or maybe it was a general feeling of thank God it's Friday. Anyway I'm hopeful the train service will improve in much the same way the weather will (mainly fine & warm over the next few days) & that my journey home tonight will be punctual & uneventful.
Hope to see you later,
Robin.

9.7.10

LONDON TONIGHT

Good evening,
A couple of days ago I bumped into a tourist who was concentrating hard on taking the perfect photo of Big Ben. As I waited for him to get the perfect shot (I have to admit here that this is unusual behaviour for me as I'm generally late & stop for no-one; I suspect that there are many shots of the local attractions featuring a harassed looking bloke in a suit heading towards the tube) I noticed his armpits.
His shirt contained a crescent shaped section of netting in each armpit which is a design idea I've never seen before. I can't pretend it wasn't hideous but I guess it's immensely practical, especially in weather like this.
In fact with a warm night ahead of us tonight & conditions staying hot over the weekend I reckon we should all be wearing as much netting as possible. I will if you will.
Hope to see you later,
Robin.

******************

And Good Evening from me, too...

Im going to be honest. I don't remember wearing any clothing with any netting in the armpits. Or any of the body's creases. You should be grateful.

Now, the programme: We have got the sentencing of a fifteen year old murderer, a 'parents v council' row over a school's design, the memories of three Battle of Britain pilots and one proposed solution to the irritating people who leave their disgusting chewing gum stuck all over London - that's on the pavements, under chairs on windows. I mean really what's wrong with these people do they really think that the rest of us should have to work round the sticky ghastliness of their selfishness? I'd better stop there. Or I'll get told off.
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25.6.10

LONDON TONIGHT

England are not yet good enough to go home - the theory goes like this - we always start the World Cup badly - get worse before we get better then maintain an upward trajectory until we exit in noble and brilliant failure. And so on that basis we have another round to improve before we gallantly go out - Please don't put any money on it but I think Germany the old foe will come off second best on Sunday. Here is praying!
Donal

Good evening,

We've got a new clothes line at home (yes, I lead a very tiny life). It was on special offer -better than half price, actually- & it came with an array of extras & easy to follow instructions which made it impossible to resist.

It turned out that although the financial cost of this piece of domestic kit was relatively modest, the emotional cost of installing it was huge. I am appalling at any form of DIY so a job like this is always fraut with the fear of failure but, at the same time, underpinned by the desire for an instant & successful result.

As you know the weather's been very dry for quite a while & as we're on clay the ground is like rock, making the digging part of the job exquisitely unpleasant. Watering the area only served to turn the top 2" of soil into a thick muddy soup which sat on top of the unchanging hard core.

After what felt like hours of digging, swearing & ultimately hammering the task was accomplished. Of course I hadn't used a spirit level & of course the post is at a slight angle & of course I won't pay any heed to the instructions which declare that any rotary drier not at a precise 90 degree angle to the ground should be removed & installed again correctly.

Conditions for the weekend look great. Hot, dry & sunny; perefct for a few loads of washing, in fact....

Hope to see you later,

Robin.

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18.6.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Good Afternoon to you -

So - hands up if you're going to the cinema this evening... or going out to dinner... or off to Scottish country dancing lessons. Thought as much - not many hands up, are there?

This evening is England's chance to 'make amends'. I'm not pointing any fingers as to how and why we're not sitting on three points already (we've had enough of that) but now's the time to draw the line in the South African sand and start our bid for the World Cup all over again. (What do you reckon - stick on the Italian accent and I could be Mr Capello, couldn't I?)

Our programme's a little shorter tonight to allow for more on the build-up to the big game (suck it all up on ITV1 - programme starts at 6.30pm, with kick-off at 7.30pm) but in our 11 news-packed minutes, we'll be looking at:

Plans to revamp Brent Cross Shopping Centre... the Cops who caught up with the bad guys in a classic 27 year old car... and all the day's other headlines.

Oh, and a bit of footy. Well, we had to, didn't we?

See you at six,

Ben

11.6.10

LONDON TONIGHT

Good Afternoon to you...

And what an afternoon it is. As I sit here right now, it's half-time in the first game of the World Cup. That's 'yay' if you love football - because it's finally underway - and 'double yay' if you hate the game - because the end is in sight. It could (hopefully) be six weeks off, but it is in sight*.

So, we're obviously going to be taking a long hard look at how the World Cup is playing out in London town - there's a huge party going on right now in Trafalgar Square, actually. People are going football crazy across the capital. We'll also take a look at a junior football club which can boast some fairly successful old boys. Have you heard of Ledley King? Or John Terry?

If you were watching yesterday, you'll have seen that Jess Nangle from Chesham won the London Tonight World Cup song competition. Not bad, considering she's only 15. There's no prize to speak of, just the glory of, well, saying that she's, er, just won the London Tonight World Cup song competition. Anyway, Jess is coming in to tell us why she wrote the song.

And we're going to have another singer cast his professional eye, make that ear, over the song. Ricky Astley - he of 'Never Gonna Give You Up' fame (it was number one for 5 weeks) - is coming in to talk about his new song 'Lights Out'. He's a lovely man - so we're looking forward to that.

Before I leave you, I thought I'd share our Friday Chocolates competition (usual warning: they've all gone). We had Lonnie Donnegan Jnr on the programme yesterday to help choose our World Cup Song. His Dad, of course, wrote the very first World Cup Song, World Cup Willie. So, in honour of the great man, there were choccies on offer today for anyone who could complete the following Lonnie lyric:
"Oh, my old man's a dustmanHe wears a dustman's hatHe wears XXXXXXXAnd he lives in a council flat."
Is it:
a) a little off-the-shoulder number?
b) cor blimey trousers?
c) people down with his silly songs?

I should point out at this stage that we'll also have some serious news in the programme, some of it very serious.

See you with the full picture at six,

Ben & Lucy

*Seriously, put a chart up on the wall and count down the days. It'll help pass the time, I promise.

Good evening,

Until yesterday I'd forgotten how pervasive brick dust can be.

We're having a new window put in at home & this required cutting out a small section of wall. Despite there being very little breeze & a heavy duty dust sheet being hung in front of the opening, clouds of volcanic ash style powder were soon billowing around the room settling on every available surface.

Inevitably this warranted a hospital deep clean at the end of the day which gave the appearance of cleanliness & order, but beneath this cunning veneer the brick dust still lurked. Inside drawers, at the back of cupboards & (worst of all) in a large bucket of elderflower cordial in the making which I had left uncovered. It won't be wasted, however, I can't allow it. Anyone being offered a refreshing glass will simply be advised to let it stand before drinking in order to allow the dust to settle.

Weekend weather looks good. Dry with sunny spells & reasonable temperatures. Enjoy....

Hope to see you later,

Robin.
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4.6.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Good Afternoon to you...

So, it's Friday. And, as it's Friday, we've had our usual quiz. I decided to make it 'sort of' news related.
It's emerged that the Olympic stadium is not going to have its wind turbine, after all. So, there were chocolates on the desk (not anymore, I'm afraid) for anyone who could complete the following well-known saying:
"It's an ill wind that....."
Is it:
a) "...blows nobody any good"
b) "...tells you to cut down on the onions"
c) "...tells you to tell Auntie Flo to cut down on the onions"
Well, would you believe that at least two younger members of the team confessed to never having heard the phrase before. Seriously, I know I'm getting on, but it's not that unusual a phrase, is it? Or is it? Have I lost my readership here? Let's move on.
Here's what we have for you:
A man who killed his wife and dumped her body in a wheelie bin... A man who moved from Romford to Thailand where his 5 month old son was abducted... The Greenwich bid to become the port of choice for the world's biggest cruise ships... Piers Morgan talking about the runners and riders in this weekend's 'Britain's Got Talent' grand final... and Robin's getting down and dirty in a pond.
Oh, and we'll have more entrants in our competition to find London Tonight's world cup footy song.
Okay, I'm going to stop now because the news has just broken that England's captain Rio Ferdinand is, er, out of the world cup. I'm going to have a lie down. And a bit of a cry.

See you at six,
Ben & Lucy
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21.5.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Afternoon all -

Coming up tonight...

As passengers learn their breakaway may be wrecked by the strike hitting BA on Monday... we speak to members of UNITE who want to break away from their union...

MI5 may be called to account over its performance leading up to the 7th July bombings...

What caused a plane to crash into a home in Farnborough and how lucky was its homeowner not to have died along with the passengers?

Police! Police! We're coming in to seize all the cannab...where has all the cannabis gone?

Faithless can't get no sleep, at least we hope they can't while they're talking to our reporter...

Shiver my timbers - but not too hard, until the Cutty Sark restoration is finished...

And we've a right royal treatment for two of the week's new movies.

Okay - as it's a Friday, I thought I'd share the office chocolate competition with you.

We were offering a choke (they're all gone now) to anyone who can complete the following lyric from the Mungo Jerry classic 'In the Summertime'
"In the summertime when the weather is high
You can chase right up and touch the ???????"
Is it:
a) hem of his garment?
b) truck?
c) sweaty sock?
d) sky?

Right I'd better go but before I go - one more thing with which to tempt you. Who could possibly miss the highlight of this evening's programme - 'Robin Meets A Pig'...?

See you at six,

Ben & Nina

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14.5.10

LONDON TONIGHT

Good Afternoon

As some of you may know, it's not uncommon for us to open up a box of chocolates in our office on a Friday afternoon. And with the chocolates often comes a little poser.*

I thought I'd share today's...

Okay, yesterday, we showed a report on three evacuees and their journey back to some caves in Chislehurst in Kent - their home away from the Blitz for 18 months of WWII. The caves are about 100 ft underground. Without lighting, they're pitch black. They're cold and damp.
Which of the following musicians have performed in a concert there?
Was it...
a) Julie Andrews?
b) The Wombles?
c) Jimi Hendrix?

Once again, I have to stress, the chocolates have long gone but hey, it's something to wow your mates with down the pub.**

Now, the programme:

We're going to start with the terrible story of 21 month old Bobby Louch. He was found dead in his cot in Beckenham. A jury at the Old Bailey have been asked to consider whether his mother and her then boyfriend were responsible. We'll have the verdict.

We'll also have an interview with Gary McKinnon's mother about how much comfort they're taking from the change in Government. The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats had always said they don't believe the self-confessed computer hacker should be extradited to America for trial after he found his way into NASA and US military computer systems.

The Met has admitted that DNA samples taken in connection with rape and murder investigations were left and forgotten about in a freezer at Shoreditch police station... A Labour peer has proposed that all illegal dangerous dogs seized by authorities should be put down immediately... On the eve of this year's FA Cup final, we'll hear from an RAF veteran who, after he was shot down in WW2, went on to play for Charlton in the 1946 Final... and, AND... we're talking to the grandfather of alternative comedy, Alexei Sayle, about taking to the stage again after lots of years away.

Right, time now for me to think of some questions for Mr Sayle.

See you at six,

Ben & Lucy

* Piers Hopkirk and our programme editor Hannah have just told me that they never read the question in the e-mail announcing the chocolates have been opened. They simply see the word 'chocolates' and come to the desk. I'll let you draw your own conclusions.
** So, you'll need the answer for that. It was Jimi Hendrix. The thing is that while the people running Chislehurst Caves know he did perform there, they have no photographs at all. So, if you were there with our Jimi, and you got your box brownie out (that's a camera for anyone sniggering) then let us know...
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12.4.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Oh the promise of some fine sunshine today has petered out. There is no prettier city on the planet than London in the sun. West London - this morning it was bliss and I played trampoline with the kids before getting into the office. Now that is the way to start the day. Well after when the sun comes out - with the world cup on the horizon - there are punters and landlords licking their lips at the prospect of a bumper summer.

They're keen to make up for last year's washout and the fact that England didn't make it to the last major tournament, Euro 2008 - both of which cost them dearly. But all is not as idyllic as it appears to be - tonight we bring you the story of a town in Berkshire determined to keep football fans away from its pubs for one of the crucial, first-round games for Fabio Capello's men? We will be looking for your views on this!
And Kate Nash is in town with the latest on her new album and as ever we also have the best view of politics in London. We have so much in common me and Kate - she has a pet rabbit and the Macintyre's have one too - and both are rabbits are called Fluffy - bet we are the only ones in the country who call our rabbits FLUFFY.

Well, election fever has yet to reach its highest pitch but it is escalating - and we are following all the action all the way wiith our guru Simon Harris. We have Manali with the weather tonight and I was delighted that the fine rays she promised last weekend arrived so keep up the good weather please - let's keep tabs on her forecasts this week and let's pray that morning sunshine survives well into the afternoon. Enjoy the show and catch me with the late bulletin after the News at Ten.

Donal
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9.4.10

LONDON TONIGHT

Good Afternoon.

The headlines:

'Boris Blunder'... The Mayor of London puts his foot in it by questioning David Cameron's newest policy - in front of David Cameron.

'Murder Hunt'... Police investigate the murder of a Surrey man who was murdered after he moved up to Tyne and Wear.

'Friend or Foe'... Spurs players get ready to take on old Portsmouth team mates in the FA Cup semi final*.

'McLaren Remembered'... A London tribute to the man who put the Sex Pistols on the map.

'Banarama - live'... we talk to the girls about their new single.

'Movie Time'... Mr King tells us exactly what he thinks about two new movies hitting our cinema screens this weekend.

There you go. I'm off for a cup of tea.

See you at six,

Ben & Lucy

* And Chelsea take on Aston Villa. You can think of a headline for that one.
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29.3.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Dear One, Dear All -

Hope you had a lovely weekend - and that you all remembered to put your clocks forward. (Sorry if that's had you slapping your forehead as you realise "that's why I've been an hour late to everything...")

I'm going to start today with my appendix. I haven't got it anymore - had it whipped out when I was ten. Obviously, a lot of years have slipped by since then - a lot of years - but amazingly I can remember quite a lot about it. I certainly remember that my parents were away at the time. I certainly remember, even at that age, that the gown didn't cover my bottom (sorry, I hope you're not eating). Oh, and I certainly remember coming round after the operation and being mighty surprised that I only had one scar, as I was convinced that appendix, like kidneys, come in pairs.

Anyway, young Isabelle is very unlikely to remember a thing about her appendectomy, as she's only four weeks old. That makes her a record-breaker (cue music) and we'll be hearing her story tonight. She's fine. It's a story with a happy ending.

Sadly, we've a number of stories that don't have happy endings - we'll be speaking to the family of a 17 year old who was stabbed to death at the weekend. Godwin Lawson left Hackney behind for a football traineeship in Oxford. Back visiting this weekend, we was attacked early on Saturday morning.

Derek Sauter's story also ends in tragedy. He died in hospital recently - the Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup - after a nurse on duty didn't monitor his condition closely enough. He wanted wanted water. She wouldn't get it. Neither did she check his oxygen intake properly. That nurse has now been sacked. Where does that leave Derek's desperate widow?

After after yet another dismal weekend, West Ham fans - and football fans (sorry, the programme editor is a Hammers' fan) - should tune in to hear an offer of support from one of our biggest name actors.

We'll also tell you how to clear up space-junk (very big vacuum) and, and... oh, and we've got some chap called Craig David in the studio, chatting about his new album.

You can sing-a-long if you like, at six.

Ben & Katie
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26.3.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Good Afternoon to you -

So, as I sat down at the desk this afternoon, there's a bit of a buzz about the place and amidst the murmuring I can hear the same words being said over and again... "Lewis Hamilton", "Australia" and "doughnut". We'll come back to that.

You may have noticed it's Friday. Which, for the team on duty here, means chocolates. Nina's sitting to my left today. The box of chocs are over to my right. Now, I'm too much of a gentleman to say how many she's put away but let's just say she's getting plenty of exercise...

Let's take a look at the programme rundown, in no particular order for now.

I'm going to start with the only story they'll be talking about in the village of Sipson tonight. 'Victory' (their word, not mine) after the High Court ruled that the Government had been wrong to give the go-ahead to a third runway at Heathrow. The runway would have gone pretty much exactly where Sipson is now. Now, this doesn't mean it's all off altogether but if the Government want to go ahead with it (that's if they get back in after the Election) then they've got to start the consultation process all over again. Sipson-ites - and many others - say that's great news. Lots of business people are saying it's a disaster.

We're also reporting on progress at the main Olympic stadium. Our man Mr Harris said that when you walk in to it now it feels like an Olympic venue. We'll show you the pictures - and the exclusive interview with one of West Ham's owners, David Gold. He appears to have changed his mind about whether there being a running-track at the stadium would count the Hammers out of buying the place after the Olympics are through.

That's not our only exclusive tonight actually. We've an interview with Sir Paul McCartney no less about his new 'Up & Coming Tour' which will end in Hyde Park this summer.

The most shocking of our stories tonight is the murder of a man in the midst of London's evening rush-hour. Police are questioning 20 people after a man was stabbed to death at Victoria tube station yesterday. There are reports that a gang of teenagers have been running riot there for weeks. Could this be the appalling culmination of the powers-that-be failing to act sooner? We'll hear from a man who was there at the time.

Okay - change gear - back to Lewis Hamilton. He says he's sorry. He had to, really. The police were involved, after all. I'm telling you this is the story they'll be talking about down the pub tonight.

See you at six and we'll tell you why.

Ben & Nina
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25.3.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Hello to you -

One of those afternoons that seems to have slipped by all too fast today. We had a briefing at lunchtime on the do's and don'ts of election coverage at lunchtime. The mighty machine of a British General Election in the very near future and there are some pretty strict rules on what we can and can't do. Makes sense just to remind ourselves, don't you think?

So - a very quick run through of what we have for you in the more immediate future.

A company - British HQ in High Wycombe - has had to recall a make of baby sling here in Britain following the death of three babies over in the States.

We'll have the latest on a Croydon nursery nurse accused of most appalling abuse of young babies - accusations she denies.

Remember the Afghanistan policeman - who was being trained by British soldiers - who then turned on them with a gun, shooting five dead. For the first time tonight, we'll hear the reactions of their brothers in arms.

Changing gear completely, we'll take you inside London's very own rain forest. Really.

Oh. And Westlife will be in the studio.

It may be a quick run-through, but it's a packed one.

See you at six,

Ben & Nina
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22.3.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Hello all. Good weekend I trust?

Let's start with some Olympic news. From today, would-be spectators can register online to join the race for tickets. But just how fair is the booking system to Londoners who, let's face it, are taking the brunt of the cost of the Games full in their tax-paying faces?

Eight million tickets are available for the Olympics with two million for the Paralympics. But not only do we not get any preferential booking perks, we don't yet know how much we'll have to pay, oh..and you're not guaranteed a ticket anyway!? I feel an in-depth Simon Harris report coming on.

We'll have the latest on the B.A. strikes - how glad am I that I booked a city-break to Rome at the end of this week with the flag-carrying airline? Best I coment no further, I think!

More info on the People's Millions and a frightening report that says the air quality in parts of the capital is the worst in Europe.

Finally, you may remember the story we brought you a few weeks ago - a teenager's touching musical tribute to her mum who died of cancer. 16 year old Sarah Phillips, recorded a version of Paolo Nutini's "Autumn" on her mobile phone. It became an internet sensation when it was posted online with home video footage of Sarah's mum. The family have decided to release the song as a single to raise money for a cancer charity and it'll be available to download. What do you reckon? Anyone fancy having a hand in making her number one?

See you at six.

Matt and Katie
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19.3.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Good Afternoon to you.

So, it's Friday and what better excuse is there for opening a box of chocolates? Although I won't be partaking, thank you - I've given chocolate up for Lent. I had to eat the profiteroles I had at my mother-in-law's the other night. It would have been rude not to. And I don't do rude. Well, I try not to. Too often.

Anyway, the chocolates are open but they came with a riddle: Complete the following well known lyric:

"The minute you walked in the joint, I could see you were a man of ******** "
Is it:
a) "poor health"
b) "distinction"
c) "the cloth"

I can't offer chocolates for the right answer, but you could treat yourself to a Malteser (*or any other well known item of confectionery) if you know the right answer.

Now - the programme:

BA strike looks like it's going ahead after talks break down... mystery surrounds a man found a man floating in the Shadwell Basin... a gang is found guilty of pinching an ATM... Fulham are on top of the world after biffing Juventus out of the Europa League... and a stolen pigeon has flown home from Romania. Probably.

Right - back to the chocolates. I love Fuse bars - just in case you're interested.

See you at six,

Ben & Lucy

PS. Anyone know any JLS fans out there? Tell them to watch our programme tonight...
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17.3.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Hello - again.

Spot the deliberate error..Robert Pattinson suddenly became Robin Pattinson, his less-goodlooking twin.

So, as I should have said...

Busy one again - Boris Johnson and Robert Pattinson on the same programme. I hope they wear name badges. I'm easily confused.

Boris will be the one talking Latin as he campaigns for more state schools to teach it. Currently only four per cent of state primary schools teach Latin, compared with 40 per cent of private schools. Some teachers argue that teaching Latin gives students a foundation for studying a modern languages and writing English. I don't want to sound like an educational heathen, but I'm not convinced. I can only speak as a parent on this one, really. I'm happy for my two to be given the opportunity to learn different things - life's rich tapestry and all that - but if they started learning Latin at the expense of say music or history or IT or sport, I wouldn't be overly impressed.

Now as dedicated blog readers - by definition you must all be at home with the internet....but apparently for a growing number of young Londoners spending time in front of a computer screen has ceased to become fun.
Now the Capital is to get it's first dedicated therapy programme for youngsters "addicted" to the Internet and Computer Games. Children as young as 12 are expected to be enrolled to the new residential unit to wean them off games, and the net.

But is it a real problem? Do you know any young people for whom sitting in front of a computer screen has begun to take over their lives? Maybe they suffer mood swings, sleeping problems, withdrawal symptoms, problems around eating, and social isolation?? We're looking for case studies, so get in touch if you'd like to be involved.

Also on the programme tonight - Lucy is on the red carpet with London's very own heart-throb Robin Pattinson (pause for sharp intake of breath). He's left his vampiric alter-ego, Edward, in his coffin for the time being and is starring in new film, 'Remember Me'. But forget about 'R-Pattz', we've got our very own 'R-Macz', Robin McCallum, with the weather!

See you later

Matt and Katie
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LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Hello.

Busy one again - Boris Johnson and Robin Pattinson on the same programme. I hope they wear name badges. I'm easily confused.

See you later

Matt and Katie

__________

Good evening,

My walk to work takes in a number of London's most popular attractions & I'm often stopped by tourists wanting me to take photos of them. This is something I try to avoid at all costs as I am to photography what Katie Price is to the Carmelite nuns.

Regardless of the care I take my pictures are invariably very poor & in this age of digital cameras, where evidence of my ineptitude is instantly available, it is a demoralising experience. I can understand a look of disappointment tinged with pity in any language

This morning I adopted my trusty evasion tactic of talking on the phone which spares me the agony. Naturally my call, as is often the case, was a pretend one. I've yet to be caught out by my phone actually ringing when I'm mid fake chat (one of the advantages of unpopularity) but I fear my luck won't last & that one day soon my cover will be blown, providing me with a new form of humiliation to deal with.

As for the weather, it's on the turn with rain on the cards for the end of the week so perhaps an umbrella can be my new shield from future photography disaster.

Hope to see you later,

Robin.
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12.3.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Good Afternoon to you...

It's got to be a quick sum-up of our run-down today as we're getting ready to interview Darth Vader. No, really.

So - we start with a Met policeman who, in a bid to fuel his cocaine habit, did undercover work - for his drug dealer. He (and his wife, in fact) would log onto to police computers and tell Mr Big exactly what detectives were up to.

The latest a strike by BA cabin crew is not good news. They've set dates and, we've just heard, that bosses have this afternoon withdrawn a new offer which was going to be put to the unions in a ballot.

We've also been filming with a family in Enfield who haven't had heating since the middle of December. We've just had the coldest winter for years and years and this family have had to make do with little heaters and blankets because those people who should have fixed the problem have not fixed the problem.

Prepare yourself for a lump in your throat when you watch the story of six year old Daisy who has a rare disease that leaves her unable to digest almost all food. The condition is so rare that more research into the condition is desperately needed.

Next - a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity to see a tunnel built by Brunel under the Thames. It's been opened for 'show-and-tell' for just two days. All the tickets have been sold, I'm afraid. So, if you want a look, you'll have to watch tonight.

We can also offer Mr King's review of two big movies opening across London this weekend.

Oh, and Darth Vader... aka James Earl Jones... or Mustafa... or Big Daddy. Lots to talk about then, when he joins us in the studio.

See you at six,

Ben & Nina

______

Good evening,

Matt started something with his favourite sandwich filling project yesterday.

While we were on air I remembered that a fishfinger sandwich was a student favourite & one which I haven't had for years. It was real comfort food. Crisp, golden, freshly fried (not grilled or baked) fishfingers in thickly sliced white Mother's Pride, with mayonnaise. This of course can be varied with ketchup or brown suace or even a simple dash of vinegar, but the result is the same; happiness.

It's the perfect antidote for grey, cold weather but having said that this weekend's not looking too bad. Sunny spells, scattered showers & better temperatures. I'll still treat myself to a student sandwich, though.

Hope to see you later,

Robin.
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11.3.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

There are days, I've got to be honest, when I'm not entirely sure what to blog about. I'm happy to tell you about the stories on London Tonight later, that's the whole point of the blog, to promote the show. But sometimes a subject, completely unrelated to the programme comes up that cannot be ignored.

Hannah, the assistant progamme editor, was happily munching away on a sarnie earlier and, in the ever more complicated bread-based culinary world of rocket, cranberry, brie and crayfish, I was surprised to discover she'd gone for a good ol' cheese and pickle on white. No fuss, no frills. Classic. So, my question is this: What is the best sandwich filling? A quick straw poll required so I've emailed 'all staff', which may be deemed a frivolous use of the internet and a disciplinary offense? Never mind...it's worth it.

Some of the responses read as follows...

'Bacon', short and to the point, says Tom

Clare reckons 'pastrami and pickles with mustard and mayo' is underrated. Not sure it is, actually, Clare?

Robin McCallum, in beautifully prosaic terms, suggests a 'salty mature cheddar with a hint of sweet chutney and a touch of lettuce on a 'butch' granary'. Cheese and pickle then?!

Faye (who's the boss, so I guess it can't be a disciplinary offense after all) wants to throw 'tuna mayo' into the mix, because 'it's 'not messy'? Surely that depends on its construction and the amount of mayo used?

Smoked salmon and cream cheese with avocado has been offered up by Geoff while Paul simply says roast beef.

Katie Derham hovered over cheese and pickle briefly too, before settling on hot pork and apple sauce. Can a sandwich be hot? 'Spose it can. Feels a bit cheaty though. Anyway, she's disqualified for coming back with a salad at lunchtime.

Oh, and a late change from Robin who's throwing plain tomato out there, providing the tomatoes are as tasty as the one's grown in Grandad's greenhouse (not sure how he knows my grandad?!) on crusty white bread. Like it, but I'd need a sprinkling of salt on mine.

For what it's worth I'm going to go with Hannah and cheese and pickle on crusty white, but I might add some ham if I'm feeling lavish!

The point to these ramblings? None whatsoever, but I'm off for some carbs!

Back in time for six. Matt and Katie

PS: Plans for a high speed rail link between London and the Midlands, stamps with animals on and Jennifer Aniston on the programme later, who no doubt would want the pickle on the side of her cheese sandwich, being American, which is just plain wrong.

________

Good Evening,

I was extremely grateful for grey skies & a cold NE wind this morning. Not because I'm a fan of dull weather but because it meant the end of my train journey into Waterloo which had not been a pleasant experience, with an unfortunate series of events conspiring to make it very stressful.

Although my train departed punctually it had 8 rather than 12 carriages, bad enough in itself but the cancellation of an earlier train made the overcrowding truly appalling. There then turned out to be signalling problems between Clapham Junction & Waterloo which resulted in the journey becoming slower & slower, ultimately providing the guard with 19 extra minutes in which to offer repeated -& therefore increasingly irritating- apologies for the lateness & overcrowding. She also regularly reminded us of her whereabouts on the train should any passengers have needed assistance, although bearing in mind that any movement would only have been possible with the aid of KY Jelly & a cattle prod I'm fairly certain she was left in peace.

I pray the journey won't be so miserable tomorrow because the weather will be; rain's on the way....

Hope to see you later,

Robin.
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10.3.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Afternoon.

Very quick blog today...lost track of time a bit.

A heady mix of the top stories coming out of the capital today, but let's talk Wombles! I defy anyone of a certain age not to be able to hum the theme tune to this classic 70's childrens' tv show. The man behind it is called Mike Batt who also went on to have several hits performing as 'The Wombles' in the 70's. I'm not sure he'd thank us for listing 'Remember You're a Womble' among his greatest musical achievements because Mike Batt also has an amazing talent for spotting future stars - Katie Melua among them. So, if Mike Batt says Florence Rawlings has been one to watch since he first auditioned her as a 13 year old eight years ago, who are we to argue? You can judge for yourself later.

Anyway, back to the Wombles. How revolutionary were they? Going round Wimbledon Common, 'making good use of the things that we find.' They were recycling visionaries! We've just had our daily programme meeting and producer Ken asked us to name them all. Charlene - who'll be helping me steer you through the show later - says she's too young to remember them. I could easily have taken offence at that, particulalry as it came just after I'd reeled off the named of five or six of them, but I'll let her off...this time. So, how many can you name? (Answer at the bottom of the page).

Oh - also tonight, details of how you can nominate your community projects for this year's 'People's Millions' so have a pen and paper to hand...

We'll be Wombling free at six!

Matt and Charlene

Answer: Orinoco, Tobermory, Great Uncle Bulgaria, Wellington, Bungo, Madame Cholet and my favourite, Tomsk! More were added in subsequent series, but let's stick to the originals. Bonus points for singing along with me to the theme song. I'll start you off...
"Underground, overground, wombling free.The Wombles of Wimbledon Common are we.Making good use of the things that we find.Things that the everyday folks leave behind.
(Bridge - not really sure of the tune to this bit?!)
Uncle Bulgaria...He can remember the days when he wasn't behind the times,with his map of the world...Pick up the papers and take 'em to Tobermory.
(Bet you don't know the second verse though, do you?)
Wombles are organised, work as a team, Wombles are tidy and Wombles are clean, Underground, overground, wombling free, The Wombles of Wimbledon Common are we.
(I feel better for that, thank you!)

__________

Good evening,

It's very easy to complain about the current weather. In fairness an unchanging weatherscape of cloud would demoralise even the jolliest of souls, especailly when temperatures are so disappointing.

In Spain, however, they've really been getting it in the neck. A friend of mine was there last weekend & returned saying it had been cold, wet & windy & since then conditions have deteriorated even further, with some parts of Spain experiencing the worst snow since 1985. Schools are closed, roads are impassable & people are trapped in their homes. Granted that was exactly the situation here back in December & January, but it's probably worth remembering that by comparison today's weather really is nothing to complain about.

That said, it's horrible out there; cold & overcast with not much sign of change....

Hope to see you later,

Robin.
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9.3.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Good afternoon.

Busy show tonight: We'll have the latest on the hunt for a killer who's escaped from a hospital and an in-depth report on new Government proposals to combat dangerous dogs.

Also, after the death of another cyclist on our roads this morning, we'll have news of a new advertising campaign about cycle safety. All very worthy, of course, but at a cost of £200,000 to the taxpayers and using the analogy of a bank robbery gone wrong to make the point, could a better way of highlighting the problem have been found?

A bit of a show theme tonight too as Ben Scotchbrook takes us behind the scenes of the premiere of the follow up to 'Phantom of the Opera'. The sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical mammoth is 'Love Never Dies' and is on at the Adelphi, which is where Ben is waiting in the wings.

Finally, we'll also have more on the story of the evil super-plant taking over the capital's gardens and the super-insect being shipped in from Asia to fight it off. Talking of super heroes, I'll be sporting some rather natty Superman cuff links on the programme tonight. They were a birthday present from my children and I promised I'd wear them. I've been telling them I'm Superman for ages. My 8 year old is is skeptical at best, but my 4 year old is fairly convinced (sorry, I know you shouldn't tell fibs). He's worried that the cuff links might give the game away, but I said no one will be able to see them unless they look really closely. So, if you see me scratch my ear, or fiddle with my cuffs, I'll be trying show the kids I'm wearing them without giving away my secret identity!

See you at six. Matt and Katie.

3.3.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Good afternoon, all. Tonight, the bad, the good and the downright weird...

First up, the frightening ordeal suffered by Linda Buchanan after she asked a man to stop smoking on a railway platform in Kent. He responded by shoving her onto the tracks, dangerously close to a live line. Liz Wickham has more for us.

Elsewhere, a London doctor is organising an airlift of medical supplies to Afghanistan, where she's setting up a clinic in a women's prison. Karen Woo quit her job to work in the war-torn country and her efforts are making a real difference.

Also tonight, we're live at Wembley ahead of England's friendly against Egypt. The question everyone's asking, isn't how England's World Cup preparations are going, it's about what sort of reception John Terry will get from the fans. I don't mean from the opposition fans...from his own supporters. I've never quite understood the logic of booing your own players, to be honest. I guess if they're playing really badly or not giving their all, then letting them know what you think of the effort-to-wage ratio is perhaps fair enough. But for non-footballing reasons? I think John Terry will be given a rough ride by the fans over his alleged indiscretions later, just as other players have been in the past. There was a time when all you had to do to get booed by England fans was to play for Manchester United, but that fad seems to have passed, thankfully. Maybe I'm doing the fans a disservice? Jonathan - who sorts out all the travel at ITN Towers - has been to every England game, home and away, since June 2002 and he says he couldn't care less what a player does off the pitch as long as he performs on it. I have to say, as a sports fan, I agree with him.

One sport I don't know much about is Polo. I'm guessing I'm not alone in that? It's being introduced to a group of youngsters from inner city London thanks to an initiative by Hammersmith and Fulham Council. Lewis Vaughan Jones - who I don't think would look out of place playing Polo, but apparently we have footage to the contrary - will tell all later.

We'll 'throw-in' (that's a polo term...I looked it up!) at six.

Matt and Katie

Oh - did I mention the killer chickens? Tune in later, seriously...you don't want to miss this one!
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1.3.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Good Afternoon -

Do you ever feel like you didn't really have a weekend - that Saturday and Sunday flew passed so terribly quickly, packed with this and that which had to get done... So that's how I'm feeling today. That's not necessarily a bad thing, obviously, as it means we're back in the swing of things with lots of workdays straight ahead - he said quickly, in case anyone further up the pay-scale read the weekend comment in a negative light.

And to start the week: well, it's the sort of story that to those affected is hugely, hugely, important. Today is 'National Offers Day'. Blank looks from some of you... It's the day which sees thousands of parents sent news of which school their sons and daughters will be going to. Will it be there first choice? Will it be their second choice? Will they want to appeal? How do they appeal?

We'll be speaking to the Advisory Centre for Education for the latest on what parents should be doing.

We'll also be speaking to a couple from King's Cross whose house is falling down. They claim the chap next door was doing some building work which undermined their home, which is now splitting apart. He says it's nothing to do with him.

Problems with neighbours features in another of our stories - a chap whose front garden in a beautiful Surrey village is not so beautiful really as it's full of stuff that most of us would throw away. His neighbours aren't happy about it but the European Court of Human Rights is on his side.

There's also a doctor who used to work for BUPA who chucked in her presumably well-paid job to help a hospital at a women's prison Afghanistan where health insurance isn't really an issue.

We'll meet a teenager from Eltham who has just won the top Prince's Trust award. His life story will make you realise how very lucky most of us are.

And with all that, you'd forgive us all for going a bit Gaga - which is exactly what we'll do. The Lady herself is in town and she's been telling how happy she is to be here. Oh yes.

As are we, obviously.

See you at six -

Ben & Katie

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25.2.10

LONDON TONIGHT

Hi there...another day, another blog...

First on the programme, exactly a decade on from her death, a memorial service has been held to remember Victoria Climbie. The eight year old died of malnutrition and hypothermia after sustained abuse at the hands of her aunt and her boyfriend. She'd been beaten with belts and sticks and doctors found 128 separate injuries on her body. At the time, the "blinding incompetence" of London's authorities in not spotting the abuse she was suffering was highlighted. Today, the foundation that bears Victoria's name and who organised the memorial, is still fighting to improve child protection services. So, in the decade that has passed, how far have we come? Katie has been speaking with Lord Laming, who chaired the inquiry into Victoria's death to find out. In a chilling irony, the full story has emerged today about the death of another child, Khyra Ishaq, in Birmingham. Khyra starved to death while in the 'care' of her mentally-ill mother and boyfriend in May 2008. Both admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and an inquiry is ongoing into whether more could be done to protect the seven year old.

Elsewhere, whatever your religious beliefs, or lack of them, one of those terribly sad stories that you just can't fathom a reason for: the one year old baby boy we told you about on Tuesday who was crushed by a falling lamppost in Chiswick has died in hospital. Emma Waldon reports for us on what is being decribed as a 'tragic accident'.

Also on the programme tonight, civil rights activist and minister, Jesse Jackson, talks to our political correspondent, Simon Harris, while Lucy Cotter has a date on the red carpet with Johnny Depp, no less.

Sports-wise, what a fantastic game of football last night! Chelsea have it all to do after coming home from the San Siro having lost 2-1, but with the all-important away goal against Inter Milan. Jose Mourinho was even cooler than usual, barely celebrating Inter's goals. Was it out of respect for his former club or a recognition that the job is only half done? A bit of both, I suspect. Great to get back to talking about football with regard to Chelsea, although having said that, their former defender, Wayne Bridge has announced he's unavailable to play for England because of the shenanigans surrounding his ex-girfriend's alleged affair with would-be international team mate, John Terry. Bridge has fallen on his sword describing his position in the side as 'untenable and potentially divisive'. It causes England boss Fabio Capello somewhat of a headache though, with first choice Chelsea left back, Ashley Cole, currently nursing a broken ankle as well as a broken marriage. The Chelsea soap opera continues...

...our daily soap opera continues with Katie and me at six. See you then.

Matt

Good evening,

Down at the Met Office today's buzzword when describing the weather is 'changeable'. True enough no two days are the same at present; sometimes it's a case of showers, sometimes relentless rain, sometimes it's dry but cloudy & sometimes it's dry & sunny.

If the weather was a human being it would be suffering from a multiple personality disorder which would make a fascinating case study. Back in the real world it means we have to live with the risk of constantly being caught out by the weather which is more than a little frustrating, but if we choose to we could view the situation more positively & recognise the current instability as a sign of the gradual transition from Winter to Spring. That's not to say the transition will be smooth (or even logical) over the next few weeks, but I'm happy to believe it's underway supported by lighter mornings & later sunsets.

Bring on the daffs & the crocuses, after the winter we've had they're the very least we deserve....

Hope to see you later,

Robin.

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or entity to which they are addressed.
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Thank You.

24.2.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Right...

A couple of stories that could be straight out of a Hollywood film tonight. Firstly, Marcus Powell reports on the trial at London's Blackfriars Crown Court of a mechanic accused of taking part in the biggest cocaine case ever seen in Ireland. The gang, including a retired MET police detective tried to smuggle more than £200m worth of cocaine into Ireland from the Caribbean, but failed spectacularly when the boat carrying the drugs capsized off the Irish coast. They were trying to land an incredible 62 bails of cocaine and simply sank under the weight of it all. Some of the gang swam to shore, one was picked up by rescuers and the retired MET man went on the run for months. They were all eventually brought to justice. Meanwhile, John Edney from Sutton-at-Hone in Kent, who was accused of supplying the cars used in the plot, was found not guilty of conspiring to supply class A drugs. It's not just me is it...that has to be made into a Harrison Ford movie?!

Also tonight - some big match build-up laced with yet more tinseltown tension as Chelsea face Inter Milan in the Champions League in a match with more sub-plots that an episode of 24. Andy Townsend will talk us through the drama, but basically it goes like this: It's the first time the idolised former Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho has faced his former side since leaving on less-than-best terms in 2007. The current Chelsea boss, Carlo Ancelotti used to play for and manage Inter's arch rival's in the Italian League, AC Milan. The two managers don't get on with the enigmatic Mourinho convinced of some sort of Italian football establishment vendetta against him, of which he thinks Ancelotti is a part (Ancelotti has claimed every Italian non-Inter fan will be supporting the Londoners tonight). What with all that and the comments Mourinho's made about Chelsea being essentially made up of 'his players' and we've got a game on our hands! Another good movie plot, but who do we cast? Well, Andy Townsend can play himself. I reckon James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano) as Carlo Ancelotti and how about Harrison Ford again as 'The Special One'?

Well, maybe we'll find out if he'll do it later because Harrison Ford's on the show too! He's been talking to Lucy about his new film, 'Extraordinary Measures', in which he plays a brilliant scientist trying to save the lives of two children, based on a true story. So, how was he? I always imagine Harrison Ford to be a bit surly, don't know why? Anyway, who cares, it's Harrison Ford! So, in homage to one of my favorite actors, here are my top five H.F. movie quotes in reverse order...

5) Han Solo, 'Star Wars: A New Hope' - "Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."
4) Indiana Jones, 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' - "Snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?"
3) President James Marshall, 'Air Force One' - "Get off my plane!"
2) Dr. Richard Kimble, 'The Fugitive' - "I didn't kill my wife!"
1) Indiana Jones, 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' - Marion: "You're not the man I knew ten years ago." Indy: "It's not the years, honey, it's the mileage."

Legend. And he was a perfectly nice man, apparently.

OK, that's it - we're all clear. Now let's blow this programme and go home! (Han Solo - 'Star Wars'...sort of!)

Matt and Lucy.

_________

Good evening,

I've never paid much attention tom warnings of surface spray, but this morning I drove to the station through walls of water created by oncoming lorries & was then drenched by a passing bus as I waited to cross the road at Waterloo.

Be warned, there's a lot of standing water about at the moment (even on some pavements) & the chances of it being turned into flumes by fast moving vehicles -even bicycles- are high.

Sadly there's more rain to come (from time to time it will be pretty heavy) so the saturated ground will get worse before it gets better & driving conditions will occasionally be hazardous. Personally I plan to invest in a pair of waterproof gaiters so that in future I don't end up doing my bulletins soaked from the knees down, as I did this morning....

Hope to see you later,

Robin.

19.2.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Hello all. Welcome to Friday. Is it me, or has it been a really long week? Must be me, either way, I'm very much looking forward to the weekend.

On the programme tonight we have the fascinating story of David Barry who was attacked by a gang wielding hammers. He suffered horrific injuries with one doctor describing them as the worst he'd ever seen on a victim who had survived. But, just six weeks later, his appearance has been transformed thanks to the astonishing skills of surgeons at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. The task, put simply, was to rebuild his head and there are astonishing 3-D X-rays of exactly how bad David's injuries were.

Also tonight, we'll mark the start of London Fashion week. But, the most breathtaking story of the day for me, is this one...

A spate of thefts in Middlesex have cost one man £200,000. So, what was stolen? His diamond collection? Rare art? His fleet of Ferraris? No...some pigeons. Elite racing pigeons, I'll grant you, but pigeons nonetheless. It's big business apparently with the most expensive bought in Britain costing £106,000. A hundred and six thousand pounds???!!!!! More later.

James King's in to talk movies and there are two Oscar nominees in action this week with Stanley Tucci nominated for his role in 'The Lovely Bones' and Jeff Bridges for his part in 'Crazy Heart'. Bridges plays a washed up country singer who finds love late in life while Tucci plays the creepy next door neighbor in Peter Jackson's adaptation of Alice Sebold's best selling book. James will tell us if they're nominations are deserved.

And, staying with the movie theme, actor James Purefoy joins us in the studio later. You might know him for his role as Edward, the Black Prince in 'A Knight's Tale' with Heath Ledger or, more recently, as Mark Antony in the beeb series, 'Rome'. Now he's playing the lead role in the new action movie, 'Soloman Kane' - a sword swinging, pact-with-the-devil-making, justice metering, medieval-type marauding his way around the...er...West Country? Apparently James thinks it's about time we had a West Country action hero which gives me hope, I must say. My accent's West Country-ish. Not sure it's going to catch on though. Do you remember David Prowse? He was the guy inside the Darth Vader suit in 'Star Wars' - he was from the West Country. Can you imagine what it would have been like if George Lucas hadn't dubbed his voice with the sinister growlings of James Earl Jones? I'm not sure Vader would have become one of the most infamous badies in cinema history if he'd have uttered the immortal words, "Luke, I aaam your faaaaaaatherrrr" in his glorious Gloucestershire twang?

Anyway - people in glass houses and all that...

See you between six and haaaaalf paaaaast. Matt and Nina
-----------
Good evening,

Wednesday was glorious. The sun shone all day (there was even a little warmth in it) & there were very few clouds. The winds were light & there was almost a feeling of Spring in the air. This, of course, was wishful thinking because it all went belly up yesterday & we were reminded that we are still in the depths of Winter. I think that's why I find this part of the year so challenging; I want a day of tepid sun & no rain to be followed by another & then another, getting warmer all the while....

It's fair to say that we've had quite a harsh winter so far, in fact I read somewhere that it's been the coldest February for 25 years & looking at the charts there's no sign of an improvement in temperatures over the next few days, so the onset of Spring remains elusive. Frustrating, but there's nothing we can do other than accept it & make sure that when conditions do finally improve we make the most of it....

Hope to see you later,

Robin.

17.2.10

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT

Hello there.

What a coup by Lucy Cotter last night to get Robbie Williams live on the BRIT's red carpet! I've just caught up with her for all the gossip and despite her usual air of complete calm on telly, apparently it was a nightmare down there. These things can be a bit of a bun fight as the world's press scrap it out for interviews with the celebs. Lucy will have been running round for hours persuading the right PR person to deliver the stars she wanted to talk to at the precise moment she needed to talk to them. If they bring them over to her too soon, there's a danger they'll be dragged away by some unscrupulous, (non-London Tonight) reporter just as we're about to go live. If the guest turns up just a minute too late...well...they miss it. Very stressful!

Lucy was promised a chat with JLS - who went on to scoop two awards for London last night - and she knew there was an outside chance of getting the man of the moment, Robbie. But fifteen seconds before the director was due to cue Lucy to start speaking, she was on her own. Luckily, just as she started to speak - no doubt with her mind racing with various versions of the sentence, 'what the heck do I do now?!?!' - the JLS boys mobbed her and gave a great interview.

The next problem though, when you're broadcasting live to the capital with the hottest band of the moment, is how do you then grab the attention of this country's most successful male recording artist to also come over for a chat? Answer? You expertly wrap up JLS and throw to a pre-recorded clip of interviews with other stars to give yourself precisely 1 minute 34 seconds of breathing space during which Lucy turned on the charm. When she came back into vision, there was Lucy alongside the man absolutely everyone was desperate to speak to. Genius. Lucy...I mean...but Robbie's was pretty good too!

So - how do we follow that tonight? With the day's top stories, a belly-dancing 90 year old and a chat with Andy Townsend ahead of Arsenal's Champions League match against Porto. What's not to love?

See you at six,

Matt and Katie.
Please Note:

Any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent
those of Independent Television News Limited unless specifically stated.
This email and any files attached are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual
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Please note that to ensure regulatory compliance and for the protection of our clients and business,
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