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.

London Tonight Tonight Weds 28th February

Good Afternoon one and all,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you at SIX.

Ben and Emma.

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday 27th February

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

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

London Tonight Tonight Monday 26th February

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

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

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

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

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

So see you at 6!

Katie and Willsy.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 23rd Feb

Good Afternoon,

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

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

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

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

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

We'll see you at 6.

Tamzin and Willsy

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Thurs 22nd Feb

Good afternoon.

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

Ah. She's gone.

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

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

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

Alastair and Tamzin.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Tues 20th Feb

Hello,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We'll see you at 6

Tamzin and Alastair.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Mon 19th Feb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers.

A & T

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 16th Feb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tune in at six then have a great weekend.

Stuart
Editor, London Tonight.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Thurs 15th Feb

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

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

In Streatham, in Peckham and yesterday in Clapham.

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

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

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

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

Also....

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

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

Tamzin and Alastair

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Weds 14th Feb

Hello,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We'll see you at 6.

Tamzin and Alastair

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Tues 13th Feb

Greetings and welcome to the London Tonight e-mail.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alastair & Tamzin.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Mon 12th Feb

Good Afternoon ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plenty to keep you entertained on a damp and drizzly evening

We'll see you at 6

Tamzin and Alastair.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 8th Feb

Hello

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stuart
Editor, London Tonight

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Thurs 8th Feb

BBBRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!

But beautiful!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

See you at 6.

Alastair and Katie

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: EXTRA SNOW EDITION

Hello

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

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

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

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

Take care today.

Stuart
Editor, ITV London News
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LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Weds 7th Feb

Hello.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope you do.

See you then.

Alastair and Katie.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Tues 6th Feb

Good afternoon.

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

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

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

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

I don't think you can miss it.

See you at 6.

Alastair and Katie.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Mon 5th Feb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you then.

Alastair and Katie.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 2nd Feb

Hello from a busy London Tonight newsroom.

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

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

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

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

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

Stuart
Editor, London Tonight

London Tonight: Thursday February 1st

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

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

See you at 6.

Alastair and Emma

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Weds 31st Jan

Hello and welcome to our mid-week e-mail prior to our mid-week edition of London Tonight.

When Ken first asked the overground railway companies to join in the Oyster card scheme he felt he was casting pearls before swine as they threw it back in his face. Well, they have eventually decided it makes sense for them to take part: when Alastair reached the office at 9am, Emma was already very exercised about the merits and demerits of the development, and she nearly came to verbal blows with Brendan, the news editor about it! So, with energy and passion, she will tell you why the railway companies have come on track and what it will mean for you - at 6.

Joining us in the studio, the delightful Esther Rantzen, again! Last time she was telling us about her campaign against bullying among kids: this time she thinks she has been the victim. And the Big Fat Boy in the playground? A Westminster parking warden. The tale of the broken meter, the long march, the ticket and telly presenter with the lady, herself.

Last night, Liz told you about artist Mark McGowan's plans to make a piece of performance art out of the July 7th bombings. None of us were happy about the idea. Liz was shocked and angry but told the story with her calm authority and characteristic objectivity. It got to Mark who called us after the programme to say he was going to cancel the show. But, and it is a big but, tonight we will tell you why we may still be shocked and saddened: find out why and how, at 6.

We've also an even more shocking story that involves a serial drink-driver, a case of manslaughter and some deeply troubling evidence of why tagging isn't foolproof let alone killer-proof.

Barges and French bicycles, the weather and the papers - rounded off with the chance to win tickets to the magnificent England Vs Scotland opener to the 6 Nations Rugby tournament. (Well not "rounded off" so much as "ovaled off" - you know, odd shaped ball! Oh.. You can win one of them, too.... and a shirt. (did Robin write this bit? Ed)

See you at 6!

Come on Scotland! (Alastair)
Shut up and get on with your work!(Katie)

London Tonight: Tuesday January 30th

Afternoon all!

Manchester!! Who'd have thunk it! Just imagine - Ben was in that bookies yesterday - he could have got 16-1 on it!
We will, of course, have all the reaction on that decision NOT to go with Greenwich for the super casino - and indeed the reaction to the lesser publicised fact that there WILL be a smaller casino in Newham.

But our top story tonight is one we think will get the emails and texts coming in. The performance artist Mark McGowan's latest project - re-enacting the 7th of July suicide bombing on the underground between Russell Square and King's Cross. He says it will help Londoners come to terms with the horrors - but is it in good taste? Is it an appropriate subject for art? We'd love your views.

There's stacks more to get through - from Emma taking up the cause of the elderly people in sheltered accommodation who're left freezing because of unreliable central heating - to a chat with the man in charge of London's future design - to a chat with the mayor about his new budget plans.

And last but not least..... The puns have been flying round the office all day...
"it'll be gold"
"true"
"yeah but to cut a long story short..."
You get the drift. But it's not Spandau Ballet that Tony Hadley's in live to talk about - it's his new West End role!

Do join us at 6 - it promises to be a good'un.

Ed

London Tonight: Monday January 29th

Greetings at the start of another week of London Tonight: eyes down looking for a terrific programme.
If you've ever played roulette, or seen the licence-to-throw-money-away game played, you'll know you can place a number of bets ranging from any number, 0-36, to different groups of numbers.
The easiest, even-money bet is simply black or red: and that is what the great, Super-Casino game looks to have boiled down to except it's green or black: Greenwich or Blackpool.
The decision is announced tomorrow but tonight we place our bets and link up with our friends at ITV Granada, in the north-west, too see what they reckon is at stake. Ben is your croupier.
We've all done it: something goes missing that really matters and you say you don't care who did it, you're not looking for a prosecution or even to apportion blame. You just want your stuff back. It happened to Dr Otto Chan who, amongst a whole lot of stuff including laptops, lost an irreplaceable collection of family photos. He put the matter in the hands of the police but also put up "Reward Offered - No Questions Asked" posters. When the Police visited he expected good news. Hear the staggering news he actually got, with Emma.
Once your blood has returned, from boiling point, to normal - let us know what you think!
Our competition tonight is to win a master class from the former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan. (Alastair asked "In what?" but was told off, by the Editor.)
Steve meets Beyonce who is in a film called Dreamgirls which is loosely the story of the 3 Degrees and Simon is on the trail of the pigeon feeders and the Mayor: Coo what a scorcher more than phew what a scorcher.
The ever engaging lottery that is Chrissie's weather forecast and the odds on making a profit when you turn a garage into a flat, with Kirstie and it is all there.
I'll bet we've left something out but there's enough there, we hope, to stop you from throwing your hand in.
See you at six.

Alastair and Katie.

London Tonight: Friday 26th January

Hello, Good Afternoon and a very Happy Weekend (nearly)

London Tonight will take you there with a packed programme...

The first thing we're tackling tonight is something that may well have affected you at some point in your life, it might even be something you're worrying about now. Debt. We've obtained figures that show Londoners are getting into more and more trouble with debt, repossessions and bankruptcies. The latter has risen FIVE FOLD over the last year. Staggering figures. Why is this happening and what can be done ? We've a full report PLUS information and advice from an expert. We'll also be asking for your experiences and your advice.

Stoke Newington Church Street has always been a haven for the one-off, the unique, the individual shop, bar, cafe or restaurant...until now. Residents say they're horrified to discover that there are plans for a Starbucks to move into a recently vacated building. In fact they're so horrified that they've occupied the space and are refusing to move on until the issue's resolved. Phil Bayles will be with the protestors for us tonight.

Marcus Powell is feeling the wind through his hair and experiencing the joy of the open road...well he's at Alexandra Palace actually, but he's there for the Superbike Motorcycle Show so he'll certainly be revving his engines... and for afficionados, we'll be giving away some free tickets.

Movie man James King is in the house for his usual Friday films chat...Willsy has his Friday sports roundup and there's the lookahead to weekend activities in What Not to Miss...can you tell it's nearly the end of the week !!

And we've a real treat in the studio for comedy fans... Mr Bill Bailey - he of Black Books and Buzzcocks fame. Here to tell us about a slightly more serious undertaking. He's about to take to the stage in a Harold Pinter play. Tune in at 6 to hear all about it.

We'll see you then

Tamzin & Alastair

London Tonight: Thursday January 25th

Afternoon all! Alastair's been behaving very strangely today.... his answer to most questions is a low "brrr" sound.
He's not cold - the central heating here is lovely and toastie. No.... it's motor noises he's making .. he has a fascination with Plymouth Barracudas and Ferraris - and something in tonight's show has piqued his interest.... all will become clear at 6...if my - and Lizzie the news ed's - patience lasts that long!!

So the big news is - more trouble for British Airways. The dispute with cabin crew - over their sick leave policy, among other things. The union blames BA - BA blames the union - and as usual, it's the hundreds of thousands of people planning flights next week who suffer. Phil's at Heathrow with the very latest on that one - and we're really keen to hear your views on the dispute. Who's in the right?

It's been a bitterly cold night and though Chrissie tells us the next few days will get a BIT milder, this cold snap is really taking it's toll on the vulnerable. Chris Rogers has been speaking to some of them - and has some good advice on staying safe in this weather.

Liz is on the case of the curious am-dram theft. Who would want to steal the entire costume collection from a theatrical group? And why? Not exactly easy to offload, you'd have thought..... But they have, and it's jeopardising their next performance.

There's another great competition to win a European short trip - and we'll bring you that Bow Street report from Ben that we promised yesterday and woefully weren't able to show you last night.

It's shaping up to be a goodie - so do accept our invitation to join us 6.

Ed

London Tonight: Wednesday January 24th

Afternoon - and what a chilly one it is!

We've been inundated today with your fantastic snapshots of the snow where you live - with lots of kiddies and snowmen - thanks for that, they've been really lovely to look at and made a great change from everyone moaning about their tube journeys in this morning.

Speaking of which... Can you believe that virtually every single line on the underground was hit by delays except one? It's being put down to the over weather - but tube bosses aren't happy with Metronet. And with more snow forecast for tonight and tomorrow - is more travel chaos on the cards? Ronke will have the lowdown on that one - plus some thoughts from less than happy commuters this morning.

Tonight we really want to hear from you about the London Olympics funding row. A select committee of MPs has published a pretty critical report - saying the spiralling costs should have been foreseen. They also say extra costs shouldn't be met by London council tax-payers OR the Lottery - so who pays?

We've sent Ben to clink - he's checking out the former Bow Street Magistrates Court where they're offering hotel stays - in the old cells!

Phil's looking at a new crime-busting initiative in Islington - where members of the public can contact the CCTV control room directly from the street if they see a crime happening. It means the control room staff can whizz the cameras round quickly and catch the offenders in the act.

We also meet the South East London man who's been collecting celebrity autographs for 30 years. Now he's decided to flog them - and you won't believe the price they're expected to fetch.

Tune in at 6 with Al and Tamzin to find out.

Ed

London Tonight: Tuesday January 23rd

Hello. It's cold again, really cold. Chrissie told us it would be, last night, but the greyness of the sky and the chill wind still seem to make it worse.
So, it falls to us to keep you in, warm you up and entertain you.
And I think we might.
Tonight, twenty twelve year olds, (geddit? 2012?), on their hopes and dreams for the London Olympics. Today, there are just 2,012 days to go so they'll be about 16 or 17 come the Games and they are terrific kids. We think you'll enjoy meeting them because Emma certainly did.

Kirstie Allsopp is back, having had her baby, to talk about the year ahead in the property world. Tips, warnings and ever useful bits of guidance from Mama K.

Fancy owning a bit of a Turner and saving the masterpiece for the nation? Tate Britain have come up with an ingenious way of raising the nearly £5 million needed to stop it going into a private collection abroad. Phil, who has done his bit already, will tell you how you can do your bit.

It is day two of our fantastic competition to win a Business Class jet trip to New York with hotel accommodation laid on in the Big Apple. Tune in to have a chance to win one of three pairs of tickets.

And the battle of the giants: Wycombe Wanderers meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge for a place in the final of the Carling Cup. Probably the best tie in the world, as the brewer might say. The ever impartial Gooner, Marcus, is there and you will want to share in the fizz.
It'll be like a warming football supporters scarf, wrapped round your chilly chin.

All that and more, as they say, at 6. See you then!
Alastair and Katie.

London Tonight: Monday January 22nd

Afternoon ...

It seems our streets could be safer today with the news - unconfirmed, of course - that the SAS have decided to have a permanent unit deployed in London, to counter the terrorist threat. Of course, we'd never know they were there anyway - but does it make you feel a bit more protected? Or does it worry you that it's necessary at all .. If it's true? Marcus has been investigating, and we want your thoughts.

Surrey is spending millions to upgrade its drains ... Not a glamorous job, granted .. But an urgent one, it seems, thanks to this increasingly odd weather we're having . So much rain, the drains can't cope. But who's paying for it all?

Now, if you're worried whenever you step out of your front door that you may be the next victim of casual street crime, or vandalism, then Damien could have found your dream home. He reports tonight for us from a new estate which has been designed specifically to reduce the risk of crime. Find out more at 6.

The skeleton of the poor little whale who got lost and swam up the Thames goes on show today; we've got the frankly unbelievable story of a studio flat in Chelsea on the market for 170 thousand pounds... I kid you not, it is the size of a snooker table; we have the West End's newest, brightest star in the studio, Connie Fisher ... And we've got an amazing competition for you.
That, and Chrissie with all the details of the proper winter weather that's on its way ...

See you at 6!
Katie and Alastair.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 19th Jan

Hello

Today - the calm (and chaos) after the storm...

The calm bit is TODAY's weather.. the chaos, we're sorry to tell you is that some train services are still being affected the night after the day before. The problem - trees on the tracks and broken power lines.

We've also the full, chilling story of a psychiatrist whose life was wrecked by an obsessed stalker. She broke into his home, flooded him with hate mail and texts, put such strain on his relationship that it ended and ultimately accused him (totally falsely) of rape. That accusation saw Dr Jan Falkowski arrested and bailed for months - before being cleared. Today the stalker, Maria Marchese was jailed for 9 years. One police officer branded her "the most dangerous woman he had ever met". We speak to Dr Falkowski AND get an exclusive reaction to the sentencing from the psychiatrist's ex girlfriend.

Phil Bayles has spent the day with a group of teenage gamblers who are benefiting from a brand new scheme. The first ever out-patients clinic that aims to help people with such an addiction....

Want to go to a star studded premiere and bag a PS2 as well as a game for it - well, watch the show and maybe that dream will come true. New animated movie "Arthur and The Invisibles" stars the voices of Madonna, Robert De Niro, David Bowie and Snoop Dog. And our competition tonight could see you stepping out onto the red carpet too.

Also - as it's Friday we thought we'd fill your screen with sport, showbiz, film reviews and a whole of ideas for weekend fun, aren't we good to you.

Have a great afternoon and we'll see you at 6

Tamzin and Alastair

London Tonight: Thursday January 18

Hello. Hold onto your hats for London Tonight tonight: gale force winds have blasted their way across our part of the world today with roofs ripped off, trees uprooted and transport in a right mess: To say "it's dangerous out there" is to underestimate it. Stay in for a great night's viewing and keep safe.
Simon has all the details and Chrissie will tell us why it happened and whether, no pun intended, there's more to come.
Alastair may also share with you the brutal attack he nearly suffered at the hands of a random flower-pot: so near, dear friends, so near!

Oil prices are falling and so electricty charges should come down before too long. So, Go Ahead, those lovely people who provide some of the trains in the South East, are levying a passenger surcharge due to high electricity prices: they say they just can't afford to carry the cost themselves. Excuse me, Mr. Go Ahead: how do you think your passengers feel? Well, we'll be asking for your e-mails so you can tell them!

And we have a mega-star in the studio: Kevin Spacey talking about the Old Vic's production of Twelth Night. Also with him, Ed Hall, son of the great Sir Peter Hall, who produced it.
If those aren't powerful enough reasons for staying in and watching you must be claustrophobic.

See you at 6.

Alastair & Tamzin

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Weds 17th Jan

Good afternoon - we have, again, been holding a mirror up to life in the capital for you.

The odd thing about mirrors, of course, is that things look very different: back to front and not what you expect.
We are at Gatwick with British Airways who tell us that being a member of cabin crew is the most popular job in the land: little girls no longer want to be nurses, they want to be "trolley-dollies" and little boys don't want to drive steam engines anymore, they want to show you how to fasten your seat belt.
Now, I am sure this has nothing to do with the fact that, just two days ago, the existing army of cabin crew workers voted to go on strike....
Odd, that.

David Beckham signed to play for LA Galaxy so he can lift the footballing prospects of that soon-to-be-great club. So, no longer Manchester, no longer Madrid but now LA- Hollywood! Not the home of soccer but the home of ... movies.
Today we have a preview of David's latest offering on the silver screen.
Odd, that.

Down at City Hall, when the Tories wanted to grill the Mayors senior staff about those 2006 trips to Venezuela and Cuba, you'd have expected them to be poised, guns loaded and fists bared, to give the Livingstonians a right seeing to. And you'd have expected Ken's Gang to be there, primed and briefed with the perfectly reasonable explanation for why the Mayor did what the Mayor did.
But, no: Tory leader Brian Coleman had to call "time" due to an alleged lack of preparation on the part of the Livingstonians. Mr. Coleman is furious. Simon Harris (who else?) is on the case and we'll be talking to Brian on the show..

Down on the farm, what was entirely expected was the reaction of the authorities to a farmer who fed rabbit food, which contained cattle meat products, to ....his cattle: they ordered the slaughter of the entire herd. BSE, Mr. Farmer, BSE? It is a sad but proper reaction and Liz has been down on the farm.

And while Ben explains why a couple of Private Eyes are starting prison sentences tonight for seriously over-stepping the line when it came to prying, Marcus is trying to find out why another man nearly joined them - for leaving a tap running: honest, both tales will take your breath away....

As will Chrissie, doing a Tracey Emin for you with the weather - and it doesn't involve cats or beach-huts... not to be missed!

See you at 6.

Alastair and Tamzin.

London Tonight: Tuesday 16th Jamuary

Hello and hope you're having a good afternoon,

Tonight we hear testimony from the families of two young men who died on Friday Night.
Daniel Elgar and Bradley Chapman were killed after being hit by a train in Barking, the reason they were in harm's way - they were graffiti-ing at the station depot and ran into the path of an oncoming train.
A terrible story, whatever your thoughts on so called "tagging", the families are bewildered and share their thoughts and feelings with us later.

Now then - do you live in Richmond ? Do you own a 4X4 ? Is it parked outside your house ? If so your resident's permit bill could be about to rocket. Some owners are expected to be charged up to £300 a year .... Too much ? Or fair enough considering the environmental impact campaigners say these vehicles have. This is the debate we want to hear from you on tonight.

Glen's been out on the open seas...well on the Thames anyway. A year after the whale came upstream to visit London the RSPCA has launched its first boat dedicated to helping creatures in distress on the capital's river.

Any cheerleaders among you should get ready to star-jump into action. Yes, American Football is touching down in London Town. The NFL have announced they're playing one of their major league games HERE once a year from now on.

Another American export is next - an equally iconic one - Sly Stallone. Live. On the Red Carpet and talking to us. He's over here for the premiere of Rocky 6 (Rocky Balboa) and the man lucky enough to be standing next to him ... our very own Steve Hargrave

If we all recover from that we'll have Chrissie next... in among the blooms at the Winter Flower Festival and asking why some are out earlier than they should be.

That's all...we'll see you at six.

Tamzin and Alastair

London Tonight: Monday 15th January

Good Afternoon!

It's busy busy busy here and the Christmas break already seems a distant memory.
The trial's started today at Woolwich of six men accused of planning suicide bombs in London on the 21st of July 2005.
Phil Bayles has the detail on that.

Another court case - but this one sounds like the plot of a spy flick. It takes us inside the glamorous world of casinos and involves hundreds of thousands of pounds. The main characters - a trio of Poker cheats - who thanks to cameras hidden up their sleeves managed to net a QUARTER of a a MILLION pounds. Today however their luck ran out as they were sentenced today for cheating (yes there is actually a crime of cheating under gaming law!!!)
We will have the amazing pictures of this scam actually being carried out. Who needs 007 when you've got London Tonight !

Also....the 2021 Olympics. Who's going to pay for any overspends? The woman in Government in charge of this told Simon Harris today she doesn't know - and that they're "looking at a whole range of options".

Has the Tory's policy of allowing residents to buy up their council houses backfired twenty years later ? A report suggests that stocks of council housing stocks are seriously low and warns of a "timebomb".

The History Boys has been a massive hit - on both stage and screen and now it's playing on the West End. Tonight our studio plays host to its new star, Stephen Moore

And of course not forgetting Chrissie. She'll be here with the weather prospects.

That's your lot (and a very good lot it is too !)
See you at 6

Tamzin and Alastair

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 12th Jan

Good Afternoon,

Do you remember the school teacher Sarah Flooks who mysteriously vanished without a trace last March ? She'd left her home in Wanstead at 7 in the morning to go to work and not been seen again. Well today, tragically, we hear police believe they have found her body. The grim discovery was made yesterday in a woodland area in Wanstead Park. We will have a full report on the programme at 6.

Also - what would YOU think if photos of your house and car, with all details including number plates and any security features clearly visible, were made available on the internet. Well, if you live in Camden we have to tell you that those photos are out there. And what makes it worse in residents' eyes is that they are on a council website. We'll be asking for your views on this one.

The English National Ballet faced a protest today - from Anti-Fascist demonstrators. They were calling for one of their dancers to be sacked after she was exposed as a member of the British National Party. Simone Clarke WAS back on stage today but the debate continues about whether her political beliefs SHOULD have a bearing on her future career with the company.

As it's Friday we thought we'd give you a double dose of showbiz....reviews of this weekend's big releases, including Will Smith's latest AND Al Murray live in the studio talking to us about his new TV project.

PLUS all the sport from Willsy...Chrissie halfway up an ice-wall (possibly, if she's got the bottle) and details on what you can get up to in the capital over the next couple of days.

All just waiting for you at 6

See you then

Tamzin and Alastair

London Tonight: Thursday January 11th

Afternoon!

You probaby noticed. It's a bit blowy out there. And in fact, the gales are leading the show tonight .. Because it has been windy enough to cause some pretty serious damage - enough to destroy at least one viewer's business. We want to hear your stories too.

That sad story yesterday about the bodies of a woman and 2 children in East Ham - some confusion, as the police say they're treating it as murder, and yet it could be suicide AND murder. We'll be investigating.

More on Colin Stagg - yesterday the news that he was going to get at least 250,000 pounds in compensation for the year he spent in jail, wrongly convicted of killing Rachel Nickell. Today, we hear from him about how he is hoping at last to rebuild his life with his new partner.

Do you worry that there are always cameras filming you? CCTV on every street corner? Well now there are mobile cctv cameras, fixed to little Smart cars... We've sent Liz Wickham to find out why.

Marcus Powell has been with the Met as they show journalists the new computer simulator for training police marksmen. The idea is it will show the general public just how difficult it is to make a split second decision whether to fire at a suspect or not. Good community relations? Or asking for trouble?

Ben's got more on modern culture in Moscow, and Tamzin's been in Florence as our Savile Row tailors teach those Italians a thing or two about suits.... They're a busy, well travelled lot, our reporters!

See you later, hold onto your hats out there..

Katie and Al.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Weds 10th Jan

Greetings from the London Tonight collective.

"From each according to his/her abilities, to each according to his/her needs" - and "nothing is too good for the working classes". Those old school Commies knew a thing or two and we have spared no effort to bring you an heroic programme, taxing all our efforts and meeting, we hope, all your needs. Ben has even been to the Mother Land, Russia, to report on how the Reds intend to take over London, well Trafalgar Square at least, with a feast of entertainment. Alastair thinks it will begin in Trafalgar Square and spread across the nation: leopards, especially Russian ones, he says, don't change their spots. Anyway, the first of three Scotchbrook Specials airs tonight.

Then a hero in anyone's country: the Oldest Copper in the Land: he works at the Houses of Parliament and he's so good they have let him stay beyond retirement age. The REALLY OLD Bill is with Phil tonight.

Talking of old age, what is best for a pensioners contentment? A garret, groaning with gadgets or a friendly face, popping in now and then? Liz has been to some flats designed to help our senior citizens with modern technology but, like many of us, has a soft spot for the friendly approach, too. Her thoughts at 6 and we will be asking for yours, too.

Think wedding cakes and you might think layer upon layer of marzipan, looking not unlike a church, or even a cathedral. Tonight we meet the man who hasn't made a wedding cake but has made a cake version of St. Paul's Cathedral. It is big, has stained glass windows and would certainly do your waist-line no good at all. But it is a joy to behold and you can behold it with Glen tonight.

On a serious note, Colin Stagg, who was cleared of the killing of Rachel Nickell on Wimbledon Common fourteen years ago but served a year in prison, is to receive damages from the Home Office - (not their day, week or year is it?)
Ronke has the details.

And, to lighten your evening, the ever glorious Victoria Wood on why she is taking Acorn Antiques on tour. The darling of stage, screen and cabaret is live in the studio with the two of us!

Chrissie on the weather and it is an offering we hope you will throng to like an invader horde.....at 6.

Alastair & Katie.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Mon Jan 8th

Hello and a very good afternoon to you all.

Full team here now Alastair is back from his holidays.

Two architectural stories that are miles apart but both fascinating:
First, we've the New York reconstruction of the London bombers flat which they are using for training purposes: why, then, don't the Met have one?
And we have the developers, designing obesity out of estates: a flat to make you fit! Now that makes sense even for Damien, who has the story.

Emma has the remarkable tale of the Billericay family who don't want their child to grow older or bigger. It involves hormone treatment and a lot of real moral dilemmas and pain. You won't want to miss it and we'll be asking for your e-mails, too.

Will Smith is in town and, naturally, has been talking to Tamzin.

And Glen has tracked down the Shetland pony who thinks he is a Labrador - and the labradors who are willing to play along with him. It could only be followed by Robin's weather and it is.

See you for all that and more, at 6.

Alastair & Katie

London Tonight: Wednesday 3rd January

Hello, Hello.

Hope you're all well and happy, despite the sort of weather that leaves you longing for a fortnight away on a hot sunny beach somewhere - with the only thing to worry about being which drink to have at the bar come sunset...

However, come six this evening, we'll have plenty to take your mind off the weather in a packed 30 minutes.

We start with an admission from the Met that they got it wrong. Only this mistake may have cost a young man his life. Almost 4 years ago, Scotland Yard had been warned that a gangland hit was being planned - and yet Jason Fearon was allowed to walk out of a nightclub in Clerkenwell to be shot in the street. It's though he wasn't even the intended target. Police say that, after a review of intelligence available to officers at the time, lessons have been learned. But Jason's family say 'too little, too late'. Marcus Powell has the details on that.

Nick Thatcher has had a day out by the sea. Down at 'Leigh-on-Sea' in fact, where fishermen who've been cockling for decades are worried about the future of their industry. They say say that plans to open up the trade by issuing more 'hand-raking' licences could see the area swamped by outsiders... and spell doom for the lot of them.

Now, how do YOU get about London? On the bus or tube? Naaah, fares have just shot up. In a car? Naaah, you have to pay the congestion charge AND you have to pay for parking. Are you one of the thousands who've switched to mopeds for a cheaper ride round the city. Screeeeeeeeeeech (that's brakes being slammed on)... Westminster City council now wants to CHARGE for moped parking, saying there are just too many bikes to avoid it. Damien Steward will look at both sides of the argument... before we ask you which side YOU'RE on.

What about 'Mayor Ken v Mike Read'? Yes... that's right, the former Radio One DJ who used to delight breakfast listeners with "You were my First Love" every morning. Anyway, Mike wants to be the Conservative candidate in the next mayoral election. Glen Goodman's been asking why anyone should vote for a man, not famous for his grasp on City Hall expenditure plans. And, for all we know, he may know more about it than we think.

Meanwhile, Liz Wickham has been to the Tower of London to report on the fall of a bastion of male reserve. It's been confirmed that... come September... for the first time in their 522 year history... the Beefeaters will number a... wait for it... WOMAN among their ranks. Extraordinary that it's taken this long perhaps, but can a woman Beefeater, er, cut the mustard?

So, quite a spread, we're sure you'll agree. The only place to get your teeth into all of it is ITV, at six.

See you then.

Katie & Ben

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 5th Jan

Good afternoon,

We have, as usual a very busy show for you tonight with a real mix of stories...starting with a tale that will strike fear into your heart if you've ever eaten in a certain Chinese restaurant in the West End. The Rong Cheng restaurant on Shaftesbury Avenue has been shown to be one of the filthiest in the West End. It's boss has been handed a suspended jail sentence after mice, cockroaches and mould were found in its kitchen. We have some shocking pictures of the state of the place - be warned you should save your tea until after this story.

Also....An absolutely horrendous killing.
A man's admitted to robbery and murder after gagging the wife of a close family friend and binding her face with parcel tape so tightly she died. Police have likened the tape to a "death mask" . Marcus Powell's been in court covering this story for us.

On a lighter note - a much lighter note - what are you planning to do with your Christmas tree ? The one in Trafalgar Square's about to be recycled...should we all be doing the same...have you already worked out where you can take your tree to be green ? Let us know.

It's Friday so it's showbiz day ! Steve Hargrave's going a couple of rounds with Amir Khan to find out if the release of Rocky 6 is going to make boxing the keep-fit trend of 2007....

Mark Eccleston's here with the movie review - including Renee Zelwegger as Beatrix Potter AND Mel Gibson's latest spectacular if somewhat historically inaccurate epic, Apocolypto.

AND we're at the Boat Show 2007 to find out what cool creations will be cresting the waves this year.

Enough to keep you entertained we're sure.

See you at 6.

Tamzin and Willsy

London Tonight: Thursday 4th January

Good Afternoon one and all,

It's Thursday and you can almost smell the weekend. Just as well because it's felt like a very long week, hasn't it? Even though most of us had our feet up on Monday, week's end has been a long time coming.

Now. This evening's programme starts on the story that's dominated the news across the country - this morning's tragic coach crash on an M4 sliproad. Two people were killed and many more were injured, some of them even losing limbs. The driver's been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. It's a desperate start to the year, and Phil Bayles has been following events for us.

We'll also have the latest on another, very sad, story. You may remember how Clare Bernal was shot dead while she was working in Harvey Nichols in September 2005. The man responsible - her ex-boyfriend - then shot himself. Well, Clare's flatmate told an an inquest into Clare's murder today that she was so worried about Michael Pech's behaviour that she had alerted security at the store. Could they have done more to protect Clare? Marcus Powell will have the detail on that.

Liz Wickham, meanwhile, has been in court for the sentencing of a married couple who were caught illegally selling a steroid-cream, which black customers bought to bleach their skin, but, in fact, was so dangerous it could have left them vulnerable to skin-cancer.

Then - a victory for 'People Power'. Hurrah and Ballyhoo! How many of us are fed up with a rail company making our lives a misery day in day out. Well, the good customers on the 'C2C' line no doubt had their 'fare' share of niggles as the trains chuffed in and out of Fenchurch Street... until the company changed the timetable. And that make them REALLY mad. So they complained. And complained. And then complained some more. And now, one month after dumping the old schedule, it's making a comeback. Nick Thatcher will report on that 'feel-good' story for us.

We'll also be chatting with Prunella Scales ("Basil!") about her latest stage-role... we've got a terrific 'behind-the-scenes' look at the work of Cirque du Soleil... and.. AND, Chrissie will have the weather.

And if THAT lot doesn't leave you gasping for the weekend... you can jog off.

See you at SIX,

Ben & Tamzin.

London Tonight: Tuesday 2nd January 2007

Hello and a Happy New Year to you all! Hope you had a great one - and if you're back at work that all those batteries are well and truly recharged.

In fact, if you ARE back at work, then you might be one of the millions who were greeted with a whopping fares rise on the buses and tubes! Now, TfL made no secret about the rises - they want to encourage more uptake of the Oyster Card of course - yet all the same, quite a few of you were caught unawares. We've got both sides of the argument and will be asking for your views on that one too.

We'll also be hearing from Lord Coe on how he rates last year's progress on the London Olympics - and what we can expect to see happening to the Stratford site in the coming year.

And if you're still feeling the excesses of the festive period then check out our resolutions double-whammy - Liz Wickham on joining a gym - AND how to stick to it - and Robin Ross on the pubs trying to ease smokers in gently to the inevitable ban this summer. Go on... You know it's good for you...

And apologies in advance if you're a hammer - but what a monumental, resounding defeat at the hands of Reading!! Six-Nil!! SIX. Unbelievable - and more than a few glum faces around the office today - but they're an optimistic bunch and already talk's turning to Curbs and the transfer window.... Bless.

It's Katie and Willsy in the hot seat tonight - see you there.

Ed

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 22nd Dec

Good afternoon,

There's a decidedly Christmas feel in the London Tonight newsroom today .... Robin's baked a cake, Tamzin's made coconut ice, Alastair's eaten both ... and we've spent the past 5 minutes talking about Chilly the Hamster's great escape.....more on that later.

There's also a Christmas feel on the roads...and by that we mean they're busy, foggy and frosty. Yes, the great getaway's underway and for those STILL stuck at Heathrow it couldn't be less festive. We have a whole team of reporters out at ALL the major travel locations tonight for you and we'll try our best to get you home for Christmas in time and safely.

What's your favourite bit of Christmas dinner ? The Turkey ? The sausages wrapped in bacon ? The pud ? We bet it's not the sprouts...BUT maybe sprout ice cream might be a better bet ???? Maybe not - but we'll be tasting it for you to find out later, seriously.

James King's in the studio to tell us about Christmas at the cinema...

And we've had some fantastic news after yesterday's missing person's appeal, it'll be a great Christmas for one North London family.

Plus - a festive treat at the end of the show to get you all in the mood. So stay off the roads, trains and planes, at least until 6.30 and celebrate the start of the holiday with us.

See you at 6

Tamzin and Alastair

(P.S. London Tonight Tonight returns in 2007!)

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Thurs 21st Dec

A day of high-drama and an afternoon of technical hiatus: sorry for the second but join us with baited breath for the first:
a gang of teenagers storm a christening party in a robbery "steam" - they kill the auntie of the family as she nurses the child to be christened. They then rob most of the rest of the party and even steal food on their way out.
Justice done, hear what they got from the courts.

Almost as muddled and confused as our work-place this afternoon is Heathrow airport: hundreds of flights canceled again, thousands of people with holiday plans disrupted and the only things flying are the accusations over who is to blame. OK you can't solve the weather but you can plan for this sort of thing. Who didn't?

We are still running our hand-in-a-phone feature with our friends at the National Missing Persons Helpline and we have another amazing story of a woman who isn't missing but who's identity is: she just can't remember who she is or where she is from. See if you can help out.

McFly are with us, leaving it a bit late for a Christmas Number One but very good nevertheless.....

And Chrissie, having escaped the clutches of the London Gay Mens choir is helping Simon with the fog story and promises Things Can Only Get Better - yeah, she's off tomorrow.

See you at 6.. And sorry for being late.

Alastair and Katie

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Weds 20th Dec

A very good afternoon to you all: cold it may be, foggy chaos at Heathrow there may be, but we had our first mince pies in the office this afternoon! OK, with builders tea but it does prove that Christmas is just around the corner.

So our thoughts turn to pressies, puddings and decorations: 'tis the season of goodwill.

And we have the tale of great, goodwill: superstar George Michael, who hasn't had the easiest of years, is leading the way with a FREE concert for NHS registered nurses at the Roundhouse tonight. It keeps a promise he made when his dear old mum died, nearly a decade ago, to say "thanks" to nurses, some of whom had been wonderful in his mother's hours of need. Good on you George! Jon Gilbert is the man with the Access all Areas pass.....

Less festive and positively Scrooge like are the goings on in Greenwich: residents of the Ferrier Estate have been told their's is a prime site for massive redevelopment with hundreds of new homes and a glistening and glorious future. Only problem is that those EXISTING residents have only been offered the market price for the properties which they bought when they were Council houses under the old Right to Buy scheme. And it is a take it or leave it scenario. Unhappy bunnies all round: Liz has been taking a look.

Also, entirely the wrong sort of decorations have been troubling British Transport Police: graffiti merchants cause what the owners call damage to their trains and stations while some, and only some, say their work adds to the colour and texture of city life. But, strictly speaking, it is of course wrong and rubs railway and tube companies up the wrong way.
What is to be done? Nick Thatcher poses the questions.

A feast of footy fixtures and a relish of results for you, plus another invitation to give up your old cell' 'phones and help the National Missing Persons Helpline this Christmas.

160 gay men will be singing Christmas Carols for Chrissie who will then attempt to regain her composure and tell you when the fog will left. (there used to be a joke about the F in fog... But I can't quite remember it)

Finally, a cryptic end to the second trial of the youngster who has admitted killing Kiyan Prince but denied his murder. Can't say much for legal reasons but what we can say is fascinating.

Tune in for that and much more at 6.
Tamzin and I look forward to your company.

Alastair

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Tues 19th Dec

Good afternoon:

By the time we go on air at 6pm this e-mail may be out of date because the jury at the Old Bailey could have come to a verdict on the sixteen year old, accused of killing promising young footballer Kiyan Prince: the outcome, if there is one, live, with Phil.

The continuing saga of the Bishop of Southwark took an odd turn this morning, as, it is claimed, did the good Bishop a few nights back.
He often appears on the BBC's Today programme, offering his Thought for the Day. This morning he appeared as an interviewee, in an effort to explain just what happened between his leaving the Irish Embassy Christmas Party and appearing the next day, bruised, battered and not a little embarrassed. He says the answers are all on his Oyster Card. Others, including the owner of a Mercedes saloon, suggest a different story. We will try to unfathom the truth, because that's what we do. Up for the craic? Nick Thatcher is on the case of the curious cleric.

No connection, of course, but we are still running our feature with the National Missing Persons Helpline: hand in your old cellphone and NMPH get a fiver to help reunite loved ones who have run-off, drifted apart or ..... just can't remember who they are or why they left home.

Ricky Gervais on his latest escapade: a star role in a Hollywood film, which also features Ben Stiller. Is there no limit to the man's talent? Ricky's pretty hot, too!

We've also got an amazing competition: an all expenses paid trip to MUMBAI, a gem of a place in India. More details and the key to how to get there at 6.

Chrissie has the weather and Katie and I hope you'll join us.

Alastair