London Tonight Tonight Thursday May 16th

Hello.
Sorry this is a bit late but we had a big meeting in the newsroom today, during which we had to ingest a whole workflow of concepts designed to maximise the efficiency of the new hubs, all of which will be devoid of clutter as we explore our new adjacencies: I personally think that is rude but more in hope than expectation!
Then we had another meeting to try to and figure out what it all meant....

You know, Jose Mourinho just shouldn't have a yorkshire terrier. I don't mean this particular dog which may or may not have the right passport, visa and or certification: he just shouldn't have that breed. Jose is a wolf-hound or Setter, or St. Bernard, or Briard, or a Pyrenean Mountain Dog kind of guy. Anyway, full details of the tiff he had with the Met (who only have Alsatisans) at 6.
By the way, Ladbrokes say the dog is 100-1 against to appear at the FA Cup Final at the weekend in the Chelsea dug-out, and 500-1 against to interrupt the game! In a ManU shirt? 10-1 ON!!!!!

Simon is still causing trouble in New York: that is what Simon does, it's only the location that changes. Anyway:
"Green is the colour, environment's the theme:
why are all those lights on? It really is obscene!"
If you read that back, it is poetry: it also gives you a clue as to why you will want to see and hear Simon Harris of London vs Mike Bloomberg of NY.

Damien Steward will also explain why the one thing the Crown Estate is not, is Crown. It boasts some of the most wonderful buildings in London and some of the real dross but there is a fascinating story as to who it belongs to now and why.

Anyone who is anyone in film is in Cannes so that is where you will find Tamzin too. But don't leap on the Eurostar or head for an airport! Stay with us and we will transport you to the delights of the South of France, all things cinematographic and la belle Tamzin - live at 6. C'est very bon indeed.
The French might eat them but we celebrate them as wonderous and glorious creatures, that noble of bloodstock, the horse. In 1923, one made a rather fine fourth official too, so we are profiling Dobbins in dubbin, as the Blues take on the Reds at Wembley this weekend. Great breaking news: the souvenir shop won't be ready - isn't that a result!

See you at 6: workflow permitting, ingest our efforts at a convenient TV hub -

Alastair and Katie

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday 15th May

Hello and good afternoon.
I have a cold which, as my friends here and my entire family will tell you, is more of a drag for them than me. But I struggle on, manfully.
As does Faye, our producer, (though womanfully, to be politically correct and genetically accurate) whose acquisition of two, beautiful kittens was mentioned in last week's LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT. One of them is poorly and has to go the vet tonight: she is in our prayers - though, I must say, the kitten attracted considerably more sympathy at our planning meeting than I did.
Out of our prayers, for the best possible reason, is Roxy the kidnapped Alsatian who was being trained as a guide dog for a delightful Asian gran' when she went missing. But there is a twist you'll want to know about... Kate will unleash it at 6.

Dunsfold is a modest airfield in Surrey which keeps its potentially enormous fame very quiet.
Let me just say Casino Royale, Top Gear, Harrier jump-jets and you'll get my drift. So a helicopter with a purpose, you'd have thought, would be no problem. Wrong. Who wants a do-gooding chopper grounded and why? All will be revealed by Phil.

Simon Harris has a private pilot's licence and owns a small, light-aircraft. He is currently in New York with the Mayor to explore green issues. He did not fly his light aircraft across the Pond to reduce his carbon footprint, but he has found out the very latest on what the Great Cities of the World think they can do to Save the Planet. Is the sky the limit for Ken? "Fly Simon" tonight and find out.

What have Michael "something of the night" Howard QC MP and Ashley "So Solid Crew" Walters got in common? They both think prison works. Asher's in the studio to cast light on this curious coincidence and to talk about his documentary.

Steve is looking for more great acts for 'Unsigned' and Westminster Council is looking for more white foster parents: unconnected, I know, but both life changing if you think about it.
See you at six.

Alastair (and Katie)

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Mon 14th May

Good Afternoon All and a very happy Monday to you,

Hope you all had a top weekend and the next one doesn't seem TOO far away.

We're kicking off the week with an international flavour - the world picture if you like, with an emphasis on little old London's place in that world. We all know that mankind has generally been making a mess of our planet - it's not like it never gets mentioned on the news. And we're always getting told what we could are should be doing to make amends, but how many of us are listening to, and acting on, that advice. Er... not very many, it would seem. Well, not many Londoners are, at least. In fact, a survey Phil Bayles has been looking at shows that fewer than one in four Londoners currently do anything to avert climate change. That makes us bottom of the British table.

Love him, or loathe him, you'd be hard pushed to say that our Mayor doesn't pay much attention to climate change. This week, he's in New York along with leaders from around 40 of the world's biggest cities - looking at the ways in which London can do its bit. Let's face it, we've got a big hill to climb.

Away from the international picture, news of a London tragedy which caught the country's attention - the murder of Peter Woodhams, the young dad shot dead on his own doorstep in Custom House last August. You may remember that he'd been stabbed 7 months before he was murdered and that his family argued the attack was never properly investigated. Well, Marcus Powell will have the latest on news that two detectives are now to face a misconduct tribunal.

Now, hands up if you were ever smoking when, and indeed, WHERE you shouldn't have been... come on, come on, you know who you are. Okay, hands up now, if you've ever been caught smoking in the 10 o'clock family service at St Pauls. Not so many hands, perhaps. Well, that's what London's church-leaders reckon - which is why they're pretty cross that they're being told to stick up 'no smoking' signs at their churches. Kate Recordon will empty the ashtray on that story.

Meanwhile, Damien Steward makes a return visit to an old water tower that's been turned into new flats... Kirstie Allsopp will be here to talk property too... Jasmin Lowson will be talking 'Booty Luv'... and Chrissie's on weather duty.

And... AND... 'London Tonight UNSIGNED' is back - if you're in a band hoping for a bash at the big time, you will NOT want to miss your chance to enter.

So, you'd better tune in at SIX.

Ben & Tamzin

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 11th May

Good Afternoon

Or not such a good one if you're one of the couples who were hoping to tie the knot tomorrow at Orsett Hall in Essex.

It's a tale that will strike horror into the heart of anyone who's ever spent months planning a wedding. Imagine the scenario - everything's ready, the champagne's on ice, the dresses are hanging up, the flowers have been delivered.....and then you get a call saying the venue's burnt to the ground. This morning a blaze swept through the 300 hundred year old building, no-one was hurt but it's left dozens of wedding plans in tatters. Marcus Powell is on the scene for us tonight.

Also - do you ever need to park in central London? If so you might soon find it a lot harder to find a space. Westminster are selling off one of their car parks and looking into the possibility of getting rid of many more. A good idea? Or maybe not? Phil Bayles investigates.

Gill Hicks was the last person to be pulled alive from the Russell Square train on July 7th. She lost both legs in the bombing. Today she's back at the hospital where she was treated for a new exhibition. We find out why later.

Willsy's on his bike again - it's getting to be a bit of a habit but he's so excited about the Tour de France we can't stop him.

James King's talking movies...boxing Oxford dons and crazed zombies.

And Chrissie's got the weather for the weekend.

All that at 6

See you then,

Tamzin and Ben

London Tonight Tonight Thursday May 10th

Hello there . You can imagine what our newsroom is like today... You may have heard there was something of a political story today .... ! But we're leaving that to the national team at 6.30 ... And filling our lovely show with all sorts of other interesting and important stuff. Like the Olympics, and promises that seem to be far from being fulfilled. Remember all the talk of new facilities that will outlast the Games themselves? Well, that's all there seems to have been. Talk. And while that is frustrating in itself, it could mean the end of Olympic dreams for some youngsters who simply have nowhere to train.

A shocking story of the vandals who've wrecked the memorial garden for Mary Ann Leneghan. Remember the Reading girl who was murdered and tortured so awfully 2 years ago by a drugs gang? Well now the garden which was planted in her memory has been trashed - as if her family hadn't dealt with enough already.

In the spirit of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" we thought we'd have our turn talking about Blair - but more specifically, where he's going to be living after Downing Street. Glen Goodman's been exploring his new address, Connaught Square, right in the middle of an area known as "Little Beirut"...

Liz has had the best job of the day, visiting and testing - all for the sake of journalism of course - a wonderful new spa in Bethnal Green, in the old Victorian Baths there. It looks amazing...

What with the weather, and Tamzin talking to Peep show duo Mitchell and Webb about their new film... It's going to be a packed show.

See you at 6!

xx

London Tonight Tonight Wednesday 9th May

Good afternoon:
Our producer, Faye, is taking delivery of two kittens this evening: not the most important event, I concede, but WE have heard so much about it we felt it was only fair that YOU were informed too.
Pop group Squeeze had a celebrated hit song , Cool For Cats, some little time ago, and they are back with a bang: in part to celebrate Faye's great news, they are live in the studio with us tonight.
Ellen MacArthur is a wonderful yachtswoman who famously raced around the world in a twin-hulled racing yacht which some call a Catamaran - the feline reference here is genuinely coincidental. Well she's been on the Thames and is organising a series of races across Europe. More anon.

On the weightier side of the agenda, Police in the West Midlands and Yorkshire have arrested four people including the widow of the 7/7 mastermind Mohammad Sidique Khan: they are being held at Paddington Green and we'll have the latest from there and, we hope, from Birmingham and Yorkshire.
Still no good news about little Madeleine McCann, missing for 6 days in Portugal: Chelsea's John Terry has made an appeal for her safe return.
Meantime, talking of Chelsea, what were the board of directors doing, wandering around Imperial Wharf with clipboards and what looked suspiciously like architects drawings? We think you should be told, so we will tell you.

A man asked a lad to stop chucking chips at his girlfriend as they travelled home on the bus. The man responded, allegedly, by stabbing the lad in the head. He died. The girlfriend gave evidence this afternoon. Powerful stuff.
And the dregs have been busy again: an 84 year old blind woman has had the dog she was training up to be her guide stolen. More details at six so you might be able to help nail them.
Nothing on catapults, cat-o'-nine-tails, catalogues, mogs, toms or feral felines - unless, of course, there are developments!

See you at 6

Alastair and Katie.

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday 8th May

Hello - here's what's ahead at six.

After yesterday's horrific M25 crash, today the tragic stories of lives lost.
Details have been emerging all afternoon of the young men who died on Saturday night's stag do on the Surrey stretch of the capital's busiest motorway. We're at the scene live and we'll be asking just what might have caused the deadly smash.

We've also visited one of London's roughest estates today to try to understand why a young aspiring boxer was gunned down just yards from the safety of his own home. If you've got experience of Milford Towers in Catford you'll understand why his neighbours, family and friends are now living in fear.

We've got a scoop for you on tonight's show. You may remember Brian Paddick, the top copper with a chequered past. Well now he's being courted for the limelight once more. So, what's the deal? You'll have to watch to find out.

George Michael's been facing the music, and Prince is planning to perform some. Don't miss any of it.

See you at six.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 4th May

Hello.

Sorry this email's a bit later than usual. It is a bank holiday weekend so hopefully you'll let us off.

Tonight - elections - and the new ring of blue around the capital - as the Conservatives gain control of a number of councils in Surrey, Kent, Berkshire, Hertfordshire and Sussex. Simon Harris has the story of the night - as well as the story of the councillor who's still at school. Is he really old enough to understand his area's problems?

In other news we'll tell you about the jail term for the man who murdered Peter Woodhams on his doorstep, and the frankly shocking story of burglar described as a one man crime wave, who was secretly released from jail and immediately went back to his ways - stealing from old people. Why was he released early?

Then sport, Spiderman, and a thousand voices at the Royal Albert Hall.

Finally - it's Robin who tonight brings us the weather from a beach volleyball court in Hertfordshire. He'll explain more - we think you'll find it interesting.....

That and more, on your TV at six. Just press the button marked 3. Or 103 if you're on satellite or cable. And if you can't do that - watch again at anytime at http://www.itvlocal.com

Stuart
Editor, London Tonight
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London Tonight Tonight Thursday 3rd May

Hello.
I took my daughter to An Audience With Take That: she took it very seriously and, I must say, I thought they were charming and talented young men. I have never seen Abba, but I am told Mamma Mia is a fine piece of work but whether or not Take That will lend themselves to a similar treatment as the subjects of a musical, I do not know. My daughter fears it is sacrilege but Willsy, with an open mind and a sporting outlook, went along to find out... And tried to win a place!

Neither Tamzin nor I are ardent football fans, though her lovely husband has something in common with Delia Smith and it is not the ability to produce a perfect Victoria sponge. But we are both in total sympathy with the fans who queued all night for tickets for the FA Cup Final (at Wembley, as things stand) only to find that when they got there, the cupboard was bare.

I don't know how many of them threw their toys out of their prams but a mother was entitled to do just that with whatever was in her child's pram when an unimaginative, unhelpful driver refused to let her, her child and the pushchair board "his" bus (he was a bit that way) using the back-door. He caused fear, panic, mayhem and anger in the woman and lots of the other passengers too. Hear how at 6.

He may need anger management or maybe his problems go back much further. Who knows.
But, in a serious attempt to keep our kids on the straight and narrow, the Met have suggested the brothers and sisters of Gang Members should be plucked from the arms of temptation and given help from Social Services. We all agree it is an interesting idea. We don't all agree it would work. So, we're mounting a debate on the programme and would love to hear from you, once you've heard the arguments, what you think.

Then we'll all chill out with a bit of Classic Brits: nothing like a nice aria to round the evening off.

See you at 6.

Alastair and Tamzin.

London Tonight Tonight Wednesday 2nd May

Hello!
We're kicking the show off tonight with a fascinating insight into a world many of us need to learn more about - fundamental Islam. Ed Husain tells us all about his experiences when he became radicalised as a teenager .. And then how he got out. Emma's been to meet him - you really should watch. It's terrifying, interesting stuff.

Outrage at an MP's jokes about the 7/7 inquiry today. Gales of laughter in the house do not sit comfortably with the father of one of the bombers' victims. We speak to him.

A marvellous tale of one viewer versus a parking warden .. Oh we LOVE these stories! Imagine .. Your new baby is screaming, you pull into a quiet side street to breast feed .. The engine is still running, and you guessed it .. There's a overly eager warden with you in his sights. It's unbelieveable .. But don't worry, we've been on the case!

Chrissy's been looping the loop on a Red Bull plane, Jasmine's been wtih Maroon Five .. I tell you, it's all here!!
See you at 6.

x

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday May 1st

Hello..

After yesterday's convictions of the Fertiliser bomb plotters and the revelations of their links with the 7/7 bombers.. Today, the inevitable recriminations. We've all the latest on the 7/7 survivors' calls for a public inquiry.

700 police officers, 30 arrests... It's been a busy day for the country's coppers. A massive international operation to grab animal rights extremists has been a massive success. Liz Wickham's been following the dramatic developments.

A wonderful story for any fans of Finding Nemo, Jules Verne, the Big Blue... You get my drift. For the first time, a rare species of coral has been successfully bred in captivity. And no, I didn't know that you could breed coral, either! It's amazing for all sorts of environmentally exciting reasons.. And the pictures are awesome too. So tune in!

We've got football in the form of Chelsea v Liverpool - away. All the colour and controversy of the Kop ... We've also got the extraordinary tale of how the piano saved one bad lad's life.... Really! There is no limit to the power of music, as you'll discover.

And just to back that point I'm sure, we've got the lovely Beverley Knight in the studio to talk about her new album.

See you later!

Katie and Alastair. X

London Tonight Tonight Monday 30th April

Hello.
What a day: the more you think about it, and the implications of it, the more terrifying it becomes:

At 11.16 am, this appeared on the computer screens in the news-room:
"Omar Khyam found guilty at the Old Bailey".

And then, 30 minutes later, this:

" It can now be revealed that Mohammed Sidique Khan, the ringleader of 7/7 was a close associate of Omar Khyam when he was one of Britain's top terror targets and in the final stages of his plotting. Khyam also met another of the July 7 bombers, Shehzad Tanweer".

Tonight we will be asking, if the Security Services knew that, why did they not do more to stop 7/7 happening.
We'll talk to the friends and families of those who suffered and died on 7/7 to find out what they think.
We will also reflect the fact that the Police have had a really great result today, too. Had Omar Khyam and his gang not be stopped, the Ministry of Sound and Bluewater shopping centre might have been levelled, with countless deaths and injuries across the south east.

We also have the story of the little boy, desperate for a transplant, whose ethnic background makes that a lot more difficult.
We'll also have an old friend back with us who is living proof of why bone-marrow donations are literally a matter of life and death.

And we'll be reporting on why Kate Moss is causing queues in Oxford Street.

So I think it's all there but the top bit will knock your socks off.
Hope you can be there at 6.

Alastair and Tamzin.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 27th April

Hello, good afternoon, and roll on the weekend!

If you're thinking of some Oxford Street shopping this weekend then beware - part of the capital's famous shopping street is likely to be shut. It follows a massive fire there last night. We have the pictures - they show shoppers fleeing in panic as flames tore through the New Look store (that's the one next to Marks and Spencer between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road). No-one was hurt - which is something of a miracle. See the fire unfold tonight at 6.

Also - fortnightly bin collections. It's a hot topic - especially as the weather hots up - will it mean stinky bins and rats? And why are London councils largely ignoring the trend? We investigate.

The Tour de France is coming to London - we're live in Blackheath with lots on this tonight.

Plus James King talks movies, and Tamzin talks to Robert Carlyle - him from The Full Monty and Trainspotting.

That and much more - on London Tonight at six.

Stuart
Editor, London Tonight

London Tonight Tonight Thursday 26th April

Good afternoon - it's all a bit of a mess tonight: baked beans all over the place, up-turned buses and smoke and soot draping Deptford. Katie is on assignment so let me try to tidy things up a bit.

Faye, our lovely Producer, likes hers with HP or Worcester sauce. I said I preferred them with a bit of grated cheese on top, and we both confessed to having eaten them cold after a bit of a night on the town. Cilla Black advertised them and kids make unnecessary jokes about them. Hugh Grant, ALLEGEDLY, throws them at paparazzi photographers or so the snapper claims. A lesson in culinary arts or the science of ballistics? All will be revealed by Simon at 6.

I once had a film crew at my house doing Through the Keyhole. My dog Charlie flattered Lloyd Grossman and ran off with the lighting-man's cardigan. When they came into the house they put cotton bags over their shoes and left everything as they had found it. Very sweet and we remained apologetic about Charlie's behaviour in the garden.
When the company who made the film 28 Weeks Later revisited London, they managed to wreck what they hadn't wrecked the first time they came to make 28 Days Later. God knows what they'll do if they ever make 28 Years Later.
And I don't know if it's a good movie or not, but it's certainly great pictures: Chrissie will guide you through.

Deptford is a wonderful and fascinatingly historic bit of London which, alas, caught fire this morning: no-one was hurt but the borough is looking a bit Great Fire of London-ish again as Jon discovered.

Our favourite Harrow School boy, who went into space, is back and talking to us from the Science Museum. Is there life out there? Are the aliens nicer than the kids he went to school with in Harrow? Tune in to find out at 6.
Willsy, who wields a mean putter, is hoping to avoid the rough this evening: that's progress...

Chip chip.

Alastair

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday 24th April

Good afternoon and here's what's ahead on London Tonight Tonight. We're packed full of news this evening.

Seven years ago Lucie Blackman disappeared thousands of miles from home. Her family fought constantly for justice, flying backwards and forwards from Sevenoaks to Tokyo to try to find her killer.
Then they thought they'd found him. Today, a court in Japan told them they were wrong.
We hear from Lucie's father about what he thinks happened, and from Lucie's mother too about the bitter recriminations destroying her family. It's a tough story to watch.

In other stuff...
There've been more terror arrests across the capital. Liz is digging to find out all she can.
Victoria station's getting a makeover - Phil took a hit for the team and went to be a sardine for the morning, to see for himself what rush hour is really like at one of our busiest stations.

And then there's Nicole Kidman's husband on being Nicole Kidman's husband... Chrissie Reidy running around a field with a bunch of police dogs... And a hundred year old man who bet on his OWN longevity. His story will really leave you with a smile.

Don't miss any of it, at six.

London Tonight Tonight Monday 23rd April

Afternoon, devoted followers of fashion...

Tonight's show is full of battles.

First up, the battle to get round the course at yesterday's marathon, only to find that some of the stations had run out of water! So, despite the copious warnings about record temperatures, the runners were left quite literally high and dry!
We'll be asking the boss of the race why the contingencies weren't good enough to cope.

Then there's the Newspaper Wars. The fight over your freesheet has just got nastier. London Lite and The London Paper square up over distribution. It turns out they've caught each other on camera throwing thousands of copies in the bin! Cue a PR battle.

St George fought a dragon and won! And despite his heroics hardly any of us know that today is his special day. Find out what the Mayor plans to do about it.

There's a battle on to get the best price for your home... Meet the estate agents with a new weapon - the Home Video!
Plus... Spiderman tackling the villains to save the world... Like I said, Monday's alright for fighting.

Join Katie and Al at six.
Your favourite Programme Editor, Faye.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 20th April

Hello from the London Tonight Friday team.

This evening we start with a fascinating look at pirate radio. New research from regulator Ofcom reveals that more than 800,000 Londoners are tuning in each week - and in some London boroughs more than a quarter of adults are listening. What does that say about the current mainstream radio stations? We've been investigating, and we've had exclusive access inside one of the stations today.

Where do you put a big bronze statue of Nelson Mandela? That question has caused a five year row - but the model of the former South African president now has a home. Or it will do soon, anyway. Find out where officials have finally decided to put it at six.

It's Marathon weekend - we're live on the course with advice for those running - and those watching.

Arsenal are playing in the UEFA cup final tomorrow. With a twist. We won't give the game away now, but it's an interesting story.

There have also been developments at Chelsea this afternoon - we'll keep you updated.

James looks at this weekend's movies - and then soul legend Alexander O'Neal is with us in the studio.

Don't miss the programme - it's Alastair and Tamzin with you this evening - and we're live at six.

Stuart
Editor, London Tonight

London Tonight Tonight Thursday April 19th

Good afternoon.

It's terrifying stuff. I bet most of you commute to work if you're reading this .. And I bet a fair amount of you fight every morning and evening to get a seat on the train. Well, new research today shows you're right to. Unbelievably, 8 years on from Ladbroke Grove, our sister documentary show, The London Programme, has commissioned the first research into what actually happens to passengers in train crashes. And that research, using clever simulations of crash test dummies, finds that if you're standing on a train, you're much more likely to be injured or killed. And this at a time when even with new carriages, more people than ever will find there's standing room only. We'll have all the details for you at 6.

Crime figures out today .. And as usual, the devil is in the detail. Headine figures are pretty postitive, but dig a little deeper, and you find that black on black homicide is up 20 percent. We've been to the communities most affected to get reaction, and Ronke's taken their thoughts right to the top - Sir Ian Blair.

We think there might be funny goings on at Arsenal. As rumours fly about David Dein's departure and boardroom splits, we've sent Marcus Powell, a committed Gunner, to investigate. Could Arsenal be about to become the next US owned football club?

And Steve Hargrave's been out in the sunshine, catching a few gigs and drinking beer. And he calls it work! It's the Camden Crawl, and he hooked up with Travis .... It's a hard life.

The gorgeous Robin is with us with the weather ("why does it always rain on him," asked Alastair at the meeting .. Which I thought was really quite witty!)

See you at 6.

Katie and Al. X

London Tonight Tonight Wednesday 18th April

Hello!

Tales of traffic chaos today I'm afraid. If any of you are planning to use the Blackwall Tunnel tomorrow... Keep your fingers crossed. There were big tailbacks this morning as TFL thought they'd stop the contraflow in a bid to prevent accidents when drivers unwittingly find themselves heading into traffic in the wrong lane. Good intentions, we think... But of course the result today is chaos. We've been investigating...

Another triumph for people power... You may remember the locals in Hackney up in arms about a mobile phone mast being erected near to a park. Well, hold the front page.. But just this very afternoon T-Mobile have backed down and agreed to go back to consultation. Hooray! You see, it's always worth shouting to get heard... Glen's been following the story.

You may be planning a super cheap holiday in the States now that you can get 2 dollars for every pound... But how about our friends across the pond? Are they still going to come to visit us? Because, let's face it, tourism brings a lot of cash into our fair city. Well, the sun was shining, we were passing Buckingham Palace .. And we found a lovely family of American tourists. And we thought we'd show them what a great time you can have here without having to spend much money... Tune in to find out what they got up to!

Football fans will know there's a crunch match tonight between West Ham and Chelsea. There's a lot to play for on both sides... Will an Icelandic tenor make the difference for the Hammers?

Meanwhile Chrissy has been helping put fish to sleep - no, really...

So you better join me and Chris Rogers at 6 to find out more!

Katie x

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday 17th April

Good evening, it's Tuesday and did you notice how the temperature dropped this morning? Bit of a shock after all that spring sunshine, eh!

And before we get into the details of tonight's programme, we're feeling a little guilty in the newsroom. We thought one of our number was suffering from a bout of man flu - you know the kind that keeps one off work when there's a DVD box set of Lost to watch - only to discover that the poor boy is really ill! We send him all our grovelling positive thoughts and wish him better right away.

Now onto the show...
Up first. His dad has a Pucka pub, which serves some lovely-jubbly nosh. Recognise him yet? Jamie Oliver's dad's place has been hit by a gang of armed robbers and we've been to the Cricketers to hear all about it. Jamie reckons 150 grand ought to bring the culprits out of the woodwork. Marcus has more.

Talking of daylight robbery - check this out. A pensioner of 84 was shocked to say the least when a letter landed on his doorstep saying he was a penny in arrears on his rent. Yes, you did read right, that was a PENNY! Southwark Council's letter said he was facing eviction if he didn't pay up. Emma went to meet Frank to hear his story.

There's been a massive police raid on a posh vice ring - prostitution for sale in two of the most upmarket neighbourhoods in the capital. Piers Hopkirk will be live on the scene with the very latest - including the fleet of cars bought with the proceeds.

And, just when you thought that was enough to whet your taste buds... There's an allotment on the top of Harrods for anyone too posh to plant, and Sherlock Holmes says "es elemental, mi estimado Watson".
It's not as ridiculous as it sounds!!!

See you at 6.
The team.

London Tonight Tonight Monday 16th April

Good afternoon: Tamzin and I respectfully invite you to join us for London Tonight at 6... So long as you don't trash the place.

This message is coming to you via the internet: it is a brilliant tool which brings people together, shares information, finds goods at competitative prices and has led to at least two homes being trashed. This time we are not talking about a wayward teenager perhaps allowing things to get out of hand at a family home. We are talking about someone's property which was advertised for rent and they got a great deal more from their enquires. You really will want to know the full details from Glen at 6.

Been down the Westway lately? Seem a little dark? Well, at least you haven't been hit by an avalanche of collapsing street lamps, so who are you to complain? I think you will want to know the connection between these two strange observations and Simon Harris is the man to explain. Have your Health & Safety manuals to hand but don't throw them at the screen, however much you are tempted. There's no need for that kind of trashing!

No trashing at Stamford Bridge where, apparantly, it's all Russian Bear Hugs and Portuguese ... (what do the Portuguese do when they like someone? Dunno. Oh well) ... Portuguese Pleasantries as Ro-Man and The Man make up. Yeah? Yeah! Marcus Powell told me and will tell you.

I thought Rosamund Pike was spectacular in the James Bond film Die Another Day even if she did allow The Reform Club to be utterly trashed.
Tamzin went to see her, and is editing an interview as we speak. I am looking forward to seeing it unless the edit suite is trashed by Anti-Pike members of the Reform Club.

We're still worried about the declining numbers of bees in the capital and Chrissie has a new theory, along with the weather.
Tamzin thinks most of the missing honey-makers were trashing her garden this weekend but I have my doubts.
There's lost more but I have to go and have a cup of tea: I feel a bit trashed having just arrived from an over-night flight this morning. I'll be fine and thanks for worrying.
See you at 6
Alastair

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 13th April

Good Afternoon and a very 'Happy Weekend' to you all,

One of the double lovely things about a Bank Holiday weekend is that it's just the four days until there are two more days for loafing. And this weekend looks like we'll be loafing in the sun: "We'll have joy, we'll have fun, we'll be loafing in the sun..." A classic, we reckon, providing Chrissie's right about the forecast.

Now - onto the evening's line-up - and we start with a council admitting that they, er, may have got it wrong... Yes, really. Camden council sent out letters to parents on a housing estate in Hampstead because their children were, really rather selfishly, playing football outside. If they didn't stop all that noise, they were told, their ten and eleven year old darlings would be slapped with ASBOs. Marcus Powell's been talking to both sides of the argument.

Next up: Bees, or rather a lack of them. It seems London's little honey-makers have been doing a rather worrying disappearing act. We say 'honey-makers' - they actually make about a third of our food-chain tick along - what with all their pollinating. Glen Goodman has been investigating. Glen likes honey.

Phil Bayles, meanwhile, will be reporting on Transport for London's latest efforts to get us out of our cars and onto buses, trains, bikes or, indeed, or our own two feet. Sutton residents are the guinea-pigs in all this with 'experts' a-knocking on their doors offering personalised, green, travel solutions. So, if you're in Sutton, keep an eye out for people carrying clipboards and wearing yellow-shirts coming to your door.

By the way, you'd better hope they don't trip over your rubbish on their way up the path - councils have been fining people who put it out too early.

We'll be speaking to an actress who made her international reputation working alongside Bond, James Bond... and then we'll be looking at the weekend's movie releases with the King, James King.

And, as well as giving us the low-down on our sunny loafing chances, Chrissie will be talking to some real Mohican Indians - in Herne Hill, obviously.

Talk about a packed show. At SIX, we won't just be talking about it...

Ben & Tamzin

London Tonight Tonight Thursday 12th April

Hello and merry Thursday.

Here's what's ahead at 6.

100 armed police, 160 people found in possession of drugs and a dawn raid on a Rastafarian temple that officers described as "Crack Central".
It's a victory for the cops but after eight weeks of around the clock surveillance - have they got enough evidence to put the suspects away?

Fancy a cheap flight to New York - don't we all? Well, never fear the budget airline is here. Zoom airways is offering bargain basement prices - they say we've been held hostage by the trans-Atlantic airlines for too long. Are you convinced? Well we weren't. So we sent Simon Harris to find out if it's too good to be true.

And we've got the story of the Gorillas in the concrete. The great apes are a bit squashed in at Chessington World of Adventures and the powers that be have decided, enough is enough. Find out what will happen to them.
And just when you thought that was more than you needed - Matt Dawson in shorts - just a little titbit for the girls!

See you at six.

Faye, the Programme Editor (hence Matt Dawson... in shorts!)

London Tonight Tonight Wednesday 11th April

Hello! Teatime here so a pause to give you some info' about what is on the show tonight. Katie's on a late lunch so it falls to me to drop you an electronic line.

Here's an odd thing: the earliest known form of art is scrawlings of animals on cave walls in central France.
Ever since people learned to write, if they are cross about something, they scrawl it on walls.
And one of the greatest pieces of modern art, in my view, is Picasso's 'Guernica', not a scrawl but an amazing mural.
So..... Why shouldn't friends and family of Billy Cox, one of the south London victims of gun-crime, celebrate his life and death in a huge, and rather beautiful, end of terrace mural? Lots of voices saying they shouldn't, so we asked Simon Harris to talk to both sides and gives us his take.

Swans should be white: grey, if they are babies, or signets if you are being pedantic. They shouldn't be pink. In Windsor they are. Chrissie wanted to know why so we sent her to find out, do the weather and then tell us ... and you.

You buy a house. You insure it. An "Act of God" damages it. The Council orders it knocked down. You get another house.
Follow all of the above and all is well.
Leave the second one out and you are well and truly up the creek without means of nautical propulsion. Or a house.
Many of you will remember the house collapse story in Bromley last year. Not a happy ending, I fear.

Not a happy ending for Piers Morgan, who edited the Daily Mirror, published some great pictures that were fakes and got the sack.
Down-cast, disheveled, out of work and out of sorts? Nah! Star of stage, screen and after dinner-speech circuit, he has also written a couple of rather light but rather funny books about his post-Fleet Street exploits. The latest will feature in our conversation tonight.
Petula Clark never edited a newspaper but kept many a showbiz and music correspondent in copy for years.
Did Piers always get it right about her?
Well, if not she can give him a good slap because she's with us tonight, too!
I am getting quite excited about it all: hope you are too.
See you at 6
Alastair

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday 10th April

It is always an odd day - back from a delightful Bank Holiday break and facing the prospect of a new week. The weather was good and we hope you all had a decent break, too.

Anyway, back we are, and under the energetic leadership of The Boss who is in "sleeves-rolled-up-and-raring-to-go" mode so follow her, we will!

Tamzin is a fine example to us all, today: not only is she presenting with me tonight, she is also doing a report on Wembley's contribution to Al Gore's concerts that are being held to Save The Planet. It may just be that they will also save a few, faltering careers in pop and politics, too, but it's in a Good Cause so we are all for it.
(Al Gore's wife Tippa always used to complain about rock and pop lyrics being corrosive bile, infecting the minds of our poor young kids: so she'll enjoy a lot of Madonna's back-catalogue and, as for Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas, I want a seat close to the former Vice President's lady so I can watch her eyebrows!!)

Talking of the United States, when they overtook the British Empire to become the most powerful industrial force on the planet, they had the decency to talk English so we could keep abreast of what was going on!
Now China is about to take over the world, but the mighty dragon is showing no signs of being so helpful: it will be Mandarin - take it or leave it.
SO, Londoners are showing their resilience and imagination: the nanny-employing classes have added another requirement to clean shoes, clean finger nails and an ability to switch off the TV: hear from the woman who says an ability to speak and even teach China's first language is the latest "must have" in certain fashionable parenting circles.

Blending pop music and parenting, (are you keeping up?) Natasha Beddingfield is live in the studio to talk about her latest offering which, I gather, is a crie de coeur from a beautiful woman who wants to be loved.... Ah!
At the other end of the age range, The Royal Hospital in Chelsea, is building a new infirmary and the Honourable Gentlemen in Red Coats have come up with a great idea to tempt you to help them.... You'll want to get involved, honest.
The Football Club of that same address are in action tonight with as many concerns about crowd safety as about team performance: we'll have the latest from pitch-side in Valencia.
( I just asked Ken, He Who Knows About Football, to remind me where they are playing: "Basra" he said " At least it might as well be if the last couple of European away games are anything to go by". Ouch.)

And we start tonight with the tragic story of the man, suspected of knifing his young son to death, who's killed himself while on remand in jail. There is no upside to this story but we want to know, whatever he was accused of, why the hell wasn't he on suicide watch?

There you go: quite a mix and no slack or fat.

See you at 6.

Alastair

London Tonight Tonight Thursday 5th April

Good afternoon.
July 7th 2005 still looms large in most Londoner's darker memories but one of the strangest things about it was that those that let off the bombs killed themselves in the process: no culprit you could see, no perpertrator you could vent your anger on or share your forgiveness with.
It was done and they were gone.
It also meant no closure for the injured survivors and no justice for the relatives of the victims who didn't survive. But from day one, the Police have always said there must have been others involved and they never let up on their investigations.
Today, three people have been charged in connection with those events and we will have all the details for you at 6.

It's a beautiful day and the Bank Holiday weekend promises more good weather. Stay in your garden and enjoy? Visit one of London's stunning parks? You've promised yourself an outdoor treat for long enough - this weekend is the time to do it! Go to France, Latvia, Italy or even Bognor! Whatever, you are the kind of people who don't just let time slip by and we aren't the kind of people to deny you all the tips you need to make the most of the Bank Holiday weekend. Glen, Liz and Chrissie have your survival pack.
Talking of which, Ben is still in Ghana with his intrepid air cadets: they threaten to rebuild a school, subject to planning permission and Health and Safety... Joking about planning!
A Newham woman had always planned to have her baby naturally, and even when serious problems developed she bravely tried to stick to her guns. How supportive the medical team with her were..... NOT!!!!
You will be amazed and, I might venure, furious when you hear what one of them had to say.
Finally, when I asked the team what Scooby Doo's catch phrase was they all said, like some demented choir, in four part harmony, "it's Scoooby Dooby Doo, dummy!" Charmed I am sure.
Anyway, the dog's on the show, though I am not entirely clear why: join me in finding out at 6.
Alastair

PS Katie sends her best and will be there too!

London Tonight Tonight Wednesday 4th April

Afternoon!

A great victory has been won! The Crushing Council, Lambeth, has come under some pretty crushing pressure from you and us in the last couple of days , and, I'm happy to report that they have performed a massive U turn, and are changing their policy on crushing cars. Tune in at 6 to find out more... And we'd like to hear from you if you're irritated by illogical red tape in your local council, whether it's parking, rubbish, libraries .. You name it, if you're annoyed by it, let us be your champions.

There's been a huge sentence handed down today to a group of armed robbers who killed a man during the raid. 98 years between 6 guys, one of whom is a very good footballer. He even acted as Thierry Henry's body double in an advert. What a waste.

Simon Harris has been going underground, checking out a major tunnel that will be needed for the London Olympics, already completed.. And getting a peak at some of the other construction projects that they promise will be finished soon.

We've the latest installment of Ben's "one goes mad in Ghana" series... Today he and his hardy group of RAF cadets are on their way to rebuild a school classroom... I suspect there are some japes en route..

Then Al and I will be talking to Danny Boyle, director of Trainspotting and 28 days later, about his new sci fi epic, Sunshine. Fab.

All that , and Robin will be frolicking in the spring sunshine in Hyde Park.

See you at 6!

Katie and Al. x

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Tues 3rd April

Hello.

If you saw yesterday's programme you may have been astonished at our lead story - the couple from Streatham who legally parked their car - went on holiday - and came back to find it had been crushed by the council.

Tonight - another - similar tale - and Lambeth Council defend their policy. You will not want to miss it.

Talking of crushing - Network Rail are trying to end the overcrowding on commuter trains by pouring huge amounts of money into new projects. Will your line be getting a slice of the cash? Tune in to find out.

It's the third anniversary of the Safer Neighbourhood policing - we hear Ken Livingstone and Sir Ian Blair's verdict.

Plus day 2 in Ghana doesn't quite go to plan - we're live at the boat race weigh-in - and the Bollywood movie star talking to us about playing a Southall woman.

It's quite a mix.

Join Katie and Alastair at six.

Stuart
Editor, London Tonight

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 30th March

Hello.

It's a wet and horrible Friday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stuart
Editor, London Tonight

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Thurs 29th March

Good Afternoon,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alastair and Tamzin

London Tonight Tonight Wednesday 28th March

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

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday 27th March

Hello there.

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

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

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

Hope you can join us at 6.

Katie and Al.

London Tonight Tonight Monday 26th March

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alastair & Katie

London Tonight Tonight Friday 23rd March

Good Afternoon....

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

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

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

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

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

See you at 6

Tamzin and Alastair

London Tonight Tonight Thursday 22nd March

Hello!

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

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

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

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

See you at 6,

Katie and Al.

London Tonight Tonight Wednesday 21st March

Hello!

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

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

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

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

Something for everyone, as usual ..

See you at 6.

Katie and Al.

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday 20th March

Afternoon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you at 6.

Alastair & Tamzin

London Tonight Tonight Monday 19th March

Afternoon everyone..

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

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

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

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

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

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 16th March

Good Afternoon,

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

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

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

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

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

That lot should keep you happy.

We'll see you at 6

T&A

SEAGAL. By Scotchbrook.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London Tonight Tonight Thursday 15th March

Hi everyone - and welcome to London Tonight Tonight.

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

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

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

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

It's all too much to miss.

See you at six.
Ben and Tamzin.

London Tonight Tonight Wednesday 14th March

Afternoon everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you then,

Ben and Katie

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday 13th March

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

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

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

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

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

The team

London Tonight Tonight Monday 12th March

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

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

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

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

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

Katie and Al.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 9th March

Hello.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great weekend.

Stuart
The Editor

London Tonight Tonight Thursday 8th March

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London Tonight Tonight Wednesday 7th March

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you at 6.

A & R

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday 6th March

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

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

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

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

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

Emma and Alastair

London Tonight Tonight Monday 5th March

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

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

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

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

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

See you at 6.

A & K

London Tonight Tonight Friday 2nd March

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

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

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

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

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

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

London Tonight Tonight THURSDAY 1st March

Spot the obvious mistake in today's blog eh?

Blame the new Programme Editor - she's useless!

Signed...
Faye, the Programme Editor.

London Tonight Tonight Friday March 1st

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

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.