LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Mon 19th Feb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers.

A & T

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 16th Feb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tune in at six then have a great weekend.

Stuart
Editor, London Tonight.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Thurs 15th Feb

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

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

In Streatham, in Peckham and yesterday in Clapham.

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

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

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

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

Also....

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

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

Tamzin and Alastair

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Weds 14th Feb

Hello,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We'll see you at 6.

Tamzin and Alastair

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Tues 13th Feb

Greetings and welcome to the London Tonight e-mail.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alastair & Tamzin.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Mon 12th Feb

Good Afternoon ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plenty to keep you entertained on a damp and drizzly evening

We'll see you at 6

Tamzin and Alastair.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 8th Feb

Hello

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stuart
Editor, London Tonight

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Thurs 8th Feb

BBBRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!

But beautiful!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

See you at 6.

Alastair and Katie

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: EXTRA SNOW EDITION

Hello

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

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

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

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

Take care today.

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

Hello.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope you do.

See you then.

Alastair and Katie.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Tues 6th Feb

Good afternoon.

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

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

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

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

I don't think you can miss it.

See you at 6.

Alastair and Katie.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Mon 5th Feb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you then.

Alastair and Katie.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 2nd Feb

Hello from a busy London Tonight newsroom.

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

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

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

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

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

Stuart
Editor, London Tonight

London Tonight: Thursday February 1st

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

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

See you at 6.

Alastair and Emma

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Weds 31st Jan

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you at 6!

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

London Tonight: Tuesday January 30th

Afternoon all!

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

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

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

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

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

Ed

London Tonight: Monday January 29th

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

Alastair and Katie.

London Tonight: Friday 26th January

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We'll see you then

Tamzin & Alastair

London Tonight: Thursday January 25th

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ed

London Tonight: Wednesday January 24th

Afternoon - and what a chilly one it is!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ed