LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Mon 18th June

Hello!

We're leading with the pretty shocking story that an NHS trust in our patch, Sutton and Merton to be precise, has admitted that it's failed to meet all 3 new government targets on cleanliness and hygiene. The aim was to cut the appalling rates of MRSA and C diff.... the result in this case: rubbish.

There's some good news - we think - from County Hall this afternoon. It seems Ken is cutting bus fares back to 90p for a single if you use your Oyster card. So why the caveat? Well, they were keeping their cards very close to their chest about this one, and we're not sure why they wouldn't shout to the roof tops. It also seems they can afford the cuts because the Tube budget is in surplus to the tune of 150 million pounds this year. Perhaps that money should be ploughed back into the tube system?

We're getting all the details on the footballers arrested for allegedly fiddling their driving license points... we're with the retired naval officer who's the first person to be evicted by the Olympic machine - he's got til tomorrow to move out.

Damien's been off investigating the joys of living in a houseboat.. while Kirstie will be with us to talk about the increasingly cavernous gulf between rich and poor in this city, not to mention the death of community spirit in the suburbs. So plenty of property news for us to get our teeth into.

For a bit of fun we're getting all excited about the man who came 4th in American Idol. No, really. He actually has done significantly better than all his other rivals on the show put together ... he's massive in the States. Tonight he's playing London .. and Jasmine went to meet him.

And that, is pretty much it.

See you at 6!

Katie and Al. x

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 15th June

Good afternoon.

It has been one of those weeks where some of us weren't entirely sure we'd make it, rather like the wonderful men and women from the London I.T. team who are with Ronke, in South Africa, trying to build some outbuildings for a township school. Tonight we have made it to Friday and you can see if they have made it too, albeit thousands of miles away.

Closer to home, a report from the Home Affairs Select Committee (stay awake at the back, there!) all of whom are white (don't get angry, stick with me) has tried to make sense of why so many young blacks get caught up in so much crime. I sat down with comic genius and social commentator Richard Blackwood, who is black and still young-ish, to ask for his thoughts. Worth tuning in for whatever your age or race... and there are some good driving tips, too.

Simon Webbe is black but was Blue - well part of Blue and is now solo: he has toured, provided a song for a movie and is watching his latest album make good progress. He is dropping in, live, so I don't know if he'll have any driving tips but he is a really nice guy and very talented.

As is James King: it is just his dress-sense that worries me, sometimes! He is here, as always on a Friday, to cast an informed yet discerning eye over this weeks big releases... including the movie Simon Webbe provided a song for.( Are you keeping up or still feeling angry about those MPs?)

Tamzin, in my view, is simply someone not to miss and, therefore, casts herself, irrevocably, in the role of purveyor of our What Not to Miss feature, a highlight of what you might consider doing this weekend. She doesn't share my view but does the work brilliantly, nevertheless.

As does Robin, magnificently if not a little surreally occasionally, with the weather.

It is Friday and it is all there, plus some.

See you at 6 with the delicious Ms Sylvester on my arm.

Alastair

London Tonight Tonight Thursday 14th June

Afternoon: me again asking you, again, to join us for a tour de force across the landscape that is London's news, entertainment and current affairs.

We're six years on and, after more hours of police-time than you could imagine, the Boys in Blue have arrested Michael Barrymore and two other men on suspicion of the murder of Stuart Lubbock.
All three are currently helping police with their enquiries but we have been making our own, too. Don't know what the cops will discover, but you'll be amazed by what Marcus has already found out. That and more at 6.

Ford of America have put Jaguar and Land Rover up for sale; Wall Street's "venture capitalists" or "vulture capitalists", as some Unions call them, are circling nearly every British business from BA to Sainsbury. But your local school: surely not? Well, Edison, famous for light bulbs and power generation, is also the name of an out-sourcing giant in the States and they're running a school in London and rather well, according to many. We'll tell you the facts and ask what you make of it.
Ronke, with no help from Edison, is in South Africa watching the gang from a London IT company put the finishing touches to a school extension - it was raining yesterday, so fingers crossed! Your hearts will melt....

My heart melted when Victoria Hart came in to see us: she was the London waitress who was flown to Cannes to sing for George Clooney and Brad Pitt at the film festival. Well, she's got a recording contract and is going out for dinner to celebrate: and this time,someone else will be waiting on her! She shared her excitement with Liz.

Equally excited, the bands and the audiences for this weekend's WIRELESS gig in Hyde Park: runners and riders with Tamzin, including the bands you voted for!

And finally, I only make light of this because there wasn't an accident.
Underground trains can go both ways but, at any given time of the day, and on any given platform in the system, they are only supposed to go one way: the right way.
The driver, who clambered in and promptly drove off in the wrong direction but fortunately found the brake with only moments to spare, will feature in our comprehensive coverage of the remarkable range of things that make London London, Tonight.

Katie and I, and the whole gang, look forward to seeing you at 6.

Alastair

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Weds 13th June

Good afternoon and apologies for the delay and the brevity - there has been a flap in the ITV newsroom about Madeleine McCann which has occupied lots of us.

Anyway, a real flap, too, down at City Hall as the cost and problems of former Transport Commissioner Bob Kiley occupied Assembly Members and the Mayor today. They were all behaving like exploding Bendy Buses and Simon, who secured that remarkable recent interview with Mr Kiley about his drinking and how much he was still costing you, has the cut and thrust of an amazing day.

In a flash, the jury aquitted the Judge accused of displaying more than his briefs on the train. It is a very strange story and Glen will reveal.. no he won't, he will "tell" all.

Aircraft carriers on the Thames and London Tonight reporters in South Africa: is there no limit to our ambitions?

Not even landing an exclusive TV interview with Kevin Spacey, back with another exciting season at the Old Vic?

No: it is all there and we will be, too, at 6.

Hope you can find the time to join us.

Alastair

LONDON TONIGHT UPDATE

Some breaking news - a building's collapsed near Scotland Yard in Victoria.

We'll be live on the scene tonight at six.

If you've any pictures of it - then call our newsdesk on 020 7430 4000 or email them to londontonight@itvlondon.com

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LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Tues 12th June

Good afternoon to you one and all...

Well, before we talk about the main business of the day, I'd like to talk 'teasmaids'. My Mum and Dad had one (rather a lot of years ago). Our editor's Gran had one (presumably a few more years ago). Ms Derham said her parents didn't have one... but wished they had. Well, according to one of the papers, John Lewis is looking for a company to start making them again as punters are always asking staff if they stock them. Personally, I feel able, of a morning, to walk all of the short distance from my bedroom to our kitchen to make a hot beverage. Still - as I remember - Mum and Dad's did make a good bubbling noise when the water boiled.

Just felt I had to get that off my chest.

Perhaps a group of Chelsea pensioners we'll be hearing from later might have an opinion - although they probably wouldn't hear the bubbling noise above the rock concert they're being treated to this afternoon. Seriously, we'll have the White Stripes, giving it their all for a more mature audience than they're used to - all in aid of the charity... and all covered by Steve Hargrave.

The programme starts though on a much more sombre note... and an exclusive - the conviction of a man who stabbed and sexually assaulted a young lady in Orpington last year. The lady's name is Carly Furness and we can tell you that because she's waived her legal right to anonymity. Despite her horrific experience though, it could have been worse for Carly - but for the intervention of another brave lady who saw the attack, stopped the attack, and made sure Carly got to hospital. The two woman haven't been allowed to talk while the court case has been pending - but, for the first time this evening, you can see them meet - only on London Tonight. Emma Walden has the story.

Meanwhile, Glen will be reporting on a rather remarkable 'about face' from TfL. After the Mayor promising less than two years ago that there WOULD always be ticket-offices at ALL tube-stations... guess what... an announcement today that 40 ticket offices are to close. Confused? Worried? Cross? We'll want to hear all about what you're thinking.

Wouldn't it be interesting to hear what the International Olympic Committee thinks about the new 2012 logo... well, they're over for a three day inspection of preparations for the London games. Simon Harris is covering that - and took the chance to ask Lord Coe how HE feels about the logo - one week on.

Ronke Phillips won't be with us this week. I should say, she won't be with us HERE - instead, she'll be reporting from South Africa on a Chiswick woman with deep pockets and a big heart... Tamzin will be in Leicester Square being 'fantastic' (obviously) for the premiere of a new 'Fantastic Four' film.... Christie will be telling us, I fear, that the rest of the week's weather looks far from fantastic... AND we'll be revealing the last winner of our 'Unsigned' competition. Er... fantastic.

With all that, you'd be mad to miss it... or busy looking for a teasmaid.

See you at SIX,

Ben

London Tonight Tonight Monday 11th June

Hello - hope you had a great weekend.
Personally, and I can be personal because it has fallen to me to send you this e-mail, I thought it was a fantastic weekend: Lewis Hamilton won his first Grand Prix and the Rolling Stones appeared at the Isle of Wight Festival. But this is London Tonight, I hear you grumble. Well, Lewis comes from Stevenage which is on our patch.
And Sir Mick, who owns a estate agent's window full of property around the world, has a lovely home in Richmond.
Anyway, despite that and despite my best efforts, you escape the Rolling Stones on tonight's show, but there will be a delightful look at Lewis and his historic achievement in Canada yesterday.
Our news agenda is led by possibly one of the saddest and most brutal murders we have had the disagreeable duty to report to you. The victim predicted it, the perpetrators were members of her immediate family, the motive was their disapproval of her choice in love, and the fall-out has been described as the biggest setback in police-race relations for a quarter of a century. Officers simply didn't believe the victim when she told them her life was at risk: the full and troubling details at 6.

More evidence, if evidence were needed, that being a Police officer is one of the most dangerous and stressful jobs in the capital: one Officer, who went to answer a cry for help in Luton, ended up dead; another, called to an incident in Sevenoaks, faced a chilling life or death decision when faced with an armed woman in the middle of the night. He killed her and survives to face a full enquiry.

So, light and shade - weighty matters and a little levity, I hope you agree.
Where, then, would you place the arrival on the red carpet tonight of Justin Timberlake? Or Mike Myers explaining what he would do if he were King? Hard to say. One, or possibly even both, will happen in the charming company of Jasmine Lowson at the Shrek premiere in town tonight.
But can Myers sing rock or Timberlake drive an F1 race car? I have my doubts: what a weekend it was....

see you at 6

Alastair

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 8th June

Hello.

It's the Editor here, putting my first programme together using the new computer programme that we've just started using this week. Faye, who put together the rest of the week's programmes, managed to defeat the technology and get on air - lets see how I cope tonight.

Right - newswise - we start with the story of a teaching assistant who refused to listen to a pupil reading a Harry Potter book. The reason - it's anti-Christian. She later quit - and is now claiming compensation, saying she faced religious discrimination. Find out more at six as Phil Bayles has been there all day.

George Michael was sentenced today after being found slumped at the wheel of his car. He had a few words to say afterwards - find out what they were - and what he was sentenced to - at six.

We've the final part of our fascinating series from Afghanistan. Simon reveals what it's like for those members of the London TA to live at Camp Bastian.

James King is in to talk movies, we've the latest Tour De France countdown, and Jenny Seagrove joins us in the studio to talk about her latest West End show.

All that - the weekend weather - and the incredible, gravity defying Hillingdon Hospital food.

Don't miss it. I hope we don't either.

Stuart

London Tonight Tonight Thursday 7th June

Hello and good evening to you all.
Ever taken your life in your hands tackling London's bendy buses? Well if you have you're not alone. It turns out that it's not just anecdotal... they actually are MORE dangerous than their predecessors. In fact, five crashes happen involving a bendy bus EVERY single day.
So what does Transport for London plan to do about it? Apparently the answer is to put more of them on our streets!
We're pretty mad about it - and so will you be. Phil Bayles explains all at 6.

Simon Harris brings you his final report from Afghanistan. Tonight he's on desert patrol with the young men of London's TA unit as they protect crucial supply drops that support the war effort. They're a proud bunch - and we're proud of them.

They may be on their best behaviour, but as many of you well know, the capital's kids are not so much. And we're live at a fun fair that's come up with a novel approach - it's called a Cliffbo... and you'll need to join Kate live at the fair to find out what that is all about.

Then there's Willsy on the march with the Coldstream Guards - they take Trooping the Colour incredibly seriously don't you know... And Tamzin's met the cast of the new Take That musical - and no Willsy didn't make the cut.

Tune in for all that and much, much more at six.
See you then.

London Tonight Tonight Weds 6th June

Good afternoon!
As a child one of my greatest treats was when my grandfather, who was a taxi driver, took my brother and me to Hamleys: we'd get ten bob each (50p for youngsters, those lovely browny-orange notes for people of my age) and we would buy some short-lived nonsense in the entrance hall but we loved it and we loved him.
Second only to that was to visit the Great Big Blue Whale which hung in the Natural History Museum. And it still does. But it's got a bit dusty, apparently. Personally, I won't hear a word against it save to say it is smaller than I remember... anyway, Glen has not gone to Hamley's but is at the Science Museum as I write to report on the Wash and Brush Up for every child's favourite scientific spectacle.

Not such a favourite yet is the new london 2012 Logo - actually most of you hate it. Some of you have suffered epileptic fits watching it, and hardly any of you seem to agree with Seb Coe that it will grow on you. The latest on the branding debacle at 6 and your chance, again, to have your say.
More fun is what they found when they were digging foundations for the Velodrome, down in the Lower Lea Valley. On your bike we said to Marcus and off he went. They may be defensive about the logo, but it's defences of a different and fascinating sort they found! A clue? Marcus has just reminded us it is the anniversary of D-Day today.

Simon, who'd have been there like a shot, instead has his latest bulletin from our Brave Lads in Afghantistan: one Terry nearly reduced us to tears with what he had to say: you, too, will be moved....
And finally, the delightful Marc Almond drops by to talk about his new album, his continuing recovery from an horrific motor-bike prang, and the Olympic logo - talk about tainted love!

See you at 6.

Alastair

London Tonight Tonight Tuesday 5th June

Hi everyone,

There is so much on tonight's programme I just don't know where to begin!
We've got an exclusive from Afghanistan tonight - our Political Correspondent Simon Harris has been on patrol with the London TA unit sent to Helmand Province. It's scary, exhilirating and at times, dangerous... but the team have got some incredible stories to tell - starting tonight.

From extraordinary men to an extraordinary woman. Adam Regis was stabbed to death aged just 15 earlier this year. Today, his mother joined police in appealing for help to catch his killers. She announced a 20 thousand pound reward and detectives released some crucial CCTV that could help their cause. Tune in to hear a mother's heartfelt plea.

There's more on that 2012 logo that went down like a lead balloon - we couldn't resist the opportunity to come up with a logo of our own - check out our offerings and find out what the expects thought. You can even vote for your favourite.

There's a green pub, struggling to beat London's red tape... and then there's Hampton Court Palace - in the sun.

It's all to come at six - so don't miss a minute.

London Tonight Tonight Monday 4th June

Hi there,
We're a bit up against it in the newsroom tonight. New technology don't you know... It's tough teaching a bunch of old dogs new tricks! Anyway, watch to see if we manage to get things right!

Here's what's on the programme tonight:
Kate Beagley went out on a date... But she never came home. Now it seems her body has been found by police searching a wood in Watford. And she did all the right things. She rang and texted her friends to tell them where she was going... She even filled in her dad. But it wasn't enough to save her life. Right now police are questioning a man on suspicion of her murder... we'll have the latest from the scene.

London 2012 has gone through a rebranding exercise. Today's launch was star-studded, but will it get a celestial reception. We're not convinced, so tune in to see if you like it. And on that note, just as the 2012 team try to convince us to embrace all things sporting - there's the true story of the gyms, sporting facilities and classes that are having to shut down because they just don't have the funds. Sounds like one to make your blood boil...

Talking of things getting hotter, Tamzin's spent the afternoon with Enrique Iglesias... and Chrissie's here to tell us if the beautiful weather at the weekend is set to continue.
That and loads more, so join us at six.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Fri 1st June

Friday, Friday everyone... hurrah, it's the weekend.

And what better way to start two days away from the coal-face than half an hour of 'London Tonight'..? Well, a whole SIXTY minutes in front of the ITV News Hour. They said, quickly, before one of the bosses sees this...

Nonetheless, it's the capital that kick's it all off and this evening we start with dodgy motors. Only, the people buying them won't have known that because of the international lengths a bunch of fraudsters went to. They ALMOST got away with making four million pounds. But then, when it comes to breaking the law, ALMOST isn't really good enough, is it..? Marcus Powell will explain how the wheels came off their little venture.

Next up - is there anyone reading this I wonder who went to school in Holland Park - the first, purpose-built, comprehensive school in London..? Well - bad news - it's being knocked down. There will be a school there, but it won't be the same school because they're selling a load of land off for developers to build... anyone? anyone? that's right - luxury housing. Cross? Well, after Kate Recordon's take on the story, we want to hear how cross.

Mention 'Heathrow' and ' ANOTHER massive new building programme' in the same sentence and you'd expect people to get cross all over again. But, and BAA will tell you it's a 'BIG but' - the new terminal, replacing T1 and T2, will be greener, more comfortable and won't lead to more flights or passengers. Damien Steward's been checking out the grand plan.

We also - and this is the highlight for one of the presenters tonight - we also - really, he's pretty excited - we ALSO have... Elaine Paige in the studio, talking about her new musical 'The Drowsy Chaperone'. What you might call 'Theatre Royalty'...

There'll be 'Movie Royalty' too... well, James King (give us a break, it's Friday) is here talking movies... there'll be 'What Not to Miss'... and Chrissie, lucky thing, is in Epsom for Ladies Day, ahead of the Derby tomorrow.

And they're off... at SIX.

Ben & Romilly.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Thurs 31st May

Afternoon, afternoon,

Now, don't know about you, but it's a long time since most of the 'London Tonight' team were at school. In fact, for some of us, the memory is just a vague blur interrupted... by the sound of bells ringing... combined with the smell of over-cooked flans. But, however long ago it was - and in SOMEONE'S case, it was a REALLY long time - none us can remember carrying a knife, or a gun.

And yet, the prospect of that is SO real in modern classrooms that new measures have been introduced today, giving teachers powers to search pupils. Do they want the powers? Should they have them? Why, on earth, do we need them? Have a think - because after Marcus Powell has filed his report this evening, we'll be asking for your opinions.

Ever heard of the Pobjoy Mint? It's the largest private mint in Europe. No, that accolade does not belong to the 'Polo', as the director 'hilariously' just suggested. Not even in a French accent. Anyway, the Pobjoy johnnies knock out the coinage for several countries, including the Falklands - and, 25 years after the islands were wrestled back from Argentina, there's to be a collection of special commemorative coins. And who better to see the first pocketfuls of pennies rolling off the production line than Prime Minister of the day, Baroness Thatcher. Liz Wickham was there too. On her best behaviour, presumably.

North London v South London... the age-old argument is, for most of us, a talking-point over a pint perhaps - with both sides agreeing to disagree come 'last orders'. However, one group of South Londoners just wouldn't let it lie and, get this, they've been offering to pay the taxi fare for North Londoners, to take a sort of 'See what you're missing' tour of southern delights. Glen Goodman was there today when they, frankly, struggled to find any takers.

We'll also be hearing about one campaign to switch off London's lights, another to clampdown on dishonest theatrical agents, and one more to improve the weather... well, imagine if there was even a TINY chance of it working...

Okey-dokey, see you at SIX.

Ben & Romilly

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Weds 30th May

Afternoon,

We won't mention the weather today. Firstly, because what more is there to say. Secondly, because swearing isn't big or clever.

Anyway, there are more exciting things to talk about... such as a 'Eurythmic' - just the one mind, but still, if you're of a certain age (which at least one of this evening's presenters is) 'Annie' and 'Dave' had quite an impact back in the 80's. Well, tonight, BOTH presenters are rather looking forward to meeting 'Dave' ('Mr Stewart' to his tailor) when he comes in to the studio to talk about looking for 'Annie Mk II'... to perform with him... live on stage... do you follow?... it could be you. At least one of the team has been overheard ringing up the local hairdresser, asking about the cost of dyeing their hair orange...

Before we go that far (down the programme running-order) we're going to be reporting on the opening of the public inquiry into the expansion of Stansted. Enjoying your cheap flights? Want to save the planet? Expansion a necessity of life? Want that expansion in the form of a runway at the end of your garden? Take two bottles into the shower? (Actually, that last one's nothing to do with it, but you get the picture.) Piers Hopkirk has the day's story - which includes an appeal from the good people of Greenland, who sort of see the 'global-warming threat' as a little more 'immediate' than some of us.

Meanwhile Liz Wickham's being playing fast and loose at London's newest, biggest casino. Yes, we know the Dome (sorry, O2) lost the supercasino contract, but while the eyes of the capital looked to Greenwich, a huge casino was being knocked together in the West End. You snooze in London, you lose in London.

Now, if you were to 'win big' on the craps tables (it's a game, rather than a comment on the quality of the furniture) you might want to move house, or boat. A rather ENORMOUS liner will soon be berthing on the Thames offering the sort of permanent, waterside, acclamation only the filthy rich can dream of. Still, nice to have a look at what the filthy reach dream of - and that's what Damien Steward will be doing.

So - see you at six o'clock. Let's face it - it's that or doing the washing up...

Ben & Romilly.
Please Note:

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If you have received this email in error, please notify postmaster@itn.co.uk

Please note that to ensure regulatory compliance and for the protection of our clients and business,
we may monitor and read messages sent to and from our systems.

Thank You.

LONDON TONIGHT TONIGHT: Tues 29th May

Hello and a very good afternoon to you.

So, did you all have fun in the sun... giving our new summer wardrobe a run-out... stuff our faces with barbequed goodies...? Nope. Us neither.
Dreadful, dreadful, dreadful weather.

That's ONE thing we'll be addressing in the programme tonight.

The rest of it starts with a special investigation into trouble on London's buses. According to drivers who've spoken to Chris Rogers, it's getting worse - and they say the increase began when free bus-travel was introduced for under 16s. See the pictures. Hear the drivers. We'll then put it all to TfL.

8 days ago, the Cutty Sark went up in flames. This evening, Piers Hopkirk will show you 'up close' the damage that's been done and he'll also report on a concert that will hopefully raise at least some of the millions that'll be needed to put some of that damage right.

Next up: a story to melt your heart. Young Angelina Vidler wants to be a ballerina, but she has an even steeper hill to climb than most four year olds - as she goes through chemotherapy and radiotherapy to treat a rare from of kidney cancer. But today - a treat, a REAL treat for Angelina - when she got to rehearse with the Royal Ballet IN Covent Garden. Kate Recordon has the story.

Staying with the arts, but popping over the river to the Royal Festival Hall. Those who always thought it was a bit of an eye-sore were no doubt delighted when a 2 year, £90 million refit began. Look at it now - and it, er, looks the same.
Liz Wickham though has a look round the inside to see where all the money did go, and what £90 million can get you these days.

Steve Hargrave will be speaking to the Manic Street Preachers ahead of their 3 night stay at the Kentish Town Forum... there are two VERY expensive barbeques to be won (it's National Barbeque Week - honest)... and, as we said earlier, Chrissie's got some explaining to do.

It's live - on ITV1 - at SIX.

See you there,

Ben & Romilly

London Tonight Tonight 25th May

Hello.
I am on the point of walking out this afternoon...
First we are featuring sheep racing on Clapham Common - an area of London renowned for curious perambulations by confused former senior politicians, the rather beautiful headquarters of the National Union of Seamen (now part of Bob Crow's RMT) and John Prescott's flat.
But sheep racing?
And the sheep have been given London Tonight names: mine is offensive, inaccurate and very misleading. You will have to tune in to even begin to understand my ire. Ram, bam no-thankyou, mam!

Next we are reviewing Pirates of the Caribbean III and, despite my very best and even persistent requests on your collective behalves, there simply won't be enough Kiera Knightley and no Keith Richards at all. Frankly, the plank beckons for all concerned.

Tamzin will present with her customary authority, skill, charm and dignity WHAT NOT TO MISS but, without Keira and Keith, frankly it has been missed already.
Sophie Ellis Bexter is, however, some considerable compensation: a wise and intelligent young woman, born of Blue Peter stock and seriously gifted in the vocals territory. She is live in the studio.

On the news front, we examine how it could have been that 8 doctors over 4 days missed blood poisoning in a young woman who subsequently died. Surely her GP would have spotted it? Might have done, but the GP was not available as it was a Bank Holiday. Someone else in the practice? Nope: she had to use an Out of Hours Service which proved to be "seriously flawed", to quote the inquiry findings; "fatally flawed", to quote her partner. We talk to the boss of the out of hours service and to the dead woman's partner.

Finally, despite everything we are told about how good trees are for the environment, we don't have enough of them in London. It's partly down to Health and Safety and, before I explode again, and possibly walk out, let's leave it at that: do join us when all will be explained at 6.

Entertaining, informative and sheep? What more could you ask?
Alastair and Tamzin

London Tonight Tonight 24th May

Good afternoon:
I am still recovering from having interviewed Joanna Lumley on the ITV Lunchtime News about the appeal for Darfur.
Elegant and compassionate, she is a remarkable woman.
Talking of such, Katie is tied up at the moment doing an interview for the Independent Newspaper about style: I offered a few tips but it was never a conversation destined to last long, so here I am.

We have two Tamzins tonight: well actually a Tamzin, as in Sylvester, and a Tamsin, as in Roberts - and I think there may be potential for a falling-out!
As you may already be aware, the Sylvester one has a thing about monkeys. But she, the Sylvester one, is at the Ivor Novello Awards which celebrate our finest song-smiths and Peter Tork, Davey Jones, Mickey Dolentz and the one whose surname is, I think, Naysmith, are nowhere to be seen. (Hey Hey, we're the Monkees: keep up!). But she did net some superstars for your enjoyment, later.
The other one, the Roberts one, went to meet the smallest monkey in the world - when I say "a bit of a handful" I mean it. Talk about sweet but the Sylvester person is fuming that she didn't get the gig!

Anyway, less attractive animals, through little fault of their own, also appear on the programme as a couple are sentenced for breeding and training fighting dogs. It shouldn't happen anywhere but it has been happening in Acton; full details at 6.

A long way south from there and there's trouble brewing in Gravesend: a Sikh taxi driver was murdered with his own car but the local Sikh community say they warned it was a murder waiting to happen and the Police didn't do enough to avoid it. We'll bring you both sides of the sorry tale.

And finally, 70 year old Harry is a Hampstead gentleman who has, for years, occupied a shack on the Heath. Squatters rights, you may wonder. You'd be right. But what will knock you off your chair, stool or chaise longue is the amount of money his squatters rights plot has been valued at: you'll need a cold drink when you hear.
See you at six
Alastair

London Tonight Tonight Weds 23rd May

Hello.
We hope you are going to get home in time to watch London Tonight tonight as there's trouble on the tracks again.

Yes, a large fire in Bermondsey under the railway line and near some pretty unstable gas cylinders, could play havoc with your journey home. The pictures are spectacular and Glen is live to tell you exactly which trains are going nowhere.

Now Metronet - does the name ring a bell? It's the group of companies responsible for maintaining the tube lines, and responsible many are saying for doing a pretty shoddy job! Now Ken wants a change in the law so he can get rid of the lot of them. We will be asking whether the tubes really are going down the tube and is it all Metronet's fault?

But it hasn't all been doom and gloom. One lucky, lucky Piers Hopkirk got sent to a Surrey vineyard this afternoon to see if British wines really do sparkle. If you thought home grown sparkling wine was closer to vinegar, think again, this one has been up against the big boys and been winning all the prizes.

Oh yes and there's Damien on the joys of Hampstead, and Johnny Depp on Keith Richards. Irresistible! Oh, and Alastair, too!

See you later,
Romilly

London Tonight Tonight 22nd May

Good afternoon.

After such a dramatic day yesterday we were all braced for a quiet one in the capital... No such luck I'm afraid!!!

There have been huge developments in the case of the murdered spy Alexander Litvinenko...
London says "hand over the suspect, we want a murder trial!" Russia replies... "no way Jose" and things get nasty.
Tonight there's a diplomatic stand off, and a widow left wondering if she'll ever see justice happen.
We look back at the radiation trail... And find out if our city is still glowing green!

Prince Philip is touring what's left of the Cutty Sark. A staunch defender of the teacutter, he's said to be devastated by yesterday's fire. We're in Greenwich live.
One man who can remember sailing on the high seas is Sidney Palmer. Meet the delightful "YOUNG" man who was one of the last to serve on the Cutty Sark herself. He's a sprightly thing at 86. And he'll melt your heart.

Other stuff - the Londoner who won a private jet only to find he's too skint to fly it! Believe me, you couldn't make it up!

And, the movie about Walthamstow Market making waves in Cannes. Tamzin has to keep her very own Del-Boy in check... It's TV gold so don't miss it.

That's not even it - there's more... You'll just have to join us at six!

See you then.