Pot Black
Revision as of 12:24, 1 March 2006
Contents |
Host
Alan Weeks
David Icke (1980s)
Eamonn Holmes (1991)
David Vine (1993)
Hazel Irvine (2005)
Co-host
Ted Lowe (commentator)
Broadcast
BBC 2, 23 July 1969 - 1986
BBC 2?, 1981-1985? (Junior Pot Black)
BBC 1, 1991 (Pot Black Timeframe)
BBC 1, 1993
BBC 1, 2005 (Grandstand special)
Synopsis
Commissioned in response to David Attenborough's request for something to show off the BBC's snazzy new colour transmission, Pot Black was a series of single-frame snooker games in a knockout format. Of course, back then there wasn't really any such thing as professional snooker, and Pot Black's artificially restricted, made-for-TV format means it just sneaks under the wire here.
Of course, it's largely thanks to Pot Black that within a few years snooker had grown beyond the confines of the gameshow into a hugely popular sport, which ironically was the undoing of the show that started the ball rolling (with backspin and just a hint of side, natch). Out went Pot Black and in came Pot the Question. Which most people reckoned was foul... and a miss.
There was a brief revival as Pot Black Timeframe in 1991 which saw players running around the tables as - if we recall correctly - they had a limited amount of time like in chess.
In 1993, David Vine hosted the series played at Pebble Mill, with normal snooker instead of Timeframe. Steve Davis won a record 4th title beating Mike Hallett in the final. Steve James had the highest break with 101.
There was a one-day "Pot Black Championship" played to the same rules as the original in October 2005, but shown during Grandstand rather than as a series in its own right. But they did play for the original trophy. Which was nice.
Trivia
Frames were played to the bitter end even if someone was miles ahead, hence they'd always "pot black".
Inventor
Philip Lewis
Theme music
George Botsford's "Black And White Rag" as performed by Winifred Atwell on her other piano.
Merchandise
The BBC published countless tie-in books.