Backchat. Image shows from L to R: Jack Whitehall, Michael Whitehall. Copyright: Tiger Aspect Productions
Backchat

Backchat

  • TV chat show
  • BBC Two / BBC Three
  • 2013 - 2015
  • 13 episodes (2 series)

Comic chat show hosted by Jack Whitehall and his father, Michael Whitehall. Stars Jack Whitehall and Michael Whitehall.

Press clippings Page 3

For the debut of his brand new chatshow, Jack Whitehall's got the two hardest men on British TV sharing a sofa: Jeremy Paxman and Danny Dyer.

Guests aside, this new series is all about another double act - the one between Jack and his 73-year-old father, Michael, a former showbiz agent.

You might have seen them paired up on the Million Pound Drop, but that didn't really give you much idea of Whitehall senior's dry sense of humour and poker-faced delivery.

They've previously done a show together at the Edinburgh Fringe, and they've just published a book called Him And Me - a joint memoir in which they write a chapter each.

In the chat show role of second banana, Michael acts as saboteur, even ganging up with Paxman to point out Jack's failings as an interviewer, as a student and as a son, generally.

"It's literally like having two of my dads here," wails Jack at one point.

Danny Dyer's colourful language could be the reason why this is now being screened half an hour later than originally scheduled.

There's no shortage of chatshows on TV right now, but this is different enough to carve out its own territory.

Jane Simon, The Mirror, 20th November 2013

Jack Whitehall and his dad provide big laughs

Overall, I have to say that I rather enjoyed Backchat and it definitely provoked a lot of laughter from yours truly.

Unreality TV, 20th November 2013

So what was it like bringing up Jack Whitehall?

Michael Whitehall, irascible father of Britain's most rebellious young comedian, reveals his laid-back approach to keeping his stand-up son Jack in line.

Julia Llewellyn Smith, The Telegraph, 16th November 2013

BBC3 orders chat show starring Jack Whitehall and his Dad

BBC Three has ordered Jack Whitehall's Backchat, a comedy chat show starring Jack Whitehall and his father, Michael Whitehall.

British Comedy Guide, 23rd August 2013

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