Shooting Stars. Image shows from L to R: Bob Mortimer, Ulrika Jonsson, Vic Reeves. Copyright: Channel X / Pett Productions
Shooting Stars

Shooting Stars

  • TV panel show
  • BBC Two / BBC Choice
  • 1993 - 2011
  • 72 episodes (8 series)

Possibly the world's barmiest, weirdest, surreal and off-the-wall panel show. Presented by Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer. Also features Ulrika Jonsson, Mark Lamarr, Will Self, Jack Dee, Johnny Vegas and more.

Shooting Stars. Image shows from L to R: Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer. Copyright: Channel X / Pett Productions

Key details

Genre
Panel Show
Broadcast
1993 - 2011
Channels
BBC Two, BBC Choice
Episodes
72 (1 pilot + 8 series), plus 3 further specials
Creators
Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer
Stars
Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer, Ulrika Jonsson, Mark Lamarr, Will Self, Jack Dee, Johnny Vegas, Matt Lucas and more
Writers
Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer, Charlie Higson and Rhys Thomas
Directors
Mark Mylod, Richard Valentine, Ian Trill, David G. Croft, Ben Wheatley and Dave Walker
Producers
Alan Marke, Lisa Clark, Charlie Higson, Alex Moody, Jon Plowman, Katie Taylor and Ruby Kuraishe
Companies

Shooting Stars is probably the oddest quiz show in the history of British television. Nonsensical questions, bizarre games, strange catchphrases and a large amount of thigh-rubbing are the norm... which is perhaps not surprising considering that the hosts are surreal double act Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer.

Each episode is fought out between two sides: Team A and Team B. For the first three series, Team A was captained by Mark Lamarr, who later left and was replaced by Will Self. Team B was always captained by Ulrika Jonsson (aka "Ulrika-ka-ka-ka!") who, in later series, had a permanent panellist in the form of Johnny Vegas. Until 2010, the man with scores was George Dawes (Matt Lucas) - a really big baby who plays the drums and sings.

The comedy was resurrected in 2008 for a Christmas special. This proved successful, and thus a 6th series was created for 2009 with Jack Dee replacing Will Self. Those who prefer the older episodes will be pleased to see the Dove from Above is back. A new regular has also been added - award winning burger van owner Angelos Epithemiou (Dan Skinner), who keeps score.

As of November 2011, the BBC have declined to order a ninth series.

Additional details

Tagline
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the celebrity TV quiz - Shooting Stars!
Production
Studio
Camera set-up
Multi-camera
Picture
Colour
Soundtrack
Music by Pete Baikie, Dan McGrath and Josh Phillips.

Website links

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Monday 27th December 1993 at 9:05pm on BBC Two
Most recent repeats

Recording details

  • BBC Television Centre

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