The topical comedy quiz Mock the Week made its debut on 5 June 2005. It followed the familiar format of such shows, with two teams of three - each with a regular captain - and a question master. But Mock the Week set out to be more edgy than existing programmes, casting rising star Frankie Boyle as one of the team captains alongside the more seasoned Rory Bremner. The show put a strong emphasis on the stand-up element, getting the comedians out from behind their desks into the “performance area”. Some of the biggest names in comedy got their first break on Mock the Week.
The guests on the first episode were Linda Smith, John Oliver, Jeremy Hardy and Hugh Dennis. The chairman was - as he remains to this day - Dara O’Briain. Boyle’s humour often sailed close to the wind and he left after seven series. The many and varied styles of the panelists – from Milton Jones to Russell Howard, Ed Byrne and Tom Allen – ensure Mock the Week remains entertaining.
Mock the Week still has its original theme tune – News of the World by The Jam. In recent years efforts have been made to include a more representative selection of comedians in the line-up and the show continues to showcase the best up and coming comedy talent alongside established stars.
June anniversaries
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Juke Box Jury
1 June 1959 -
The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
2 June 1953 -
Mock the Week
5 June 2005 -
Real Lives
5 June 1984 -
D-Day broadcasts
6 June 1944 -
Till Death Us Do Part
6 June 1966 -
First broadcast of Crimewatch UK
7 June 1984 -
Steptoe and Son
7 June 1962 -
Driving School
10 June 1997 -
Last programme from Lime Grove Studios
13 June 1991 -
The Basil Brush Show
14 June 1968 -
Blackadder
15 June 1983 -
Yesterday's Men
17 June 1971 -
De Gaulle's first broadcast to France
18 June 1940 -
Parkinson first broadcast
19 June 1971 -
First female newsreader in vision
20 June 1960 -
Wimbledon first televised
21 June 1937 -
Royal Family first transmitted
21 June 1969 -
Music While You Work
23 June 1940 -
Our World
25 June 1967 -
Opening of Television Centre
29 June 1960