BBC announces the return of 'nostalgic classic shows' including The Generation Game and Blankety Blank that will air during the Olympics - and fans can't wait
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The BBC has delighted fans by announcing a season of classic entertainment, which will run every Saturday night on BBC Four and iPlayer throughout the channel's Olympics coverage.
To the joy of nostalgic TV lovers, from the end of July, Saturday nights are about to become filled with a catalogue of classics that span across the last five decades.
It will celebrate the broadcaster's heritage with highlights including episodes of The Generation Game and Blankety Blank, as well as Noel's House Party, Bob's Full House and the first episode of Strictly Come Dancing, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
Familiar faces of entertainment legends such as Sir Bruce Forsyth and Sir Michael Parkinson will once again be on our screens.
The channel has viewers covered with some of the most distinctive content from the BBC's rich archive.
The BBC has delighted fans by announcing a season of classic entertainment, which will run every Saturday night on BBC Four and iPlayer throughout the channel's Olympics coverage (Blankety Blank pictured above)
To the joy of nostalgic TV lovers, from the end of July, Saturday nights are about to become filled with a catalogue of classics that span across the last five decades (The Generation Game pictured above)
It will celebrate the broadcaster's heritage with highlights including episodes of The Generation Game and Blankety Blank, as well as Noel's House Party (pictured above)
Lindsay Currie, Head of Channel Management, says: 'We are thrilled to bring our viewers on a nostalgic journey through five decades of beloved BBC entertainment.
'Whilst BBC One is dedicated to the Olympics, BBC Four will offer a treasure trove of classic shows fronted by much-loved presenters.
'This collection is testament to the enduring appeal of these iconic programmes, and we know audiences will love revisiting these classics and celebrating the rich heritage of the BBC's Saturday night entertainment offering'.
The season will begin on Saturday 27 July and full broadcast and listing details are yet to be revealed.
Fans have rushed to X, formerly Twitter, to express their excitement for the classic entertainment season, writing:
'YES! This is what BBC4 is for! Delve into that BBC entertainment archive.'
'This is great news. I'm excited to see the first Strictly, it'll be fascinating to see how much has changed, and how much hasn't. And of course it'll be wonderful to see Bruce again.'
'This is what BBC4 should be for along with original commissions. Where possible, why not run an evening of shows from a date in the past as they do with TOTP, which is consistently one of the highest rating shows for the week.'
The first episode of Strictly Come Dancing is also set to air once again (Tess Daly and Bruce Forsyth pictured)
It will celebrate the broadcaster's heritage with highlights including episodes of The Generation Game and Blankety Blank (pictured above), as well as Noel's House Party
Episodes of Bob's Full House and the first episode of Strictly Come Dancing, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, will also be aired
The season will begin on Saturday 27 July and full broadcast and listing details are yet to be revealed (Noel's House Party pictured)
Fans have rushed to X (formerly Twitter) to express their excitement for the classic entertainment season
'This looks good. I must admit.'
'I hope they show Christopher Parker’s Pase Doble from the first series. An absolute classic!'
'This would make the BBC license fee definitely worth it. What about Generation Game, Crimewatch, The Wall?'
'70s Generation Game! Yes!'
'This all sounds brilliant. Will definitely be watching these.'
The re-run of classic shows comes as fan-favourite series Strictly Come Dancing is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
The beloved BBC show will celebrate the milestone in December with the King and Queen being huge fans.
MailOnline previously revealed that an episode during the 20th anniversary series would be screened live from the central London residence – and there will almost certainly be an appearance from the Queen.
The re-run of classic shows comes as fan-favourite series Strictly Come Dancing is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary
The hit Latin and ballroom show first aired on 15 May 2004 and in honour of the anniversary, the broadcaster has commissioned a one-off special (Judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse)
However, the anniversary has been overshadowed by the news that star Graziano Di Prima was been sacked from the BBC show over reports he verbally and physically abused his dance partner on the 2023 series - Zara McDermott
Giovanni Pernice was also suspended while a BBC probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington and two other former celeb partners
Strictly sources said the BBC and royal officials have already decided which room the show would be held in, believed to be the ballroom, and the episode would mirror the familiar show set-up at Elstree Studios as much as possible.
One insider told The Mail on Sunday: 'There have been talks going on for some time now. Camilla loves Strictly, so what a dream this is for her. It has been about getting the timing right and 2024 is the year.
'Strictly started in 2004 so it is two decades. There is huge excitement about this happening – it is going to be quite a night.
'The Queen has been a long-standing fan of the show, so it feels like a perfect fusion. There has already been so much thought that has gone into this, the room has been selected and it will be absolutely stunning.'
However, the anniversary has been overshadowed by the news that star Graziano Di Prima was been sacked from the BBC show over reports he verbally and physically abused his dance partner on the 2023 series - Zara McDermott.
The allegations came to light after members of production presented video of training room incidents to BBC HR executives investigating Graziano's co-star Giovanni Pernice, following claims from his 2023 partner, actress Amanda Abbington, that he bullied her in training.
Executives at the BBC are said to be 'deeply worried' that the fans will stop watching as scandal continues to surround their flagship show.
'The last nine months have been a disaster,' says a well-informed source. 'With no idea where it is going to end, the anxiety amongst the upper echelons of the BBC is through the roof.'
