Why are we seeing the same faces on ITV1 over and over again?
December’s television schedules suggest that ITV may as well be rebranded as The Stephen Mulhern Network. The magician-turned-host has appeared in various formats, including spinoffs like You Bet! On Tour and the return of Deal or No Deal, along with festive specials such as Celebrity Catchphrase and The Big Quiz. In addition, there’s a new travel challenge led by fellow presenters Ant and Dec, reports BritPanorama.
Tonight’s The Accidental Tourist showcases ITV’s apparent reliance on familiar faces. The six-part series amalgamates elements of travelogue and culinary challenge but heavily features presenters who seem to take comfort in predictable scenarios.
Ant and Dec are also prominent this month, overseeing a finale of a lackluster I’m A Celebrity… and another season of Limitless Win. While their popularity guarantees viewer engagement, past controversies, including a phone quiz scandal and a drink-driving conviction, have not significantly tarnished their image.
The presence of Mulhern raises questions about ITV’s programming choices. While he combines reliability with a willingness to step into various roles, his hosting skills do not necessarily reflect the charisma expected from top television talent. His performance style often echoes his earlier experiences as a holiday camp entertainer, a fact seemingly acknowledged by the recent decision not to renew his ambassadorship with Butlins.
However, The Accidental Tourist does little to enhance his reputation. Despite his high-profile contracts, Mulhern’s preferences seem limited as he navigates South Korea, often recoiling from culinary delicacies that depart from standard fare.
Throughout the show, Mulhern is guided by Ant and Dec, who find his antics comedic, yet the content is largely uninspiring and fails to elevate the travel genre. The predictable conclusion, featuring the ubiquitous “Gangnam Style,” only underscores the program’s lack of originality.
Other presenters, such as Ben Shepherd and Holly Willoughby, have also remained dominant on ITV, filling gaps left by recent controversies involving figures like Phillip Schofield and Gino D’Acampo. Despite an opportunity to refresh programming, the same familiar faces continue to dominate schedules.
ITV’s landscape may reflect a broader challenge within British broadcasting, where traditional routes to omnipresence have become constricted. Key figures, including Cat Deeley and Dermot O’Leary, began their careers in youth television, but shifts towards lifestyle programming have left fewer avenues for new talent.
In contrast, rival channels have successfully introduced presenters from unconventional backgrounds, suggesting that editorial risk-taking could yield diverse talent. Shows like The Great British Bake Off creatively endeavoured to include surprising figures from various fields, which expands the notion of a presenter in familiar formats.
While ITV navigates financial constraints and potential structural changes, it appears unlikely to pursue significant reforms in the near future. However, once stability is achieved, a revitalised approach to talent selection might be necessary. As Mulhern himself reflects, “Taking a chance is sometimes worth the risk.”
The Accidental Tourist is on tonight at 9pm on ITV1
