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5 unusual facts about The Generation Game


The Generation Game

In the 1993 UK top 40 single "You're in a Bad Way" by Saint Etienne, a reference is made to someone who gets their "kicks watching Bruce on the old Generation Game".

There was also a Swedish version, Tjocka Släkten, presented by Lasse Berghagen and Inga Gill.

The Generation Gap

Despite its title, The Generation Game (which originally ran in the United Kingdom from 1971-1981 and hosted by Bruce Forsyth) was based on a 1969 Dutch show entitled Een van de acht ("One of the Eight"), which in turn used a stunt-based format much like that of Beat the Clock and Truth or Consequences.

West Yorkshire Steel

Steel has been supplied to a diverse range of users including television programmes such as spring steel to The Generation Game and alloy steel to Heartbeat.

You're in a Bad Way

It also makes reference to "watching Bruce on the old Generation Game", which led to the song being self-mockingly described as "the one about Bruce Forsyth" in the sleevenotes to the compilation Too Young to Die - The Singles.


Arthur Negus

He also appeared on other TV programes including several editions of The Generation Game during the time it was presented by Bruce Forsyth and Larry Grayson.

Sally Meen

She then moved to become the hostess for two years on BBC TV's Jim Davidson's The Generation Game in 1995.


see also

Tony Tobin

He started his TV career in 1991 with an appearance on Granada TV's This Morning before moving onto Ready Steady Cook and Can't Cook Won't Cook with guest appearances on shows such as Food and Drink and The Generation Game.