We don’t think it’s unfair to say that the first series of ‘The Nightly Show’ wasn’t exactly a slam-dunk for ITV.
While viewers had plenty to pick apart throughout its initial first run, one thing that’s been singled out in particular is the producers’ choice of guest hosts.
As individuals, stars like John Bishop, Bradley Walsh and David Walliams make sense as guest hosts, when you list them one after the other, they all start to run into a bit of a straight, white, male blur.
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With the news that ‘The Nightly Show’ could well be coming back for another series as early as this autumn, the show is going to need a shake-up if it’s going to avoid a mauling with its second throw of the dice.
Fortunately, we’ve come up with a list of stars who we think could help turn things around…
Simon Amstell
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If 'The Nightly Show' really wants to offer an irreverent take on the week's news, they really need look no further than Simon Amstell.
Throughout his tenure on 'Never Mind The Buzzcocks', Simon sent up whichever stars crossed his path, no matter how high-profile, and while he's devoted himself to writing and stand-up in recent years, he'd be the perfect if ITV want to bring a bit of edge to series two of 'The Nightly Show'.
Throughout his tenure on 'Never Mind The Buzzcocks', Simon sent up whichever stars crossed his path, no matter how high-profile, and while he's devoted himself to writing and stand-up in recent years, he'd be the perfect if ITV want to bring a bit of edge to series two of 'The Nightly Show'.
Lily Allen
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Where 'Saturday Night Live' - the long-serving American variety show - triumphs is when stars who aren't presenters or comedians get to take centre stage as guest host.
A singer like Lily Allen would be a great celeb to take a chance on for five nights of 'The Nightly Show', especially as she's got no qualms about speaking her opinion, no matter the topic.
A singer like Lily Allen would be a great celeb to take a chance on for five nights of 'The Nightly Show', especially as she's got no qualms about speaking her opinion, no matter the topic.
Mel and Sue
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If there's one thing that can't be denied about Mel and Sue, it's their professionalism.
Even if they deliver a joke that doesn't land, the two somehow manage to pull it off, which 'The Nightly Show' could definitely have done with during its first run.
Mel and Sue were among the initial rumoured guest hosts of the ITV topical show, but ultimately couldn't make it work due to 'scheduling conflicts', so let's hope they can get their diaries straight second time around.
Even if they deliver a joke that doesn't land, the two somehow manage to pull it off, which 'The Nightly Show' could definitely have done with during its first run.
Mel and Sue were among the initial rumoured guest hosts of the ITV topical show, but ultimately couldn't make it work due to 'scheduling conflicts', so let's hope they can get their diaries straight second time around.
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Rylan Clark-Neal and Alison Hammond
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Alternatively, if 'The Nightly Show' is going to be open to duos second time around, we think they need look no further than This Morning's Rylan and Alison.
The unlikely duo are able to brighten up even the drabbest of mornings, and given Rylan's already got late-night talk show experience, we think having Alison at his side could only make him even stronger.
True, we can't exactly imagine them lampooning the political news of the day or giving a serious piece to camera, but you know there'd be laughs aplenty (which were arguably lacking from the first series).
The unlikely duo are able to brighten up even the drabbest of mornings, and given Rylan's already got late-night talk show experience, we think having Alison at his side could only make him even stronger.
True, we can't exactly imagine them lampooning the political news of the day or giving a serious piece to camera, but you know there'd be laughs aplenty (which were arguably lacking from the first series).
Alesha Dixon
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We reckon ITV might have put the wrong 'Britain's Got Talent' judge in the spotlight when they launched with David Walliams in 2017.
While Alesha's presenting history might be a bit ropey, we'd put that down to the quality of shows like 'Dance Dance Dance' and 'Your Face Looks Familiar' rather than her own abilities as a TV personality.
Watching her in interviews, Alesha is constantly chatty, articulate and opinionated, and we can imagine her being a great host if she had the chance.
While Alesha's presenting history might be a bit ropey, we'd put that down to the quality of shows like 'Dance Dance Dance' and 'Your Face Looks Familiar' rather than her own abilities as a TV personality.
Watching her in interviews, Alesha is constantly chatty, articulate and opinionated, and we can imagine her being a great host if she had the chance.
Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora
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Nick and Rita's brief stint on the 'X Factor' judging panel is not looked on favourably, which is a shame, really, as their's is a friendship we're always happy to see on stage.
While their co-presenting efforts are mostly restrained to awards shows, we do think they'd bring a young edge to 'The Nightly Show'.
While their co-presenting efforts are mostly restrained to awards shows, we do think they'd bring a young edge to 'The Nightly Show'.
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Miriam Margoyles
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Then again, chasing the 'young edge' might not be the way to go.
Whenever Miriam makes a talk show appearance (usually 'The Graham Norton Show'), it is always a riot, so there would be guaranteed laughs.
Whenever Miriam makes a talk show appearance (usually 'The Graham Norton Show'), it is always a riot, so there would be guaranteed laughs.
Charlie Brooker
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Nobody does snark quite like Charlie Brooker, so if ITV is really looking for someone to send up the week's news in an irreverent fashion, they need look no further than the man behind 'Newswipe' and 'Black Mirror'.
Noel Fielding
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Of course, there's irreverent and then there's downright wacky.
The 'Mighty Boosh' star's sense of humour isn't for everyone, but given that 'The Nightly Show' wasn't exactly pulling in viewers in their droves, why not take a risk and go with someone as left-field as Noel?
Plus, he's about to bag a whole load of new fans, thanks to his upcoming stint on 'Great British Bake Off'.
The 'Mighty Boosh' star's sense of humour isn't for everyone, but given that 'The Nightly Show' wasn't exactly pulling in viewers in their droves, why not take a risk and go with someone as left-field as Noel?
Plus, he's about to bag a whole load of new fans, thanks to his upcoming stint on 'Great British Bake Off'.
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Michaela Coel
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When you've got presenters reading out pre-written jokes, you're always going to run the risk of the humour falling flat.
With stars like Michaela - who's already proved her writing chops in the past two series of 'Chewing Gum', as well as her delivery - that risk is eliminated.
Plus, 'The Nightly Show' could potentially be a great place to showcase rising stars in the comedy world, rather than just already-established names.
With stars like Michaela - who's already proved her writing chops in the past two series of 'Chewing Gum', as well as her delivery - that risk is eliminated.
Plus, 'The Nightly Show' could potentially be a great place to showcase rising stars in the comedy world, rather than just already-established names.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge
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Similarly, 'Fleabag' star Phoebe is about to be everywhere, so ITV would do well to snap up the up-and-comer for a week of shows while they still can.
will.i.am
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The 'Voice' judge has made no secret of his love of his new home on ITV, the man made a music video with the cast of 'Coronation Street', for crying out loud.
We reckon Will's unique outlook would definitely make for an interesting spin on the week's big news stories, though admittedly the jury's out on how well he'd manage steering an interview.
We reckon Will's unique outlook would definitely make for an interesting spin on the week's big news stories, though admittedly the jury's out on how well he'd manage steering an interview.
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Joanna Lumley
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Away from the acting world, national treasure Joanna Lumley is known for tackling serious topics, so it's often forgotten that as Patsy Stone in 'Ab Fab', she's totally not afraid to make a fool of herself.
Give her a week on 'The Nightly Show', and we reckon Joanna could truly shine - she's hilarious, she's informed and she's not afraid to get stuck in.
Give her a week on 'The Nightly Show', and we reckon Joanna could truly shine - she's hilarious, she's informed and she's not afraid to get stuck in.
Gary Lineker
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Almost 20 years on 'Match Of The Day' has proved Gary's abilities as a professional and competent presenter, but a quick glance at his Twitter page shows he's got a lot more going on than just football.
Given the right platform, we think the always-opinionated TV personality could really offer a fresh take on the week's news, and if the BBC were willing to loosen those golden handcuffs of theirs for just five nights, 'The Nightly Show' could be the place for him to do it.
Given the right platform, we think the always-opinionated TV personality could really offer a fresh take on the week's news, and if the BBC were willing to loosen those golden handcuffs of theirs for just five nights, 'The Nightly Show' could be the place for him to do it.
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