Okay, to get the obvious point out of the way first. Would I Lie To You? is panel show but it isn't just another panel show, it's actually a rather good one. Yes the quiz element is bolted on for the sake of cohesion yet there is a competitiveness that is somewhat fitting given the subject at hand.
The set up is simple enough in that instead a theme of current affairs, music or a random range of topics tentatively linked to letters of the alphabet, Would I Lie To You? is about the panellists' lives and that hip new c-word. Basically one of them says a "fact" about themselves and it's up to the opposing team to decide whether it's true or not. It's elementary stuff but it does prove to be entertaining.
Angus who? Rob Brydon as New Host
The stage is different this year but the main cosmetic change for the third series that host Angus Deayton has stepped down and been replaced by the ever reliable Rob Brydon. Although some people dislike Deayton’s smarmy attitude he does suit the panel game format very well, however Brydon has proven his worth by subverting the form as a presenter on his spoof/faux behind-the-scenes show Annually Retentive.
Here his experience shines through and at some points he even joins in the jesting. Deayton was good, enough to yearn for a return on Have I Got News For You, but Brydon does seem in tune with the environment and it’s great to see him on television more often.
The host though is simply secondary as the guy asking the questions could be Gordon Brown and it would still be great, all that matters is that the captains have remained the same; Lee Mack and David Mitchell. Mack always has a lot of fun hilariously and aggressively pulling the false stories apart while this show has always provided a suitable platform for Mitchell’s occasional rants (see his Soapbox podcast). In the end they are the heart and soul of WILTY? and it really couldn’t live on without either of them.
A Panel Show about Celebrity Facts
The celebrity nature of WILTY? means that randoms such as Carol Vorderman and Larry Lamb – best known these days for his evil turn as Archie Mitchell in EastEnders – are placed among panel regulars Russell Howard and Jo Brand. The non-comics tend to be less funnier but these two were decent enough.
It’s refreshing to see comedians or famous types these days turning up and telling some anecdotes (whether true or not) rather than showing up and rehashing their usual jokes. In this series opener it was revealed that Howard put his pants on his head to stop acne and it was told that Liam Gallagher ordered a trampoline from hotel room service because “I like to bounce". Irrelevant but interesting.
The facts tend to be a little far-fetched but that’s all part of the fun and makes it far harder to weed out the lies. The guests play the game for real and bizarrely this makes for compelling viewing. Although quite why it’s on so late makes no sense as it’s one of the friendlier comedy panel thingies on TV these days. And it’s one of the best. True.
Would I Lie To You? is on BBC One every Monday at 10.35pm.
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