He exhibits the same calm under pressure here that he did when executing that series-clinching drop-goal for the British and Irish Lions against South Africa earlier this summer. At this point, Guscott may well be thinking to himself, “Why am I here in the heart of media-land being fawned over by luvvies in ponytails, when I’d much rather be sampling the more down-to-earth charms of a pint in the bar at Bath Rugby Club?”
To his credit, Guscott never gives away his feelings at the launch. Utilising the views of ordinary people, it creates a rich portrait of events that shaped the tumultuous course of 20th-century history.. Jeremy Guscott is holding court at the launch for the new series of Gladiators in a swish central- London restaurant. Surrounded by mock-classical artefacts – tribal carvings, Roman mosaics and flaming beacons – he is fielding questions like “What would you like for Christmas?” from some of our most fearless investigative journalists.
All around him prowl men the size of small family cars – they don’t need to be in costume to let you know they’re Gladiators. Full Circle records Michael Palin’s exploration of some of the richest communities and most beautiful landscapes in the world.People’s Century (Boxed set) (BBC (12) pounds 99.99)Excellent film footage and intelligent commentary inform this ground-breaking 26-part series. Any further conditions?Tamara: Well, I have to be on Mark’s side.Ulrike Meinhof: I too am on Marx’s side. Tamara: You are? So who’s on the other side?Ulrike Meinhof: The whole might of Western Capitalism.Tamara: Well, that’s hardly fair.CRASH! will be at the ICA for their one night only event `The Problem Is You’ 27/11/97 See press for details.. Dance With The Teletubbies (BBC (U) pounds 9.99)
In a kaleidoscopic world governed by cooing soft-toys (right), a baby- faced sun gurgles over a landscape of rolling hills and talking flowers.
Teletubbies have surpassed their pre-school standing with their new-found adult audience.
Porridge – No Way Out (BBC (PG) pounds 10.99)Here’s your chance to own the cream of the Ronnie Barker repertoire. World-weary Fletcher (Barker) is enrolled by the fearsome Harry Grout in an escape attempt, while the sadistic and face-twitching Mr Mackay cancels Christmas.Full Circle with Michael Palin (Boxed set) (BBC (PG) pounds 29.99)In the course of their journey, the Palin entourage travelled on 22 trains, 37 ships, 16 helicopters and carried 500 kilos of film. Shooting stars is high on our agenda, along with bombing bureaucrats and killing cops. So you’ll make a contribution towards the struggle against bourgeois consumer capitalism?Tamara: Look Ulrika, I don’t mind making a donation, providing I get invited to do more `Shooting Stars’.Ulrike Meinhof: That’s fine.