With snooker based game show 'Big Break' ( hosted by Jim Davidson ) proving a huge hit, the BBC tried to replicate its success with a similar idea, 'Full Swing', a game show combining golfing skills with general knowledge. The host was Jimmy Tarbuck, with Rosemarie Ford ( most famous for 'The Generation Game' ) acting as narrator. Tarby would pair off contestants with a celebrity golfer. However, unlike 'Big Break', 'Full Swing' was a colossal flop and for two very good reasons. For one, it was more than obvious it was a cheap imitation of 'Big Break' ( even down to it's theme tune ). Secondly, having Tarby as host. Yes, I am aware that Tarby was a keen, knowledgeable golfer, but sadly he was none too hot as a presenter or comic. Jimmy lacked the same likeability that Davidson possessed in 'Big Break' and consequently it doomed the show to sink from day one!
It was like this, Tarby would open each show with some jokes ( well, they were supposed to be jokes ) before introducing the contestants and pairing them off with a celebrity golfer. The celebrity would be the one to take the swing with the use of a virtual reality styled golfing game whilst the contestant would be required to answer general knowledge questions. The star prize for the winner would usually be a holiday however even if the contestant lost, they would at least go home with a trophy in the shape of a golf ball.
Celebrity guests included the likes of Eric Sykes, Tim Brooke Taylor, Ronnie Corbett, Ian St. John, Gareth Hale and Norman Pace, some of which looked distinctly uncomfortable in taking part.
'Full Swing' was axed after only eight episodes due to a poor critical reception and disappointing ratings. Overall, it was not too bad, worth watching for the sport alone if you can overlook Tarby's attempts to be funny.
It was like this, Tarby would open each show with some jokes ( well, they were supposed to be jokes ) before introducing the contestants and pairing them off with a celebrity golfer. The celebrity would be the one to take the swing with the use of a virtual reality styled golfing game whilst the contestant would be required to answer general knowledge questions. The star prize for the winner would usually be a holiday however even if the contestant lost, they would at least go home with a trophy in the shape of a golf ball.
Celebrity guests included the likes of Eric Sykes, Tim Brooke Taylor, Ronnie Corbett, Ian St. John, Gareth Hale and Norman Pace, some of which looked distinctly uncomfortable in taking part.
'Full Swing' was axed after only eight episodes due to a poor critical reception and disappointing ratings. Overall, it was not too bad, worth watching for the sport alone if you can overlook Tarby's attempts to be funny.
