Breaking The News BBC Television Recording, Drygate, Glasgow. Thursday 15th October, 2026

My initial application was unsuccessful, but two weeks before the show, I received an email and a text saying I had been allocated tickets due to call-offs. 

Host: Des Clarke

Panellists: Marc Jennings, Elaine Malcolmson, Scott Agnew and Amanda Hursy.

As this one was for TV, it took a little longer to set up. During one round, the lights flickered, so while the crew looked into it, Scott and Des reminisced about their time at the Rutherglen Reporter and ended on a story about the Orange Order's mascot, Proddy the Pigeon. Then they all had to redo the round, repeating their jokes while trying to make them sound fresh, which in itself generated laughs.

Elaine Malcolmson's deadpan, left-field humour got the biggest laughs today, even when she was being serious.  

Round One - Broken News Round:

Andy Burnham is talking about negotiating a new post-Brexit deal.
Scottish pubs are shutting. Research shows 62 pubs closed in 9 months. 

Elaine - "I love a pub. It's just a great place to meet people you wouldn't have in your house."

Round Two - Who is in the news?

1. Shetland MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad, advertising for an artist in residence.

2. 71-year-old glamour gran Anne Marie Harper, oldest contestant in running for Miss Great Britain in over 45s category.

Friends of the Show  

Gail Porter on irresponsible tourism

John MacKay on the film Digger, expected to lose $ 244 million.

Final Quickfire Round: What sold for over £2 million?

Klaxon: Craig Revel Horwood. "Everyone going to complain about everything."

 

Tickets from BBC Shows and Tours via ballot.

The view from the back row