Songs of Praise
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Songs of Praise is a BBC television programme based on religion and ethics, based around traditional Christian hymns. With an average of 2.5 million viewers weekly, it is believed to be the most-watched religious television programme in the world[1].
It is usually broadcast on Sunday early evenings, and it usually includes congregations from various churches and cathedrals singing famous hymns whilst the presenter explores that week's theme. While focusing on hymns, in recent years the shows have become more diverse in its content, typically with a different theme for each show. It has also had special programmes celebrating the lives of famous British Christians, including the late Dame Thora Hird and Sir Harry Secombe.
Outside of the UK, Songs of Praise is regularly shown in the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa.
The first show was broadcast in October 1961 from the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cardiff, and is one of the longest-running TV shows in the world. The programme was the idea of the then Assistant Controller of Programmes at the BBC, Donald Baverstock. During its history, Songs of Praise has visited over 1,800 churches, cathedrals and chapels, singing over 12,500 hymns.
It has had many different guest presenters over the years including Sir Cliff Richard, Alan Titchmarsh and Toyah Willcox. However the current main presenters are Pam Rhodes, Sally Magnusson, Diane-Louise Jordan, Aled Jones, Eamonn Holmes and Jonathan Edwards.
A number of famous people have been interviewed on the show, including Pope John Paul II, Tony Blair, Frances Shand Kydd, Alan Ayckbourn and members of the British Royal Family.
The series also appeared in the BBC comedy television series The Vicar of Dibley.
