SMart
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| SMart | |
|---|---|
 The SMart Logo |
|
| Format | Art |
| Presented by | Kirsten O'Brien (1999–present) Mike Fischetti (2007–present) |
| Country of origin |  United Kingdom |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) |
Joe Godwin |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | BBC One |
| Original run | 5 October 1994 – present |
| External links | |
| Official website | |
| IMDb profile | |
| TV.com summary | |
SMart is a British CBBC television programme based on the subject of art, which began in 1994. The programme was recorded at BBC Television Centre in London. The format is similar to the Tony Hart programmes Take Hart and Hartbeat.[citation needed].
Contents |
[edit] The programme
The original theme tune was composed by Kjartan Poskitt, famous for the Murderous Maths series of books. From 2003, a different tune was used, written by Steve Brown (better known as the character Glen Ponder in programmes featuring Alan Partridge). In 2007, this was remixed in line with the new format.
In 2007, the new autumn series had a new format mixing some of the old segments with new ideas. It was aired on Sunday, and repeated on Wednesdays. It involved more child participation in games and celebrity guests.
Following the death of presenter Mark Speight's fiancee Natasha Collins in January 2008, repeats of the show and its CBeebies spin-off SMarteenies were suspended. Speight left the programme, saying his "tragic loss" had left him unable to continue; he later killed himself.[1] The BBC indicated that there would still be a new series of SMart in the autumn, but editions featuring Speight are unlikely to be repeated.[2]
[edit] Spin-offs
The success of SMart allowed it to spawn various spin-off series. The first was SMart on the Road where either Mark Speight or Kirsten O'Brien, with the help of Lizi Botham, would travel around the country helping people with major projects, for example decorating a room or making a fun garden. It starred Kirsten O'Brien, Mark Speight, Jay Burridge and Lizi Botham.
SMarteenies was the second spin-off, where Kirsten, Mark, Jay and "Bizi Lizi" went through fun makes for younger viewers, including man of letters and shapes and Kirsten's Household Makes with Doogie the Dog. This programme was specifically aimed at a younger demographic, roughly from 3-6 years old on was aired on CBeebies. It starred Kirsten O'Brien, Mark Speight, Jay Burridge and Lizi Botham.
A special episode, SMart Africa, was made by the BBC to coincide with Africa week. The episode contained easy ways to make things. This episode, with Kirsten O'Brien and Mark Speight, was aired as part of the 2003 series.
[edit] Presenters
[edit] Current presenters
- Kirsten O'Brien (1999–)
- Mike Fischetti (2007–)
[edit] Former presenters
- Zoë Ball (1994–1996)
- Josie D'Arby (1996–1998)
- Jay Burridge (1994–2003)
- Susan Ribeiro (2002)
- Lizi Botham (1999–2004)
- Mark Speight (1994–2008)
[edit] References
- ^ "Presenter Speight hanged himself", BBC News Online, 2008-05-20. Retrieved on 2008-05-28.
- ^ TV presenter left suicide notes. BBC News Online (2008-04-16). Retrieved on 2008-04-16.
[edit] External links
 |
This BBC Television-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
