| Working Lunch | |
|---|---|
The Working Lunch titles |
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| Genre | Financial news |
| Created by | BBC |
| Presented by | Adrian Chiles (1994–2007) Adam Shaw (1994–2008) Paddy O'Connell (2003–2008) Nik Wood (2007-2008) Declan Curry (2008–2010) Naga Munchetty (2008–2010) |
| Composer(s) | John Ashton Thomas |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Production | |
| Location(s) | BBC Television Centre London, England, UK |
| Running time | 30 mins |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | BBC Two |
| Original run | 19 September 1994 – 30 July 2010 |
Working Lunch was a television programme broadcast on BBC Two which covered business, personal finance and consumer news between 1994 and 2010. The programme was first aired on 19 September 1994. It had a quirky, relaxed style, especially when compared to other BBC business shows such as World Business Report. In April 2010, the BBC announced that the programme would not be produced or broadcast from the end of July 2010. GMT with George Alagiah would instead take its place at 12:30 on BBC Two.[1] The final show, on 30 July 2010, started and ended with a live version of the show's theme tune which has been used since the first broadcast in 1994.[2]
Contents |
The original title sequence created by Piers Helm, featured a real goldfish and a rubber shark in a tank that contained the programmes subject matter represented as kitsch fish tank objects. These objects were treasure chest, bank, factory and a version of the Richard Rogers Lloyds building. The title sequence led to a virtual set that was designed to look like a converted warehouse when in fact the studio it came from was the smallest BBC News studio. In 2002 the title sequence was changed by BBC Design for a computer generated sequence in which a goldfish is trying to escape from a shark onboard a sunken ship. The programme graphics also reflected this style with a marine-themed studio background. Other graphics were in a "crude clipart" style.
The show relaunched on 6 October 2008, with new titles, set and presenters. The familiar goldfish and shark were replaced by a piggy bank. Presenters Adam Shaw, Paddy O'Connell and Nik Wood were replaced by Declan Curry and Naga Munchetty, the latter joining from Bloomberg TV.[3] The new format was unpopular with viewers,[4] and the vast majority of comments about it were negative.[5]
Originally, the show was presented by Adam Shaw and Adrian Chiles. Chiles, who left the programme on 26 January 2007 after 12 years, became the co-host of the BBC One current affairs and lifestyle programme The One Show. He was replaced by Nik Wood.[6] On Fridays, Paddy O'Connell fronted the show with Adam Shaw instead of Nik Wood. Both Shaw and O'Connell bowed out on 26 September 2008.
In 2007, former footballer Graeme le Saux presented a series of items recorded in his birthplace of Jersey. Jenny Culshaw, a senior producer on the show, also occasionally presented items.
Other members of the Working Lunch team included Gillian Lacey-Solymar,[7] Simon Gompertz,[8] Rachel Horne,[9] Rachel Burden, and Rob Pittam.[10]
From 6 October 2008, a revamped lineup saw BBC Breakfast's former business presenter, Declan Curry and Naga Munchetty take over studio presentation, with Nik Wood returning to his former role of roving reporter, alongside Rob Pittam.[11]
Gillian Lacey-Solymar left the show on 29 January 2010.
The programme was broadcast for 42 weeks of the year, taking a break for Easter, Christmas and some sports tournaments coverage, such as Wimbledon, the Olympic games and golf.