Blankety Blank

- Season 5

(1982)

Vincent Price makes his sole appearance on Blankety Blank, declaring it to be "a great honour", before changing his mind and taking the sentiment back. Elsewhere, contestants successfully win prizes, but end up wishing they hadn't.

The only fifth series episode to not introduce a new face to the panel, a group of six regulars nevertheless bring fun to the show. The game also runs smoothly - or at least if will, if contestant Gwyn Evans has time to blow his nose.

Gloria Hunniford joins the show for the first time, there's several sing-a-longs, Lorraine Chase complains about the cheapness of the prizes, and a contestant recognises Roy Hudd from his days in Butlins.

"This programme is getting cheaper and nastier than ever, isn't it?" claims Terry in an innuendo-strewn edition. New to the panel are Ken Dodd and Jonathan King.

Terry claims that new panellist Sarah Greene is "educated beyond her intelligence", while Spike Milligan can't stand being within range of Terry's breath.

Bernie Winters plays teacher's pet to keep Terry well-fed throughout the programme, a contestant was tricked by his family into taking part, and it finally dawns on Lorraine Chase that she's "not very good" at the game.

The show gets three new panellists in the form of Susan Hanson, Jim Davidson and future regular Dana. However, there's a problem when a contestant gets to compete for the week's star prize - they want to lose so they don't have to have it.

Three new panellists join the show: Clement Freud, Fenella Fielding and Ted Rogers.

"There's something very wrong with a man who talks into a water pistol" observes Dana after another edition of crazed events and legions of wrong answers. New to the panel are Danny La Rue and Maggie Philbin.

Bonnie Langford and Henry McGee are brand new to the show - but will they ever get a word in edgeways with Frank Carson on full form? And will Frank and Patrick Moore really come to blows?

Terry gets to learn of the existence of "ghost pimples" and "clastanets", much to his confusion. Meanwhile, the star prize of the week is up for grabs, but nobody wants it.

The debut of Suzanne Dando on the panel, an accidental appearance of "Eugene", and the long-awaited return of Dr. Marcus Welby.

"I can see we're in for another half hour of remorseless hilarity, aren't we?" complains Roy Kinnear. In a cheery edition, the panel try to help the contestants, but, far from the first time, the contestants don't want to actually win.

"This is endless!" complains Terry, as he hosts a Christmas edition where the hunt for a correct answer continues.