Blankety Blank

- Season 7

(1984)

Les Dawson makes a third appearance on Blankety Blank - except this time, as the host. The first quiz Dawson has ever presented, he admits "I feel about as comfortable as a lame turkey, sat on a pile of Paxo listening to Christmas carols."

Matthew Kelly and Lizzie Webb make their debuts as celebrity panellists, while the contestants keep stealing Les's laughs.

The debut of Janice Long and Chris Tarrant on the panel, while impressionist Johnny More appears on the show for the first time since 1979.

Les introduces Linda Nolan, Don Maclean and Bobby Davro to the series in a high-scoring game, though saves special praise for the viewers who have the courage to watch the show.

Kelly Monteith and Dustin Gee have their sole guest spots as panellists this week, while Les Dennis makes the first of five appearances.

Claire Rayner and Geoff Capes make their first appearance as panellists in what Les describes as "fascinating drivel". On hand to help is Spike Milligan, but he's determined not to get an answer right.

Les hosts another edition of the show that he claims has "made the nation reel with nausea". Making their first appearance in a high-scoring game are Jeff Stevenson and Dennis Waterman.

Les introduces another edition of what he calls a banal disaster of a show, where, if they ever dropped a bomb on where the prizes are stored, "it could do £15 worth of damage".

Les welcomes Cherry Gillespie and Frank Thornton for their first appearances on the show. There's also member of the public Jimmy Valentine and his puppet ferret, a man Les describes as "an absolutely lousy contestant".

Les introduces an episode dedicated to Children In Need. Nicholas Lyndhurst and Cheryl Baker make their first appearances on the panel, while Finola Hughes makes her sole appearance.

Les struggles when one contestant wants to do his own jokes, and another pair have amorous intentions. The panellists including Jon Pertwee aren't much help, but Les assures everyone that "the worst that can happen is you can win a prize".

Les introduces what he claims is the only panel with a tilt button, as larger guests Cyril Smith and Bertice Reading join the show. Also new to the series are Henry Kelly and Stan Boardman, while Beryl Reid makes her final appearance.

Lonnie Donegan makes his sole appearance on the panel in a high-scoring game, while Les showcases his new impression: "The Punctured Head".

Les dresses as a fairy to attempt to introduce some merriment in this Christmas Day edition. Derek Nimmo thinks the show is "appalling", while Les concedes of the way the studio respond that "this isn't an audience, it's a hung jury."