Remembering "The Hitman and Her" TV Show

Summary

The 'Hitman and Her' was a late-night ITV show from 1988 to 1992, featuring dancing crowds and live music acts at different nightclubs each week. Hosted by Pete Waterman and Michaela Strachan, it showcased hits from Waterman's record label PWL, known as the 'Hit Factory.' The show targeted late-night audiences, offering a taste of club life from home. Memorable elements included stage dancer 'Wiggy' and early appearances by future pop stars. It elicited mixed feelings of envy and relief for viewers like the scriptwriter, who battled social anxiety.

Takeaways

• 📺 'The Hitman and Her' was a late-night TV show from the late 80s to early 90s, providing a glimpse into the nightlife and dance club scene from the comfort of viewers' homes.
• 🎥 The show aired on ITV's Night Network between 1988 and 1992, featuring popular music, live acts, and party games.
• 💃 It was hosted by Pete Waterman and Michaela Strachan, who engaged with the crowd and presented a lively atmosphere.
• 🎶 The show often featured songs from Pete Waterman's record label, PWL, known for producing hit songs by Stock Aitken and Waterman.
• 👯‍♀️ The audience was made up of actual nightclub patrons, giving the show a real and unscripted feel.
• 🕺 Stage dancer Clive Donaldson, known as 'Wiggy,' was a memorable part of the show, leading choreographed dance moves and entertaining the crowd.
• 🌟 The show served as a platform for some future stars, including Jason Orange from Take That and members of the boyband 911.
• 📈 The target audience was likely night owls and those returning from nights out, as the show aired late at night on weekends.
• 📱 The narrator shared personal memories of watching the show due to insomnia, experiencing mixed feelings of longing and relief from social anxiety.
• 🗣️ The script includes anecdotes from other viewers, adding a personal touch and showing the show's impact on different people.
• 🎵 The music and dance elements made 'The Hitman and Her' a unique late-night offering, distinct from other music programs of the time.

Q & A

What was the time slot for 'Hitman and Her' on ITV's Night Network?

The show aired between 1am and 4am on Saturdays and Sundays.

Who were the presenters of 'Hitman and Her'?

The show was presented by Pete Waterman and Michaela Strachan.

What was the format of 'Hitman and Her'?

The show featured crowds of people dancing to popular tunes, occasional live music acts, and random party games, all in a nightclub setting.

How was the show 'Hitman and Her' different from 'Top of the Pops'?

While 'Top of the Pops' focused on music performances, 'Hitman and Her' had a more chaotic and informal atmosphere, similar to nightclub life.

What record label was prominently featured on 'Hitman and Her'?

The show often featured songs from Pete Waterman's own record label, PWL, which was also known as the 'Hit Factory'.

Why is the music from PWL sometimes considered cheesy?

The music from PWL, produced by Stock Aitken and Waterman, was prolific in the 80s and is now often seen as cheesy due to its over-the-top production style, but it is also well-loved by many.

Who was the stage dancer known as 'Wiggy' on 'Hitman and Her'?

Clive Donaldson, known for his trademark shocking white wig, was the stage dancer who led the crowds in choreographed dance moves.

Did any future celebrities appear on 'Hitman and Her' before they were famous?

Yes, Jason Orange, who later joined Take That, and two members of the boyband 911 appeared on the show before they were famous.

What was the target audience for 'Hitman and Her'?

The target audience was likely people coming in from nights out who didn't feel like going to bed yet, as it aired late at night.

What was the narrator's personal experience with 'Hitman and Her'?

The narrator watched the show during late-night sessions due to insomnia, feeling a mix of wishing to be part of the nightlife and relief from social anxiety.

How can viewers share their memories of 'Hitman and Her'?

Viewers can share their memories in the comments section of the video or by following and interacting with the narrator on Twitter at @retro_steve_uk.