Chris Searle - In at the Deep End

[dave stew]

Back in the day, the BBC ran a reality series called. In at the Deep End. The highlight was Chris Searle co driving Roger Clark in an MCD Services Escort RS. (Apologies to some of the other middle aged members who must know this already).

I've not managed to find it on any of the usual places - anyone out there have a copy? I'll happily pay towards getting a DVD burnt etc.

[dave stew]

Probably not, then!

[Cupramax]

Had a look, appears it was on youtube at some point but removed due to copywrite issues...

[droopsnoot]

Trouble is, home videos were a bit thinner on the ground back then. You might be better on a specific rallying forum, or maybe the Autosport "Nostalgia" board.

[thepawbroon]

Have you tried on the British Rally Forum? That's where all the real anoraks hang out

[I include myself in that description]

[BIGDAI]

Can't help but I do remember the programme. I was spectating at Donington Park and couldn't understand why RAC was so slow compared to the other cars - it was only when the programme aired that I learned that Chris Searle was driving on that stage! Ah, memories!

[nicanary]

I think they finished 4th overall, which shows you just how good Clark was - he managed that effectively without a co-driver. Sadly missed.

[LuS1fer]

Ah, Chris Searle, he was dull wasn't he. Used to be on That's Life.

Wait, you're not Chris Searle are you....

[GVK]

New upload of this can be found on You tube (full episode)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kdW4DRWPBw

LOL at the size of the cameras on the side of the Ascona at the beginning.

Edited by GVK on Wednesday 9th October 12:11

[pitboard]

One thing I remember was how grumpy Clark was during the programme. Obviously, being given a celebrity co driver was a bit of a smack in the mouth for him.

[GVK]

Yes did appear grumpy as did the other guy teaching CS to drive on gravel.

[pitboard]

I think that would have been John Taylor. Great rallycross driver who ‘speaks as he finds’. In fairness, he does suffer constant pain as a result of injuries sustained during his career as a jump jockey.

[GVK]

He must've been in pain giving Chris a bking.

[Cantaloupe]

It wasn't a bad celeb based TV format, would be worth bringing back.

Imagine Alan Carr training as a fireman, Sue Perkins as a train driver, Frankie Boyle as a manicurist.

[anonymous-user]

I nominate Ray Winston as a Children’s Entertainer.

[thegreenhell]

Just watched this. Fantastic stuff. Thanks for the heads up.

Cantaloupe said:

It wasn't a bad celeb based TV format, would be worth bringing back.

Imagine Alan Carr training as a fireman, Sue Perkins as a train driver, Frankie Boyle as a manicurist.

Rhod Gilbert has done a load of these types of show, called Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience. There are a few episodes on youtube.

[Europa1]

thegreenhell said:

Rhod Gilbert has done a load of these types of show, called Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience. There are a few episodes on youtube.

And they are so much more engaging than than the rather tedious Searle efforts, but i guess that is just a sign of the times.

[2172cc]

I recorded this on VHS in the day and must of watched it 20 or 30 times. A lot of the little one liners became much used amongst my friends at the time so much so that I still use the odd one now. Such as John Taylor shouting ' look at the understeer we're nearly off the road' and the traffic cop in the Rover saying ' watching that dog' or even Jackie pausing and then saying..............DRAMA.
I thought Serle did ok as it was a tough gig especially as Roger could be a bit prickly when thing don't go his way .
Still , watched it again tonight and it probably won't be the last time either.

[jonm01]

Was this the one where he gave a wrong pace note and they ended up on the motorway?

[GVK]

They did go on the M6 the wrong way yes.