Cactus TV
Cactus TV is an English based television show production company.
They produce the shows "Richard & Judy" for Channel 4, and "Saturday Kitchen" for BBC One.
Company
Founded in 1994 by Jonathan Ross's brother Simon and his wife Amanda, Cactus TV specialises in broad based Entertainment, Features and Chat Shows. Cactus has presently produced 37 distinct titles in the UK, for 9 different channels.
Premium rate phone line controversy
In early 2007, Cactus became heavily involved in the Premium Rate phone in line scandal.
On "Richard & Judy," it was revealed that that entrants of the "You Say, We Pay" had already been selected before the premium rate phone line opened for contestants to enter. On "Saturday Kitchen" it was revealed that some shows were pre-recorded. Although presenter James Martin told viewers to call in for the chance to Appear on the following week's show, and ask the guest chef's cooking questions, Cactus used pre-selected guests and questions. The investigation by regulator Ofcom is ongoing
Birthday tradition
On 31 March, 2007 it was revealed that Amanda Ross had sent out an email re birthday cards. At Cactus TV it is customary for staff to get a card and cake on their birthday. Amanda wrote to workers: "The Cactus birthday tradition is mine, and I effectively Pay for It, so if you can’t make it happen that I get to sign the card, then I will stop it. You are not to circulate any cards before I have signed them. This 'sounds draconian' but you have forced me to be that way."
Programmes
Programme |
Channel |
From |
To |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
"Songs of Bond" |
ITV |
Featuring and presented by Russell Watson |
||
"The British Soap Awards" |
ITV |
1999 |
2002 |
|
"For Your Ears Only" |
Play TV |
Presented by Scott Mills |
||
"Foursite" |
Channel 4 |
90 second interstitials about films |
||
"The Hits I Missed" |
ITV |
First show featured Cliff Richard. Additional shows in production |
||
"Incognito" |
BBC Two |
Words and spelling game show |
||
"Intuition" |
Anglia |
A regional gameshow |
||
"It's Anybody's Guess" |
Carlton |
Presented by Paul Ross |
||
"King of the Castle" |
Carlton |
Quiz show presented by Alastair Stewart. Licensed to ABC |
||
"The Last Resort" |
Channel 4 |
Presented by Jonathan Ross |
||
"Mad For It!" |
Anglia |
Current affairs for youth |
||
"Men For Sale II" |
ITV |
Taken over, presented by Ulrika Jonsson and Jeffrey Archer |
||
"Off The Wall" |
Anglia |
A regional youth arts programme |
||
"Pop-Elanger" |
Play TV |
A look-a-like Karaoke show |
||
"Richard and Judy" |
Channel 4 |
2002 |
Still in Production |
|
"Saturday Kitchen" |
BBC One |
2002 |
Still in Production |
|
"The Spirit of Diana: The Debate" |
Living TV |
2003 |
||
"Sports Anorak of the Year" |
UK Gold |
Hosted by Rory McGrath |
||
"The TV Set" |
LWT |
10 viewers review the TV schedules |
||
"Upshot" |
Anglia |
A regional gameshow |
Information
- Name - Cactus TV Limited
- Address - Fifth Floor, 87-91 Newman Street, London W1T 3EY VAT No. GB 820 7457 36
- UK Registered Company - No: 2946371
- VAT Number - GB 820 7457 36
Studios
- Address - Cactus TV Studios, 373 Kennington Road, London, SE11 4PS
- Telephone - +44 (0)20 7091 4900
- Facsimile - +44 (0)20 7091 4901
- Email - touch.us@cactustv.co.uk
Personnel
- Amanda Ross - Joint Managing Director
- Simon Ross - Joint Managing Director
- Sinead Oldnall - Head of Entertainment
- Fiona Jones - Head of Production
- Moji Olaleye - IT & Communications Manager