The Slammer

The Slammer
Also known asThe Slammer Returns (2013–2014)
GenreChildren's
Talent show
Sitcom
StarringTed Robbins
Lee Barnett
Dave Chapman
Ian Kirkby
Melvin Odoom
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series6
No. of episodes76
Production
Production locationdock10 studios
Running time30 minutes
Production companyCBBC Production
Original release
NetworkCBBC
Release22 September 2006 (2006-09-22) –
26 July 2014 (2014-07-26)[1]
Infobox instructions (only shown in preview)

The Slammer (also known as The Slammer Returns for its final two series) is a talent show for children that was broadcast on CBBC from 22 September 2006 until 26 July 2014.

Set in a fictional prison called HM Slammer, this programme follows a variety show format where "prisoners" who have been arrested for "showbiz related crimes" compete, by performing to an audience, who decide which act should be released.

The show is produced by Steve Ryde, who also produced CBBC's Dick and Dom in Da Bungalow and its subsequent spin off, Harry Batt. It was based on an item from Dick and Dom called 'The Strangely Talented': a game in which contestants performed their specialised acts in front of the "Bungalow Heads" to try to win the title of Strangely Talented Champion.

Some of the supporting cast of Dick and Dom in Da Bungalow appear in The Slammer; Dave Chapman, Ian Kirkby, Lee Barnett and Melvin Odoom.

The show returned, after a two-year absence, to CBBC in October 2013, under the new name of 'The Slammer Returns'. Special editions of the show including 'The Slammer by the Sea' aired during the revived series.

On 2 June 2016, Ian Kirkby announced that the new series had ended, stating "Unfortunately CBBC have retired the Governor and Mr. Burgess, probably for good...but, never say never!"[2]

  1. ^ Ian Kirkby [@TheIanKirkby] (2 June 2016). "@BritishKidsTV @TedRobbins55 unfortunately CBBC have retired Ted Governor and Mr Burgess, probably for good...but, never say never!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  2. ^ Ian Kirkby [@TheIanKirkby] (2 June 2016). "@BritishKidsTV @TedRobbins55 unfortunately CBBC. have retired Ted Governor and Mr Burgess, probably for good...but, never say never!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.