Sir Trevor McBlog? Don't hold you breath... Monkey was very excited to see a sneak preview of the new look News at Ten yesterday. It was like being in an episode of Back to the Future. But without the DeLorean. Bongs - check. "And finally" - check. Sir Trevor McDonald - check. But there are some high-tech changes. ITV has souped-up the 1990s opening title sequence to make it all 21st century, so viewers get to whoosh down the River Thames, past Canary Wharf, the London Eye and the Gherkin before arriving at Big Ben. And presenters and reporters will be video blogging to show viewers how they "live, eat and sleep" behind the cameras. Crikey. Don't hold your breath though for footage of Sir Trev munching on his morning cereal. The great man said: "I'm told I will be doing blogs but if I were you I wouldn't hold your breath. I must get up to date with computers. I think my son will be having to help me."
Drop anchor There was one burning question left unanswered after the News at Ten launch. How long is Sir Trevor going to do the programme for? After six months or a year or so will he scale back the number of shows he fronts, perhaps handing over the reins more to Mark Austin? Alas ITV was being very coy about the issue. In fact News at Ten's editor told Monkey's colleague he doesn't actually know how long McDonald will be anchoring the programme for. Which seems odd. Anyone who does know, answers on the back of a banana skin to the usual address please.
Trouble and strife for Mark Austin Someone at ITV call their insurers quick. The new News at Ten will feature Mark Austin anchoring on-location reports. Many are likely to be from dangerous places around the world. But has ITV upped Mark's insurance? He's not sure: "Yes, my wife keeps asking me that too."
And finally... A warning from ITV editor-in-chief David Mannion to the BBC. He says people have likened the forthcoming battle of the bongs between ITV and the BBC to the tale of David and Goliath. "I'd just like to remind you, David won." Good point well made, Dave.
