On Safari (TVS TV series)

On Safari was a children's game show series set in the jungle that was produced by TVS, and aired on the ITV network for 4 series from 1982 until 1984. The show was hosted by Christopher Biggins and for the first season, was co-hosted by future EastEnders actress Gillian Taylforth.

Series two, three and four were recorded at the TVS studios in Southampton. The first series was recorded in 1981 (prior to TVS commencing its ITV franchise), in the same facility whilst it was owned by Southern Television (the existing franchise holder) who were in dispute with TVS over the sale of the site. TVS rented the studio space from Southern and in several editions of the first series cameras are seen bearing a generic On Safari nameplate rather than that of the production company, which is traditional.

Gameplay

Each week 3 teams (2 in later series) consisting of a Celebrity guest and a child played in a series of games in different jungle settings ie swamps,venus fly traps etc and the team with the most points at the end of the show were the winners and the child of the winning team won a major prize while the losing children went away with consolation prizes.

Series guide

Series 1

13 editions: 16 February 1982 – 16 May 1982

Series 2

16 editions: 10 September 1982 – 22 December 1982

Series 3

13 editions: 3 January 1984 – 3 April 1984

Series 4

13 editions: 18 September 1984 – 11 December 1984