Scoop (TV Show)
Encyclopedia
Scoop is a children's TV series first broadcast by the BBC
from January 2009 to present
and is written by Julian Dutton
, Tom Jamieson and Nev Fountain
, Martin Hughes & Rory Clark. It is currently on its third season.
The show stars Shaun Williamson
AKA Barry from Eastenders as Digby Digworth, an ambitious but inept journalist for a fictional local newspaper, The Pilbury Post. Each episode centres on Digby's failure to get a scoop
, ending up causing mayhem and disaster instead. In each of these he is accompanied by Hacker, a dog. The show also stars Mark Benton
as the newspaper's short-tempered editor
, Max de Lacey and there are guest appearances by popular British TV actors such as Lesley Joseph
and Mina Anwar
who plays Selena Sharp, reporter for a rival paper. In one episode the writer J. K. Rowling
is parodied as a novelist character called T. K. Towling, while in another Jeremy Clarkson
is satirised with the character Clark Jameson.
The episodes are 28 minutes in length and were originally stripped (broadcast everyday) across weekdays on BBC One
at 3.25 pm between 5 January and 23 January.
Hacker has appeared presenting the CBBC channel since 7 July 2009 with Iain Stirling
, a comedian from Edinburgh
. In series one of Scoop he was operated by Andy Heath
but when he began presenting CBBC he was operated by Phil Fletcher. He has been puppeteered since presenting CBBC by Phil Fletcher.
A second season began airing in September 2010 and a third began airing a new episode every day from the 25th July.
shouts "DIGBY DIGWORTH!".
Also in every episode, Digby and Hacker have to turn to the mysterious Sid the Source when in trouble, who considers covering his face from the public. Hacker often mistakes Sid the Source as a sauce topping, so every time Digby said "Every reporter needs a source.', Hacker holds up a different type of sauce each episode.
as Digby Digworth
Phil Fletcher as Hacker (Series Two)
Andy Heath
as Hacker (Series One)
Mark Benton
as Max de Lacey
Mina Anwar
as Selina Sharp
Simon Ludders as Sid the Scource (series 1)
Miles Barrow as Newspaper Boy (series 1)
Iain Stirling
as Newspaper Deliverer (series 2)
Digby joins a world famous explorer in his quest to locate a rare blue spotted newt. Hacker is more interested in tracking the legendary Bigfoot, but regrets his decision when the creature mistakes him for its offspring. Shaun Williamson stars
2. Out of This World
Digby hopes to take the ultimate shot of extraterrestrial life when he hears about a space-themed photography competition. Hacker agrees to be launched into orbit after learning the first prize is a year's supply of pizza, and his rocket-propelled mission attracts the attention of a like-minded alien. However Pizza Man who runs the shop and competition gets Digby disqualified from the competition by destroying Digby's
camera in a blender.
Newspaper gag: Reporter wrecks roof! PHOTO COMPETITION CANCELED!
Note: without Max De Lacy shouts in fury he tries to tear up the picture after the competition is canceled, But the photo is unable to torn.
3. Monk-y Business
Local reporter Digby Digworth discovers an ancient map after being given a seemingly hopeless story to cover at Pilbury monastery.
4. Cat-astrophe
Digby is sent to interview a leading model, but his dog Hacker is not happy when it turns out to be a cat. Unfortunately, they get the blame after the feline celebrity escapes, leading them to take drastic measures to get it back
5. Fight Night
Reporter Digby Digworth is on the case of a sweet-toothed crime gang called the Battenburglars, who replace the valuables they steal with cakes. Meanwhile, Hacker grows suspicious when the investigative duo are sent to interview an elderly granny in Pilbury's tea shop
6. Hair Brained Scheme
An action movie star is in town promoting his new film, and Digby Digworth becomes convinced he is bald. The reporter sets out to take an incriminating photo of the actor, but he must avoid the clutches of a hotel's ferocious manager
7. Don't Read All About It
8. Gran Day Out
Reporter Digby Digworth is on the case of a sweet-toothed crime gang called the Battenburglars, who replace the valuables they steal with cakes. Meanwhile, Hacker grows suspicious when the investigative duo are sent to interview an elderly granny in Pilbury's tea shop
9. Magnetic Attraction
Digby is sent to investigate a new police robot.
10. Stop Gear
Reporter Digby Digworth is sent to get a shot of the world's largest biscuit.
11. Keep Young and Beautiful
Digby Digworth and Hacker are sent to investigate a local cosmetics laboratory where an inventor has created a revolutionary anti-ageing cream, but interfere in the product's mixing process - with disastrous consequences
12. Environ-Mental
The Pilbury Post embarks on an environmentally friendly campaign, and Digby Digworth's efforts to reduce greenhouse gases are thwarted by attempts to break a world record
13. Bloomin' Marvellous
Digby goes head to head with his arch-rival Selena Sharp to photograph the world's rarest plant. The species only flowers once every 100 years, so Digby has to capture the moment before it is too late. Last in the series
Digby ends up in hospital after breaking his arm - but his injury does not stop him chasing a story about the captain of the local football team. Starring Shaun Williamson
2. My Mummy
Digby and Hacker are sent to report on a cursed Egyptian statue - but when the artefact goes missing, the reporter gets his canine companion to stand in for it. However, the plan goes awry when an ancient mummy comes back to life and takes a shine to the hapless hound. Comedy, starring Shaun Williamson
3. You Are Feeling Very Sneaky
4. Army Manoeuvres
Digby is frustrated by a lack of juicy stories at the army barracks - but Hacker overhears a sergeant plotting to do away with a colonel, and sets about thwarting the fiendish plot
5. Digby and the Viking
Digby thinks he has found buried treasure in the woods, but the hoard turns out to be a criminal's loot - and Hacker is forced to use his kung-fu skills to protect his master
6. The Laughing Cavalier
Max sends Digby to report on a ghost at his brother's mansion - but when Hacker accidentally gets rid of the spook, the hapless reporter is forced to impersonate it
7. The Heat Is On
8 Freeze a Jolly Good Caveman
Hacker thaws out a deep-frozen caveman at Pilbury Museum
9. Fangs for the Memory
Digby and Selina compete to interview Britain's oldest man - but Hacker is forced to intervene when a pair of false teeth goes missing
10. Double Digby
A criminal disguises himself as Digby to retrieve a precious diamond from a hotel - but matters get complicated when the reporter arrives for a teddy bear convention
11. Down in the Mouth
The citizens of Pilbury become obsessed with a new sweet - but Hacker discovers there is a sinister secret behind its popularity
12. Back Tu-dor Future
Digby thinks he has gone back in time to Henry VIII's reign and tries to stop him from executing Anne Bolyn
13. Court in the Act
Digby is summoned to court, where he is charged with 892 offences against the people of Pilsbury - and only Hacker can clear his name. Last in the series
Will Digby and Hacker catch the wild cat who is scaring chickens down on the farm?
2. Restaurant Reservation
Digby and Hacker cause havoc in the kitchen of a celebrity chef (Gavin Mitchell
) while he is preparing for The Pudding of the year competition.
3. Going For Gold
Digby and Hacker want to save the local scout hut for demolition - but Selina Sharp has her own ideas for a front-page scoop!
4. Seeing Stars
Digby and Hacker face the music when they take Max's awful, spoilt niece to meet a famous pop singer.
5. Foul Play
Digby tries to prove a footballer to be a fake but is sidetracked by visiting his favourite football team, Pilbury United.
6. Come In Digby, Your Time's Up
Digby must stop Max from firing him by interviewing his aunt Annie in a highly-breakable antiques shop. (Episode features Louise Gold
as Annie Haven).
7. Always the Bridesmaid
Digby and Hacker go to report on a wedding and must help make the wedding cake.
8. Taking Pictures
Digby and Hacker go undercover as security guards in the new art museum.
9. First Past the Post
Hacker sends Digby's offensive letter to Max, and they must stop it from getting to him.
10. Northenders
Hacker becomes the new star of the TV soap opera Northenders.
11. Digbys Dilemma
Digby gets a girlfriend and gives her a wooden mushroom which is worth £7 Million
12. Now Thats Magic
Digby and Max run a race to find they ran the race on the wrong day!
13. The Digworth Method
When asked to organise a presentation to the local library, Digby faces his long-time reporting rival, Selina Sharp. Will he fall for her tricks once again?
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
from January 2009 to present
and is written by Julian Dutton
Julian Dutton
Julian Dutton is an English comedy writer and performer, principally for television and radio, whose work has won a British Comedy Award and a BAFTA....
, Tom Jamieson and Nev Fountain
Nev Fountain
Nev Fountain, born Steven John Fountain, is an English writer, best known for his comedy work with writing partner Tom Jamieson on the radio and television programme Dead Ringers.A native of Stamford, Fountain attended the University of Warwick...
, Martin Hughes & Rory Clark. It is currently on its third season.
The show stars Shaun Williamson
Shaun Williamson
Shaun Williamson is an English actor, singer, media personality and occasional presenter, best known for his former role as Barry Evans in soap opera EastEnders and as a version of himself in BBC sitcom Extras.- Career :...
AKA Barry from Eastenders as Digby Digworth, an ambitious but inept journalist for a fictional local newspaper, The Pilbury Post. Each episode centres on Digby's failure to get a scoop
Scoop
-Related to journalism:* Scoop , a news story, particularly connotating a new or developing story with aspects of importance and excitement, normally an exclusive for the journalist involved...
, ending up causing mayhem and disaster instead. In each of these he is accompanied by Hacker, a dog. The show also stars Mark Benton
Mark Benton
Mark Benton is an English actor, perhaps most famous for his roles as Eddie in Early Doors and Howard in Northern Lights.-Life and career:Benton was born in Guisborough, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, England....
as the newspaper's short-tempered editor
Editor in chief
An editor-in-chief is a publication's primary editor, having final responsibility for the operations and policies. Additionally, the editor-in-chief is held accountable for delegating tasks to staff members as well as keeping up with the time it takes them to complete their task...
, Max de Lacey and there are guest appearances by popular British TV actors such as Lesley Joseph
Lesley Joseph
Lesley D Joseph is an English actress and broadcaster.-Life and career:Joseph was born in Northampton. She is best known for starring in the BBC sitcom Birds of a Feather from 1989–1998, in which she played Dorien Green, the Jewish next-door neighbour of the main characters Sharon and Tracy...
and Mina Anwar
Mina Anwar
Mina Anwar is a British actress.-Early life:Anwar was educated at Accrington Moorhead Sports College, and gained an A level in Theatre in Performance at the Accrington and Rossendale College in 1988 before training at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.-Acting career:She played Police...
who plays Selena Sharp, reporter for a rival paper. In one episode the writer J. K. Rowling
J. K. Rowling
Joanne "Jo" Rowling, OBE , better known as J. K. Rowling, is the British author of the Harry Potter fantasy series...
is parodied as a novelist character called T. K. Towling, while in another Jeremy Clarkson
Jeremy Clarkson
Jeremy Charles Robert Clarkson is an English broadcaster, journalist and writer who specialises in motoring. He is best known for his role on the BBC TV show Top Gear along with co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May...
is satirised with the character Clark Jameson.
The episodes are 28 minutes in length and were originally stripped (broadcast everyday) across weekdays on BBC One
BBC One
BBC One is the flagship television channel of the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It was launched on 2 November 1936 as the BBC Television Service, and was the world's first regular television service with a high level of image resolution...
at 3.25 pm between 5 January and 23 January.
Hacker has appeared presenting the CBBC channel since 7 July 2009 with Iain Stirling
Iain Stirling
Iain Andrew Stirling is a stand-up, writer and television presenter from Edinburgh now based in London. Having started stand-up whilst in his final year of Law at Edinburgh University, a year which saw him make the final of both the Paramount Funniest Student and Chortle Student Comedian of the...
, a comedian from Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
. In series one of Scoop he was operated by Andy Heath
Andy Heath (puppeteer)
Andy Heath is a British television puppeteer most noted for working as the head puppeteer for the BBC Three situation comedy Mongrels, where he controls the main character, Nelson the metrosexual fox.. He also puppeteered Hacker T...
but when he began presenting CBBC he was operated by Phil Fletcher. He has been puppeteered since presenting CBBC by Phil Fletcher.
A second season began airing in September 2010 and a third began airing a new episode every day from the 25th July.
Plot
Each episode begins in much the same way with a short sequence in which Digby is awoken by an elaborate alarm system, then tries in vain to prevent the paperboy throwing his newspaper into a puddle. Similarly the episodes all end in the same way with a short sequence in which the editor inspects a newspaper front page expecting to see a great story, but is instead frustrated when it shows instead a picture depicting the results of Digby's clumsiness and mistakes, at which point the character played by Mark BentonMark Benton
Mark Benton is an English actor, perhaps most famous for his roles as Eddie in Early Doors and Howard in Northern Lights.-Life and career:Benton was born in Guisborough, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, England....
shouts "DIGBY DIGWORTH!".
Also in every episode, Digby and Hacker have to turn to the mysterious Sid the Source when in trouble, who considers covering his face from the public. Hacker often mistakes Sid the Source as a sauce topping, so every time Digby said "Every reporter needs a source.', Hacker holds up a different type of sauce each episode.
Cast
Shaun WilliamsonShaun Williamson
Shaun Williamson is an English actor, singer, media personality and occasional presenter, best known for his former role as Barry Evans in soap opera EastEnders and as a version of himself in BBC sitcom Extras.- Career :...
as Digby Digworth
Phil Fletcher as Hacker (Series Two)
Andy Heath
Andy Heath (puppeteer)
Andy Heath is a British television puppeteer most noted for working as the head puppeteer for the BBC Three situation comedy Mongrels, where he controls the main character, Nelson the metrosexual fox.. He also puppeteered Hacker T...
as Hacker (Series One)
Mark Benton
Mark Benton
Mark Benton is an English actor, perhaps most famous for his roles as Eddie in Early Doors and Howard in Northern Lights.-Life and career:Benton was born in Guisborough, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, England....
as Max de Lacey
Mina Anwar
Mina Anwar
Mina Anwar is a British actress.-Early life:Anwar was educated at Accrington Moorhead Sports College, and gained an A level in Theatre in Performance at the Accrington and Rossendale College in 1988 before training at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.-Acting career:She played Police...
as Selina Sharp
Simon Ludders as Sid the Scource (series 1)
Miles Barrow as Newspaper Boy (series 1)
Iain Stirling
Iain Stirling
Iain Andrew Stirling is a stand-up, writer and television presenter from Edinburgh now based in London. Having started stand-up whilst in his final year of Law at Edinburgh University, a year which saw him make the final of both the Paramount Funniest Student and Chortle Student Comedian of the...
as Newspaper Deliverer (series 2)
Season 1 (2009)
1. No Newt Is Good NewtDigby joins a world famous explorer in his quest to locate a rare blue spotted newt. Hacker is more interested in tracking the legendary Bigfoot, but regrets his decision when the creature mistakes him for its offspring. Shaun Williamson stars
2. Out of This World
Digby hopes to take the ultimate shot of extraterrestrial life when he hears about a space-themed photography competition. Hacker agrees to be launched into orbit after learning the first prize is a year's supply of pizza, and his rocket-propelled mission attracts the attention of a like-minded alien. However Pizza Man who runs the shop and competition gets Digby disqualified from the competition by destroying Digby's
camera in a blender.
Newspaper gag: Reporter wrecks roof! PHOTO COMPETITION CANCELED!
Note: without Max De Lacy shouts in fury he tries to tear up the picture after the competition is canceled, But the photo is unable to torn.
3. Monk-y Business
Local reporter Digby Digworth discovers an ancient map after being given a seemingly hopeless story to cover at Pilbury monastery.
4. Cat-astrophe
Digby is sent to interview a leading model, but his dog Hacker is not happy when it turns out to be a cat. Unfortunately, they get the blame after the feline celebrity escapes, leading them to take drastic measures to get it back
5. Fight Night
Reporter Digby Digworth is on the case of a sweet-toothed crime gang called the Battenburglars, who replace the valuables they steal with cakes. Meanwhile, Hacker grows suspicious when the investigative duo are sent to interview an elderly granny in Pilbury's tea shop
6. Hair Brained Scheme
An action movie star is in town promoting his new film, and Digby Digworth becomes convinced he is bald. The reporter sets out to take an incriminating photo of the actor, but he must avoid the clutches of a hotel's ferocious manager
7. Don't Read All About It
8. Gran Day Out
Reporter Digby Digworth is on the case of a sweet-toothed crime gang called the Battenburglars, who replace the valuables they steal with cakes. Meanwhile, Hacker grows suspicious when the investigative duo are sent to interview an elderly granny in Pilbury's tea shop
9. Magnetic Attraction
Digby is sent to investigate a new police robot.
10. Stop Gear
Reporter Digby Digworth is sent to get a shot of the world's largest biscuit.
11. Keep Young and Beautiful
Digby Digworth and Hacker are sent to investigate a local cosmetics laboratory where an inventor has created a revolutionary anti-ageing cream, but interfere in the product's mixing process - with disastrous consequences
12. Environ-Mental
The Pilbury Post embarks on an environmentally friendly campaign, and Digby Digworth's efforts to reduce greenhouse gases are thwarted by attempts to break a world record
13. Bloomin' Marvellous
Digby goes head to head with his arch-rival Selena Sharp to photograph the world's rarest plant. The species only flowers once every 100 years, so Digby has to capture the moment before it is too late. Last in the series
Season 2 (2010)
1. Trying My PatientsDigby ends up in hospital after breaking his arm - but his injury does not stop him chasing a story about the captain of the local football team. Starring Shaun Williamson
2. My Mummy
Digby and Hacker are sent to report on a cursed Egyptian statue - but when the artefact goes missing, the reporter gets his canine companion to stand in for it. However, the plan goes awry when an ancient mummy comes back to life and takes a shine to the hapless hound. Comedy, starring Shaun Williamson
3. You Are Feeling Very Sneaky
4. Army Manoeuvres
Digby is frustrated by a lack of juicy stories at the army barracks - but Hacker overhears a sergeant plotting to do away with a colonel, and sets about thwarting the fiendish plot
5. Digby and the Viking
Digby thinks he has found buried treasure in the woods, but the hoard turns out to be a criminal's loot - and Hacker is forced to use his kung-fu skills to protect his master
6. The Laughing Cavalier
Max sends Digby to report on a ghost at his brother's mansion - but when Hacker accidentally gets rid of the spook, the hapless reporter is forced to impersonate it
7. The Heat Is On
8 Freeze a Jolly Good Caveman
Hacker thaws out a deep-frozen caveman at Pilbury Museum
9. Fangs for the Memory
Digby and Selina compete to interview Britain's oldest man - but Hacker is forced to intervene when a pair of false teeth goes missing
10. Double Digby
A criminal disguises himself as Digby to retrieve a precious diamond from a hotel - but matters get complicated when the reporter arrives for a teddy bear convention
11. Down in the Mouth
The citizens of Pilbury become obsessed with a new sweet - but Hacker discovers there is a sinister secret behind its popularity
12. Back Tu-dor Future
Digby thinks he has gone back in time to Henry VIII's reign and tries to stop him from executing Anne Bolyn
13. Court in the Act
Digby is summoned to court, where he is charged with 892 offences against the people of Pilsbury - and only Hacker can clear his name. Last in the series
Season 3 (2011)
1. The Big CatWill Digby and Hacker catch the wild cat who is scaring chickens down on the farm?
2. Restaurant Reservation
Digby and Hacker cause havoc in the kitchen of a celebrity chef (Gavin Mitchell
Gavin Mitchell (actor)
Gavin Mitchell is a Scottish actor and comedian.He is best known as Boaby the Barman in Scottish sitcom Still Game. He previously played the character of Winston in the stage show Still Game...
) while he is preparing for The Pudding of the year competition.
3. Going For Gold
Digby and Hacker want to save the local scout hut for demolition - but Selina Sharp has her own ideas for a front-page scoop!
4. Seeing Stars
Digby and Hacker face the music when they take Max's awful, spoilt niece to meet a famous pop singer.
5. Foul Play
Digby tries to prove a footballer to be a fake but is sidetracked by visiting his favourite football team, Pilbury United.
6. Come In Digby, Your Time's Up
Digby must stop Max from firing him by interviewing his aunt Annie in a highly-breakable antiques shop. (Episode features Louise Gold
Louise Gold
Louise Gold is an English singer, actress and puppeteer whose career has spanned almost four decades.From 1977, Gold was a puppeteer and voice actress for The Muppet Show and Sesame Street, and she has performed voice and puppet work on various other Muppet films and specials...
as Annie Haven).
7. Always the Bridesmaid
Digby and Hacker go to report on a wedding and must help make the wedding cake.
8. Taking Pictures
Digby and Hacker go undercover as security guards in the new art museum.
9. First Past the Post
Hacker sends Digby's offensive letter to Max, and they must stop it from getting to him.
10. Northenders
Hacker becomes the new star of the TV soap opera Northenders.
11. Digbys Dilemma
Digby gets a girlfriend and gives her a wooden mushroom which is worth £7 Million
12. Now Thats Magic
Digby and Max run a race to find they ran the race on the wrong day!
13. The Digworth Method
When asked to organise a presentation to the local library, Digby faces his long-time reporting rival, Selina Sharp. Will he fall for her tricks once again?