Amanda & Alan's Italian Job

Rarely do we see a reality show that is truly joyful from start to finish, as a rule I hate hate this sort of cheap junk TV that often stoops to the lowest common denominator.

This programme avoided all these traps as these two friends took on a near insurmountable challenge.

The artistic choices of architecture and interior design showed great insight and were quite inspirational, roll on series 3 to 10 lol

It was so refreshing to see Amanda Holden well outside of her comfort zone and we really saw the steel of her personality, it was revelatory.

I'm giving this a brilliant 10 outta 10, I could find no fault.

What is the fascination that TV bosses seem to have of late with presenter pair ups?

If it's not men of a certain age trying to share/hog the limelight by pushing their offspring forward (Bradley Walsh) or cling onto their own fame by riding the coat tails of their offspring (Martin Kemp), it's not working overly well.

Here we have a 'novelty' - two Marmite style personalities in the form of Amanda Holden and Alan Carr (who still seems to be of the opinion that it's the mid 2000's when he was at the peak of his popularity) come together to...well, waste tax payers money and giggle a lot.

I hope this is axed soon and that future pair ups are taken off the agenda.

The whole concept of the show to renovate a house in Italy is quite educational and it is great to see the Italian landscape and culture. Both of the presenters are reasonably professional and much of what they do is ok. It's a shame they let it down by too much self indulgence.

Both of them are a bit self congratulatory about laughing at their own jokes, which is offputting

Amanda Holden treats it too much like a catwalk, parading hundreds of different impractical outfits which just jars with the tone of the program.

It is questionable what if anything their practical skills actually added to the renovation. From what I can see they do a few photo opportunities holding a hammer or trowel then effectively let the builders get on with the work. Alan Carr is particularly annoying shrieking with delight at his own incompetence like it's endearing. It's not! It's attention seeking.

So a mixed bag I think let down by the vanity of the presenters which should be dialled down from 9 to 5!!

I watched all 8 episodes, and enjoyed Alan Carr's interaction with the renovation crew. He livened things up with his perspective and humour. I found Amanda Holden's perfect orange nails, perfect make up and tight fitting clothing distracting and unrealistic for being in Sicily to renovate. I would lose Holden and let Carr do these shows with someone more lively and interesting. In the end, the apartment's decor looked uncomfortable and unlivable. Too much marble, e.g. With glass tumblers on the sink - an accident of smashed glass waiting to happen. There was nothing practical in the decor. It just made a cold and austere photo. Better luck next time with something more cozy and comfortable looking.

Maybe it's because I haven't been overseas for years, but I found myself really relaxing into Amanda & Alan's Italian Job.

I've always liked Alan Carr and it was different to see a little insight into his personal life following the breakdown of his marriage. As for Amanda, I often try to not like her but fail to do so - she's not afraid to laugh at herself and that's a quality I like in people.

All in all this show offered a little bit of everything in 8 bite-size chunks. Some sightseeing, some interior design, gorgeous vistas, some emotional bits... I just thought it was a really easy show to watch and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

If I had to have one gripe it's that they never tell us how much they spent in total and how much it's now worth, and that's the only reason it's not getting full marks.

9/10.