Television fans have been left bemused after recalling how the “greatest show” took an unusual turn.
Airline first took off on ITV in 1998, following the lives of those who worked for low-cost airline EasyJet. The documentary-reality series looked at the various issues staff and passengers faced as the boom for low-cost travel began to reach new heights.
Basing the show from Luton, Liverpool and Belfast airports, Airline put what it was like to be a passenger at EasyJet on full display, warts and all. But despite the show’s immense popularity at the time, the show was eventually grounded in 2007, after nine years on the air.
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Since then, fans of the show have shared clips of the chaotic nature of the filming on social media, with many fans calling for the show’s return. On Wednesday (August 14), one eager fan shared a hilarious clip from the show with the caption: “Airline really was one of the greatest shows ever.”
(Image: ITV)
In the clip, airline passenger Gemma Robinson has been left stranded at the airport due to her luggage going missing. The passenger’s car and house keys were in the bags that she had brought, leaving her unable to leave the airport as she had nowhere to go.
Frustrated with the lack of information and progress, Gemma went to the front desk of the airport, demanding answers to her questions. However, in a hilarious moment for viewers, she is dealt with by an EasyJet staff member while her face is painted like a tiger.
After watching the clip, many fans were left bemused by the interaction, as the woman’s face paint was not mentioned once during the tense exchange. However, other fans were left in stitches and were begging for the show to return.
(Image: ITV)
One fan said: “Oh my god, I wasn’t prepared mentally or physically for that sharp left turn.” A second user added: “If I was that passenger, I’d be writing a strongly worded email about the unhelpful tiger working on the customer service desk.”
A third account posted: “I do wonder if any of the passengers look back and cringe at their behaviour.” Whilst a fourth said: “Ahead of its time and a proper time capsule for the late 90s, before people knew how to act in front of a camera.”
(Image: ITV)
Airline would go on to be the basis of other location-based reality documentaries, including Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport. It would also provide the inspiration for Matt Lucas and David Walliams’ controversial show Come Fly with Me.
The comedy show was done in a similar style to that of Airline, following the lives of those working for low-cost carrier FlyLo. However, the show would prove polarising amid accusations of blackface and racial insensitivity, despite airing in 2011.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
