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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| image = Spitting Image 2020.jpg
| image = Spitting Image 2020.jpg
| caption = Promotional poster for the first series featuring from L-R [[Meghan Markle]], [[Prince Harry]], [[Donald Trump]], [[Kanye West]] and [[Vladimir Putin]]
| caption = Promotional poster for the first series featuring from L-R [[Meghan Markle]], [[Prince Harry]], [[Donald Trump]], [[Kanye West]] and [[Vladimir Putin]]
| genre = {{plainlist |
| genre = {{plainlist |
* [[Adult puppeteering]]
* [[Adult puppeteering]]
* [[Political satire]]
* [[Political satire]]
* [[Black comedy]]
* [[Black comedy]]
}}
}}
| creator = [[Peter Fluck]]<br />[[Roger Law]]<br /> [[Martin Lambie-Nairn]]
| creator = [[Peter Fluck]]<br />[[Roger Law]]<br /> [[Martin Lambie-Nairn]]
| voices = {{Plainlist |
| voices = {{Plainlist |
*[[Billy West]]
*[[Billy West]]
*[[Debra Stephenson]]
*[[Debra Stephenson]]
Line 26: Line 26:
*[[Steve Nallon]]
*[[Steve Nallon]]
}}
}}
| producer = Matt Stronge
| producer = Matt Stronge
| executive_producer = [[Jeff Westbrook]] <br /> Richard Allen-Turner <br /> [[Joanna Beresford]] <br /> [[Roger Law]]<br /> [[Jon Thoday]] <br /> Nana Hughes (Britbox)
| executive_producer = [[Jeff Westbrook]] <br /> Richard Allen-Turner <br /> [[Joanna Beresford]] <br /> [[Roger Law]]<br /> [[Jon Thoday]] <br /> Nana Hughes (Britbox)
| music = Willie Dowling
| music = Willie Dowling
| runtime = 30 minutes
| runtime = 30 minutes
| channel = [[BritBox]]
| channel = [[BritBox]]
| language = English
| language = English
| country = United Kingdom
| country = United Kingdom
| picture_format = [[1080i]] [[HDTV]]
| first_aired = {{start date|2020|10|3|df=y}}
| audio_format = [[Surround Sound|Surround sound 5.1]]
| last_aired = {{end date|2021|12|2|df=y}}
| first_aired = {{start date|2020|10|3|df=y}}
| num_series = 2
⚫
| num_episodes = 20<!--Only increment as a new episode premieres, per the documentation of the template!-->
| last_aired = {{end date|2021|12|2|df=y}}
⚫
| company = Avalon Television<ref>{{cite web|url=https://avalonuk.com/2020/09/11/spitting-image-lands-on-britbox-uk-from-3rd-october/| title=Spitting Image Lands On Britbox UK From 3rd October|publisher= Avalon|date= 11 September 2020| access-date= 13 September 2020}}</ref>
| num_series = 2
⚫
| num_episodes = 20<!--Only increment as a new episode premieres, per the documentation of the template!-->
⚫
| company = Avalon Television<ref>{{cite web|url=https://avalonuk.com/2020/09/11/spitting-image-lands-on-britbox-uk-from-3rd-october/| title=Spitting Image Lands On Britbox UK From 3rd October|publisher= Avalon|date= 11 September 2020| access-date= 13 September 2020}}</ref>
}}
}}


'''''Spitting Image''''' is a British [[satire|satirical]] television [[puppet show]]. It is a revival of the [[Spitting Image|1984 series of the same name]] created by [[Peter Fluck]], [[Roger Law]] and [[Martin Lambie-Nairn]]. Similar to the original, the series features puppet [[caricature]]s of contemporary celebrities, such as [[Adele]], [[James Corden]], and [[Kanye West]], as well as public figures, including former British Prime Minister [[Boris Johnson]], several Conservative cabinet members such as [[Michael Gove]], [[Dominic Raab]] and [[Priti Patel]], and former US President [[Donald Trump]].
'''''Spitting Image''''' is a British [[satire|satirical]] television [[puppet show]]. It is a revival of the [[Spitting Image|1984 series of the same name]] created by [[Peter Fluck]], [[Roger Law]] and [[Martin Lambie-Nairn]]. Similar to the original, the series features puppet [[caricature]]s of contemporary celebrities, such as [[Adele]], [[James Corden]], and [[Kanye West]], as well as public figures, including British [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]] [[Boris Johnson]], several Conservative cabinet members such as [[Michael Gove]], [[Dominic Raab]] and [[Priti Patel]], and [[President of the United States|US President]] [[Donald Trump]].


ITV had plans for a reboot in 2006, but these were scrapped after a dispute over the [[Ant & Dec]] puppets used to host ''Best Ever Spitting Image'', which were created against Law's wishes.<ref name="digitalspy.co.uk">{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/a39486/ant-and-dec-stunt-ends-spitting-image-return.html|title=Ant and Dec stunt ends 'Spitting Image' return|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=17 November 2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912082824/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/a39486/ant-and-dec-stunt-ends-spitting-image-return.html|archive-date=12 September 2007}}</ref> In September 2019, Law announced the show would be returning with a new series.<ref name="plots">{{cite news |title=Spitting Image show plots return to TV after 23 years |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-49865406 |access-date=28 September 2019 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> It was confirmed in March 2020 that the show would return on [[BritBox]].<ref name="twentyfour">{{cite news |title=Spitting Image to return on BritBox, 24 years after the TV show ended|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-51734335|access-date=13 March 2020|date=4 March 2020|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> Featuring 100 new puppets, the series debuted on 3 October that year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/on-demand/2020-09-11/spitting-image-new-puppets-britbox/|title=Spitting Image revival to debut on BritBox next month with 100 new puppets including Boris Johnson and Donald Trump|work=[[Radio Times]]|first=Patrick|last=Cremona|date=11 September 2020|access-date=13 September 2020}}</ref> It was renewed for a second series four days later.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/spitting-image-renewed-for-second-season-britbox-1234592858/|title='Spitting Image' Renewed For Second Season By BritBox|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|first=Jake|last=Katner|date=7 October 2020|access-date=8 October 2020}}</ref> The second series premiered on 11 September 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c28xixNsf0|title=Spitting Image Returns: Series 2 &#124; Spitting Image|access-date=28 November 2021|publisher=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> The show was cancelled by ITV on 24 October 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwin |first=Adam |date=2022-10-24 |title=Spitting Image has been cancelled by ITV, despite national need for political satire, says star |url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/spitting-image-cancelled-itv-political-satire-matt-forde-1930379 |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=inews.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>
ITV had plans for a reboot in 2006, but these were scrapped after a dispute over the [[Ant & Dec]] puppets used to host ''Best Ever Spitting Image'', which were created against Law's wishes.<ref name="digitalspy.co.uk">{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/a39486/ant-and-dec-stunt-ends-spitting-image-return.html|title=Ant and Dec stunt ends 'Spitting Image' return|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=17 November 2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912082824/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/a39486/ant-and-dec-stunt-ends-spitting-image-return.html|archive-date=12 September 2007}}</ref> In September 2019, Law announced the show would be returning with a new series.<ref name="plots">{{cite news |title=Spitting Image show plots return to TV after 23 years |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-49865406 |access-date=28 September 2019 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> It was confirmed in March 2020 that the show would return on [[BritBox]].<ref name="twentyfour">{{cite news |title=Spitting Image to return on BritBox, 24 years after the TV show ended|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-51734335|access-date=13 March 2020|date=4 March 2020|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> Featuring 100 new puppets, the series debuted on 3 October that year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/on-demand/2020-09-11/spitting-image-new-puppets-britbox/|title=Spitting Image revival to debut on BritBox next month with 100 new puppets including Boris Johnson and Donald Trump|work=[[Radio Times]]|first=Patrick|last=Cremona|date=11 September 2020|access-date=13 September 2020}}</ref> It was renewed for a second series four days later.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/spitting-image-renewed-for-second-season-britbox-1234592858/|title='Spitting Image' Renewed For Second Season By BritBox|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|first=Jake|last=Katner|date=7 October 2020|access-date=8 October 2020}}</ref> The second series premiered on 11 September 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c28xixNsf0|title=Spitting Image Returns: Series 2 &#124; Spitting Image|date=15 June 2021 |access-date=28 November 2021|publisher=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> The show was cancelled by ITV on 24 October 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwin |first=Adam |date=2022-10-24 |title=Spitting Image has been cancelled by ITV, despite national need for political satire, says star |url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/spitting-image-cancelled-itv-political-satire-matt-forde-1930379 |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=inews.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>

== Characters ==

=== Politicians ===
Many British politicians were parodied in the show. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was most prominent, portrayed as a bumbling idiot often manipulated by Chief Advisor [[Dominic Cummings]].

Alongside Johnson was his Cabinet, which included:

* [[Dominic Raab]], a [[martial arts]] fanatic and unable to name countries on a globe despite being [[Foreign Secretary]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=19 September 2021 |title=Boris Johnson Reshuffles The Cabinet {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqKgFbaD7-E |access-date=16 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Depicted as incompetent and frequently on holiday; this references real life, when Raab was abroad on holiday in [[Crete]] during the [[Fall of Kabul (2021)|Fall of Kabul]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 August 2021 |title=Where did Dominic Raab go on Holiday as the Taliban took over Afghanistan? |work=[[The Independent]] |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/dominic-raab-crete-hotel-holiday-afghanistan-b1905279.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/dominic-raab-crete-hotel-holiday-afghanistan-b1905279.html |archive-date=24 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=16 April 2022}}</ref>
* [[Priti Patel]], portrayed as a [[vampire]]. Bullied the rest of the cabinet and idolised [[Margaret Thatcher]].
* [[Dominic Cummings]], an [[Extraterrestrial life|alien]] from the planet ''[[Epsilon|Epsilon 5]]'' who was stranded in [[Durham, England|Durham]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 November 2020 |title=The Boris & Cummings Love Story is Over {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCyIB35_sc4&t=3s |archive-date=16 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> He is able to [[Telepathy|read]] and [[Brainwashing|control]] people's minds and often manipulates Johnson to get his own way, once even attempting to devour his child.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 October 2020 |title=Boris Johnson Prepares to Address the Nation {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Xw8tkDk5uY&t=4s |access-date=16 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
* [[Rishi Sunak]], a [[billionaire]] who is depicted as the most popular of the cabinet ministers. He referred to himself as "Dishy Rishi" and was extremely [[Narcissism|vain]] and [[Hubris|arrogant]],<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=13 November 2020 |title=Goodbye Dominic Cummings {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDPPe2UCWCM&t=1s |access-date=16 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> expressing interest in becoming Prime Minister.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 October 2021 |title=Rishi is Too Dishy for this Job {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGmTSomnfAM&t=46s |access-date=16 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
* [[Michael Gove]], depicted as disloyal to the prime minister and addicted to drugs,<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 September 2021 |title=The Tories Raise Taxes {{!}} Spitting Image {{!}} Streaming Now on Brit Box |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNOa11o0Do0&t=37s |access-date=16 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 November 2021 |title=Michael Gove Enjoys Bonfire Night {{!}} Spitting Image on BritBox |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNfkkh3Clec |access-date=16 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> shown attempting to overthrow Johnson and Cummings on multiple occasions.<ref name=":1" /> He was often seen dancing, which referenced a video where Gove was filmed in a nightclub.
* [[Matt Hancock]], a wimp who hid whenever confronted with an uncomfortable situation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 December 2022 |title=Matt Hancock Keeps Crying {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_f6WC_PazQ |access-date=16 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
* [[Sajid Javid]], [[Secretary of State for Health and Social Care]] and described by Patel as "a massive [[egghead]]".<ref name=":0" />
* [[Liz Truss]], Foreign Secretary.
The [[Her Majesty's Most Loyal Opposition (United Kingdom)|Opposition]] ([[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]]) puppets included

* [[Keir Starmer]], dull and uncharismatic, who took on the [[alter ego]] "Fox Man", a superhero who defended people with the [[Crime and Courts Act 2013]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 November 2022 |title=Keir Starmer's Secret Revealed {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tAdOg1OoGk&t=78s |access-date=16 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
* [[Jess Phillips]], frustrated with Labour's unpopularity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 October 2021 |title=Keir Starmer gets a lesson from Jess Phillips on how to be a leader {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv-jD1Zf-84&t=33s |access-date=16 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

[[Nicola Sturgeon]] was depicted as an [[Scottish independence|independence]]-obsessed Scottish [[Nationalism|nationalist]]. She appeared at [[UEFA Euro 2020]] in [[Braveheart]]-style facepaint and assaulted the Boris Johnson puppet with a headbutt whilst shouting, "[[Headbutt|Glasgow kiss]]!"<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 November 2020 |title=Nicola Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ikbYmn43Nc |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Her predecessor, [[Alex Salmond]], was depicted as a [[Shrek (character)|Shrek]] lookalike.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davidson |first=Peter |date=10 September 2021 |title=Alex Salmond recreated as Shrek by Spitting Image in new series |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/alex-salmond-spitting-image-shrek-24955505 |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]}}</ref>

=== Royal Family ===
The main characters were:

* [[Elizabeth II]]: Portrayed as a maddened old lady who often used [[Profanity|profane language]] and had a strong dislike of [[Canada]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=18 September 2021 |title=The Queen And Piers Morgan Congratulate Emma Raducanu {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42h4y1zKa8E |access-date=16 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> She was dismissive of her children, including Charles, and disapproved of Dominic Raab, describing him as "a complete waste of space."<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 2021 |title=Dominic Raab Meets The Queen {{!}} Spitting Image on BritBox |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fbFcyYWbDM |access-date=16 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
* [[Charles III|Charles, Prince of Wales]]: Portrayed as fed up with waiting to be king; so much so that when Elizabeth entered a [[coma]] he declared himself king.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=10 November 2020 |title=Succession: The Royal Family (Part One) {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOTU3tEkiyg |access-date=16 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
* [[Queen Camilla|Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall]]: Charles's wife.
* [[William, Prince of Wales|Prince William, Duke of Cambridge]] : Very [[Generosity|charitable]], [[Political correctness|politically correct]] and [[environmentally friendly]]; encouraged people to wash out their [[Canning|bean tins]] before putting them in the bin,<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=24 October 2021 |title=A Fight Breaks Out at the Earthshot Prize {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NdzyTbifGE |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> spent money to protect the environment, not "wasting it on space rockets like [[Jeff Bezos]] or [[William Shatner]]", and convinced Elizabeth to write a letter to [[Leylah Fernandez]], as "you're the [[Monarchy of Canada|queen of Canada]] too, grandmama."<ref name=":2" />
* [[Catherine, Princess of Wales|Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge]]: Shown wearing elaborate and sometimes ridiculous outfits, such as a large hat [[Balloon modelling|fashioned from balloons]] (referencing [[Party Pieces]])<ref name=":3" /> and a dress decorated with "feathers from a [[swan]] that was savaged by a [[Welsh Corgi|corgi]]."<ref name=":4" />
Other members who were parodied included the badly-educated [[Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 October 2020 |title=Trump Investigates Election Voter Fraud {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StoSQ-k67gE |access-date=18 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> his wife and former actress [[Meghan, Duchess of Sussex]] and [[Prince Andrew, Duke of York]], who was hit with a wooden plank every time he appeared on screen.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 July 2021 |title=Spitting Image 2020 - Prince Andrew Getting Smacked Compilation |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km5_EcjuN_I |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

=== International politicians ===
US President [[Donald Trump]] was portrayed as a childish, [[Gluttony|gluttonous]] moron at odds with his constantly tired and exasperated vice president, [[Mike Pence]]. He was characterised as being unable to read, he [[Twitter|tweeted]] from his bed with his sentient [[Human anus|anus]], and the colour of his [[complexion]] was credited to a coating of [[ketchup]] that covered his face.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 November 2020 |title=Trump's Arsehole Tweets From Bed {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0c66bf-g1Q |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Trump was also depicted as being bald and his wig being a small animal that could crawl off his head and obey his commands.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 October 2020 |title=Donald Trump's Election Masterstroke {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxHd8JJ8hCU |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> His wife, [[Melania Trump]] was shown as despising the role of [[First Lady of the United States|First Lady]] and showed utter contempt and coldness towards her husband.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 October 2022 |title=Donald Trump Electrocuted in Bed {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UU6By74zRfQ |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 December 2020 |title=Merry Christmas from the Trumps {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsaGMwgijQQ |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

[[Joe Biden]] was portrayed as old, forgetful and unaware that he was president.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=6 November 2020 |title=Joe Biden's Victory Breakfast with Adele {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-RDsk4YW9c |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> He invoked the [[Twenty-fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution|25th Amendment]] to make [[Kamala Harris]] [[Acting president of the United States|acting president]] whenever he went to the toilet, as "at my age that could take a while".<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 October 2021 |title=Total Attack of the heart - BY SPITTING IMAGE |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUwcaZqmSrk |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

[[Vladimir Putin]] was portrayed as a tiny [[Narcissistic personality disorder|megalomaniac]] sitting on a throne. He [[poison|poisoned]] people for entertainment and displayed a clear disregard for human life. In one sketch, he tried to make the COVID-19 puppet [[Prime Minister of Russia]], stating that "every five years, we switch jobs. But I am always in charge." In ''Spitting Image'', Russia was shown as a severely underdeveloped nation which was only beginning to grasp technology from the 1930s, including [[tape recorder]]s and [[walkie-talkie]]s being described by Putin as "all the best Russia has to offer".<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=23 February 2022 |title=Putin's most evil moments {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3198813797003832 |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[Facebook]]}}</ref>

[[Jacinda Ardern]] was overprotective of her country and implements a nationwide lockdown every time there was a single [[COVID-19]] case reported in New Zealand.

[[Nancy Pelosi]] pandered to whatever [[minority group]] she met in a desperate bid to get votes as a result of being afflicted with "panderitis".<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 October 2020 |title=Nancy Pelosi Can't Stop Pandering {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvfhQYMnD94 |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

[[Jared Kushner]] was a lifeless [[mannequin]] paraded around by Ivanka Trump and sarcastically described by Donald Trump as "that dynamo of energy and excitement, Jared Kushner!"<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 January 2021 |title=The Dynamo, Jared Kushner {{!}} Spitting Image |website=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yykftn8XfFc |access-date=17 April 2022}}</ref>

Other international caricatures included [[Barack Obama]],<ref name=":5" /> [[Ivanka Trump]], [[Mitch McConnell]], [[Angela Merkel]], [[Emmanuel Macron]], [[Narendra Modi]], [[Scott Morrison]], [[Xi Jinping]]<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=23 September 2020 |title=Spitting Image Official Trailer {{!}} There's Something Funny About These People... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0JTta67aUE&t=84s |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> and [[Katerina Sakellaropoulou]].

=== Sport ===
[[England national football team|England]] manager [[Gareth Southgate]] was overly [[woke]], [[Harry Kane]] spoke with a prominent [[lisp]], [[Phil Foden]] was a womaniser and [[Marcus Rashford]] was ignored and shunned by the rest of his team.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 October 2021 |title=England Plan Their Next Campaign {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga63lStPJ8g |access-date=18 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] manager [[Jürgen Klopp]] was exceedingly cheerful, optimistic and friendly, sometimes even to his disadvantage.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=4 December 2020 |title=Good Klopp Bad Cop {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3OeQoLPqys |access-date=18 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=16 October 2020 |title=Jürgen Klopp Likes Losing {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgQtCBMQ70k |access-date=18 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

Golfer [[Tiger Woods]] was also portrayed as very calm, even under circumstances that would greatly irritate others.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 November 2021 |title=James Corden's Karaoke with Tiger Woods {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k31wqIAQDM |access-date=18 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

Other sportspeople satirized on ''Spitting Image'' included fitness coach [[Joe Wicks (coach)|Joe Wicks]], former professional footballer [[Micah Richards]] and professional tennis player [[Emma Raducanu]].

=== Celebrities ===

==== Actors ====
Many actors were also lampooned. [[Tom Cruise]] was a [[Scientology|scientologist]] unable to tell the difference between his films and real life;<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 2021 |title=Tom Cruise Helps Out with the UK's Lorry Drive Shortage {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxdvSViAb3w |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 November 2021 |title=Tom Cruise Becomes A Driving Instructor {{!}} Spitting Image on BritBox |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K95Lwx7XaJE |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> [[Gwyneth Paltrow]] sold increasingly odd products;<ref name=":7" /> [[Brad Pitt]] was overly emotional;<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 November 2020 |title=Donald Trump Launches TV Network {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo4K2YlfZtc |access-date=17 April 2021 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> [[Idris Elba]] employed unusual interrogation tactics;<ref name=":9" /> [[Olivia Colman]] won everything that she entered;<ref name=":6" /> [[Daniel Craig]] was perplexed by [[Phoebe Waller-Bridge]]'s lack of subtlety<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 September 2021 |title=James Bond Gets Waller-Bridged {{!}} Spitting Image {{!}} Brit Box |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dexoX4SHnbw |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> and [[Kevin Hart]] was tiny and in the pocket of [[Dwayne Johnson]].<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=30 March 2021 |title=Piers Morgan, James Corden & Beyoncé Leave Twitter {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEXyvgikBjM |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

==== Musicians ====
A [[Paul McCartney]] character was washed-up, phony and cheap, making substandard new songs in desperation to get another hit,<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 December 2021 |title=Paul McCartney'S Regular Christmastime {{!}} Spitting Image Christmas Special on BritBox |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncoO77-oAwA |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> and [[Adele]] was portrayed as a brash [[Philanthropy|philanthropist]] with a very deep voice;<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 November 2020 |title=Adele: The Biggest Loser {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju3Fd7jjuLo |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> [[Billie Eilish]] was relaxed with unintelligible speech and required subtitles to be understood;<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 February 2021 |title=Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish & Grimes - Tour Bus Exclusive {{!}} Spitting Image |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QclDjGFpR0 |access-date=18 April 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> [[Elton John]] was satirized wearing [[Ruffle (sewing)|ruffles]] and huge, square glasses, whilst [[Ed Sheeran]] had a [[West Country English|West Country accent]] and – in the trailer – had "carrots sprouting from (his) head" (an allusion to Sheeran's [[red hair]]) before this was changed at risk of offending viewers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bond |first=Kimberley |date=2 October 2020 |title=Spitting Image 'alters Ed Sheeran puppet over fears it was offensive' |work=[[Evening Standard]] |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/spitting-image-ed-sheeran-puppet-offensive-a4562006.html |access-date=18 April 2022}}</ref> [[Kanye West]] was an [[Egotism|egotist]] who declares himself "Ruler of Earth" in reference to [[Kanye West 2020 presidential campaign|his 2020 presidential campaign]].<ref name=":7" />

Other musicians parodied on the show included [[Grimes]], [[Beyoncé]], [[Nicki Minaj]], [[Ariana Grande]], and [[Taylor Swift]].<ref name=":8" />


==Staff==
==Staff==
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*[[Guz Khan]] as [[Rishi Sunak]] and [[Narendra Modi]] (series 1)<ref name=shark/>
*[[Guz Khan]] as [[Rishi Sunak]] and [[Narendra Modi]] (series 1)<ref name=shark/>
*[[Indira Varma]] as [[Priti Patel]]
*[[Indira Varma]] as [[Priti Patel]]
*[[Jess Robinson]] as [[Olivia Colman]], [[Phoebe Waller-Bridge]], [[Meghan Markle]], [[Adele]], [[Melania Trump]], [[Ivanka Trump]], [[Angela Merkel]], [[Nancy Pelosi]], [[Taylor Swift]], [[Kim Kardashian]], [[Jacinda Ardern]], [[Greta Thunberg]], [[Billie Eilish]], [[Grimes (musician)|Grimes]], [[Nicola Sturgeon]], [[Jess Phillips|Jess Philips]], [[Chrissy Teigen]], [[Gwyneth Paltrow]], [[Ellen DeGeneres]], [[Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez]], [[Emma Raducanu]], [[Ariana Grande]], [[Alex Scott (footballer, born 1984)|Alex Scott]], [[Jameela Jamil]], [[Carrie Johnson]], [[Katerina Sakellaropoulou]], [[Liz Truss]], and additional voices<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thejc.com/culture/tv/spitting-image-s-new-first-lady-1.507131|title=Meet Spitting Image's new first lady : Jess Robinson is the puppet show's voice of celebrities from Gwyneth to Greta|website=Thejc.com|access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref><ref name=shark/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jessrobinson.co.uk/news/spitting-image/|title=Spitting Image |website=Jessrobinson.co.uk|date=1 October 2020|access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref><ref>[https://www.facebook.com/jessrobinsonofficial/posts/389057019251855?__cft__0=AZWWaGGodKO0bfss3ZeN5Wu1Ps2CX9RkvVcq7PsMckgEmwWyWAJyM8063DbRm0H5EgnBKdoPGctvs7BUfzIdu2UBD8egQYVK_Ox5lzQ2XcphgaKNCRgmXxMqrOTfDr2kbsg8h7ZolgYt9-ddwpWHKkL9yEzf-xyvU6wyUjqFCkP_4w&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R Jess Robinson September 9] "Seriously, #SpittingImage is such a dream job and I have even more characters in the new series including some more of my heroes Phoebe Waller Bridge, Olivia Colman and Jess Philips."</ref>
*[[Jess Robinson]] as [[Olivia Colman]], [[Phoebe Waller-Bridge]], [[Meghan Markle]], [[Adele]], [[Melania Trump]], [[Ivanka Trump]], [[Angela Merkel]], [[Nancy Pelosi]], [[Taylor Swift]], [[Kim Kardashian]], [[Jacinda Ardern]], [[Greta Thunberg]], [[Billie Eilish]], [[Grimes (musician)|Grimes]], [[Nicola Sturgeon]], [[Jess Phillips|Jess Philips]], [[Chrissy Teigen]], [[Gwyneth Paltrow]], [[Ellen DeGeneres]], [[Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez]], [[Emma Raducanu]], [[Ariana Grande]], [[Alex Scott (footballer, born 1984)|Alex Scott]], [[Jameela Jamil]], [[Carrie Johnson]], [[Katerina Sakellaropoulou]], [[Liz Truss]], and additional voices<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thejc.com/culture/tv/spitting-image-s-new-first-lady-1.507131|title=Meet Spitting Image's new first lady : Jess Robinson is the puppet show's voice of celebrities from Gwyneth to Greta|website=Thejc.com|access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref><ref name=shark/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jessrobinson.co.uk/news/spitting-image/|title=Spitting Image |website=Jessrobinson.co.uk|date=1 October 2020|access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref><ref>[https://www.facebook.com/jessrobinsonofficial/posts/389057019251855?__cft__0=AZWWaGGodKO0bfss3ZeN5Wu1Ps2CX9RkvVcq7PsMckgEmwWyWAJyM8063DbRm0H5EgnBKdoPGctvs7BUfzIdu2UBD8egQYVK_Ox5lzQ2XcphgaKNCRgmXxMqrOTfDr2kbsg8h7ZolgYt9-ddwpWHKkL9yEzf-xyvU6wyUjqFCkP_4w&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R "Jess Robinson September 9"] "Seriously, #SpittingImage is such a dream job and I have even more characters in the new series including some more of my heroes Phoebe Waller Bridge, Olivia Colman and Jess Philips."</ref>
*[[John DiMaggio]] as [[Mike Pence]], [[Elon Musk]], [[Tom Cruise]], [[McDonaldland|Mayor Cheeseburger]], and additional voices<ref name=shark/>
*[[John DiMaggio]] as [[Mike Pence]], [[Elon Musk]], [[Tom Cruise]], [[McDonaldland#Former characters|Mayor Cheeseburger]], and additional voices<ref name=shark/>
*[[Lewis MacLeod (actor)|Lewis MacLeod]] as [[Charles, Prince of Wales|Prince Charles]], [[Prince Andrew, Duke of York|Prince Andrew]], [[Michael Gove]], [[Richard Branson]], [[Elton John]], [[Ed Sheeran]], [[David Attenborough]], [[Matt Hancock]], [[Brad Pitt]], [[James Corden]], [[Emmanuel Macron]], [[Vladimir Putin]], [[David Furnish]], [[Scott Morrison]], [[Pope Francis]], [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2|Coronavirus]], [[Daniel Craig]], [[Tom Hardy]], [[Gareth Southgate]], [[Paul McCartney]] and [[Harry Kane]] (episode 15-present)<ref>{{Cite news|title='They wanted my meerkat to sound like a Russian Alan Sugar' – meet TV's secret superstars|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/aug/09/meerkat-russian-alan-sugar-tvs-secret-superstars-voice-artists-star-trek-captain-saru|last=Mistlin|first=Alex|date=2021-08-09|access-date=2021-09-18|work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref name=shark/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Spitting-Image-2020/Vladimir-Putin/|title=Vladimir Putin|website=Behindthevoiceactors.com|access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref>
*[[Lewis MacLeod (actor)|Lewis MacLeod]] as [[Charles, Prince of Wales|Prince Charles]], [[Prince Andrew, Duke of York|Prince Andrew]], [[Michael Gove]], [[Richard Branson]], [[Elton John]], [[Ed Sheeran]], [[David Attenborough]], [[Matt Hancock]], [[Brad Pitt]], [[James Corden]], [[Emmanuel Macron]], [[Vladimir Putin]], [[David Furnish]], [[Scott Morrison]], [[Pope Francis]], [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2|Coronavirus]], [[Daniel Craig]], [[Tom Hardy]], [[Gareth Southgate]], [[Paul McCartney]] and [[Harry Kane]] (episode 15-present)<ref>{{Cite news|title='They wanted my meerkat to sound like a Russian Alan Sugar' – meet TV's secret superstars|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/aug/09/meerkat-russian-alan-sugar-tvs-secret-superstars-voice-artists-star-trek-captain-saru|last=Mistlin|first=Alex|date=2021-08-09|access-date=2021-09-18|work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref name=shark/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Spitting-Image-2020/Vladimir-Putin/|title=Vladimir Putin|website=Behindthevoiceactors.com|access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref>
*[[Lobo Chan]] as [[Xi Jinping]]
*[[Lobo Chan]] as [[Xi Jinping]]
*[[Matt Forde]] as [[Donald Trump]],<ref name="bbc54380644">{{cite news |title=The voice of Johnson and Trump on Spitting Image |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-54380644 |access-date=14 December 2020 |work=BBC News}}</ref> [[Boris Johnson]],<ref name="bbc54380644"/> [[Keir Starmer]],<ref name="sundayworld">{{cite news |last1=Roper |first1=Kerri-Ann |title=Spitting Image star: Trump is intellectually insecure |url=https://www.sundayworld.com/showbiz/tv/spitting-image-star-trump-is-intellectually-insecure-39687260.html |access-date=14 December 2020 |work=[[Sunday World]] |agency=PA Entertainment |date=October 30, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> [[Alex Salmond]], [[Phil Foden]], [[Chris Whitty]] and [[Common sole|the Frantic Sole]]<ref>{{Cite news|title=7 Questions with… Matt Forde: 'To be asked to impersonate the President of the United States – you never think it's going to be you!'|url=https://www.bt.com/tv/comedy/spitting-image-season-2-matt-forde-donald-trump-boris-johnson|last=Gamster-Newton|first=Becky|date=2021-09-08|access-date=2021-09-27|work=[[BT Group]]}}</ref>
*[[Matt Forde]] as [[Donald Trump]],<ref name="bbc54380644">{{cite news |title=The voice of Johnson and Trump on Spitting Image |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-54380644 |access-date=14 December 2020 |work=BBC News}}</ref> [[Boris Johnson]],<ref name="bbc54380644"/> [[Keir Starmer]],<ref name="sundayworld">{{cite news |last1=Roper |first1=Kerri-Ann |title=Spitting Image star: Trump is intellectually insecure |url=https://www.sundayworld.com/showbiz/tv/spitting-image-star-trump-is-intellectually-insecure-39687260.html |access-date=14 December 2020 |work=[[Sunday World]] |agency=PA Entertainment |date=30 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref> [[Alex Salmond]], [[Phil Foden]], [[Chris Whitty]] and [[Common sole|the Frantic Sole]]<ref>{{Cite news|title=7 Questions with… Matt Forde: 'To be asked to impersonate the President of the United States – you never think it's going to be you!'|url=https://www.bt.com/tv/comedy/spitting-image-season-2-matt-forde-donald-trump-boris-johnson|last=Gamster-Newton|first=Becky|date=2021-09-08|access-date=2021-09-27|work=[[BT Group]]}}</ref>
*[[Phil LaMarr]] as [[Dwayne Johnson]], [[LeBron James]], [[Kevin Hart]], [[Kanye West]] (series 1, series 2 in episode 16), [[RuPaul]], [[Barack Obama]], [[Jeff Bezos]], [[Tiger Woods]], [[Influenza|The Flu]],<ref name=shark/> [[Lin-Manuel Miranda]], [[Santa Claus]], and additional voices
*[[Phil LaMarr]] as [[Dwayne Johnson]], [[LeBron James]], [[Kevin Hart]], [[Kanye West]] (series 1, series 2 in episode 16), [[RuPaul]], [[Barack Obama]], [[Jeff Bezos]], [[Tiger Woods]], [[Influenza|The Flu]],<ref name=shark/> [[Lin-Manuel Miranda]], [[Santa Claus]], and additional voices
*Luke Kempner as [[Piers Morgan]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQdRYc9y_9I|title=The Huge Reveal of Piers' Spitting Image Puppet! Will He Be Outraged?|date=2020-09-30|access-date=2021-09-25|publisher=[[Good Morning Britain (2014 TV programme)|Good Morning Britain]]}}</ref> [[Jurgen Klopp]], [[Harry Kane]] (episode 14), [[Joe Wicks (coach)|Joe Wicks]], [[Bill Gates]], [[Dominic Raab]], and [[Gary Lineker]]
*[[Luke Kempner]] as [[Piers Morgan]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQdRYc9y_9I|title=The Huge Reveal of Piers' Spitting Image Puppet! Will He Be Outraged?|date=2020-09-30|access-date=2021-09-25|publisher=[[Good Morning Britain (2014 TV programme)|Good Morning Britain]]}}</ref> [[Jürgen Klopp]], [[Harry Kane]] (episode 14), [[Joe Wicks (coach)|Joe Wicks]], [[Bill Gates]], [[Dominic Raab]], and [[Gary Lineker]]
* Daniel Barker as [[Dominic Cummings]], [[Prince William, Duke of Cambridge|Prince William]], and additional voices<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.danielbarkervo.com/news/spitting-image|title=Spitting Image - News - Daniel Barker - Voice Over Artist|date=2021-04-09|access-date=2021-09-25}}</ref>
* Daniel Barker as [[Dominic Cummings]], [[Prince William, Duke of Cambridge|Prince William]], and additional voices<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.danielbarkervo.com/news/spitting-image|title=Spitting Image - News - Daniel Barker - Voice Over Artist|date=2021-04-09|access-date=2021-09-25}}</ref>
*[[Jason Forbes]] as [[Idris Elba]], [[Marcus Rashford]], [[Lewis Hamilton]], and additional voices (series 1)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spotlight.com/9735-8943-4781|title=Spotlight|website=Spotlight.com|access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref>
*[[Jason Forbes]] as [[Idris Elba]], [[Marcus Rashford]], [[Lewis Hamilton]], and additional voices (series 1)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spotlight.com/9735-8943-4781|title=Spotlight|website=Spotlight.com|access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref>
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*[[Dane Baptiste]] as [[Marcus Rashford]] (series 2), [[Trevor McDonald]], Kanye West (series 2), Prince Harry (series 2), and [[Micah Richards]] (series 2)
*[[Dane Baptiste]] as [[Marcus Rashford]] (series 2), [[Trevor McDonald]], Kanye West (series 2), Prince Harry (series 2), and [[Micah Richards]] (series 2)
*[[Tom Stourton]]
*[[Tom Stourton]]
*[[Steve Nallon]] as The Spirit of [[Margaret Thatcher]]<ref name=shark/>
*[[Steve Nallon]] as the [[spirit (supernatural entity)|spirit]] of [[Margaret Thatcher]]<ref name=shark/>
*Esmonde Cole as [[Idris Elba]] (episode 16), Marcus Rashford (episode 16), Micah Richards (episode 16)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spotlight.com/2852-0164-7581|title=Spotlight|website=Spotlight.com|access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref>
*Esmonde Cole as [[Idris Elba]] (episode 16), Marcus Rashford (episode 16), Micah Richards (episode 16)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spotlight.com/2852-0164-7581|title=Spotlight|website=Spotlight.com|access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref>
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}
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==Production==
==Production==
In April 2017, it was reported that US broadcaster [[HBO]] was set to revive the series in light of the [[presidency of Donald Trump]]. However, no immediate official confirmation or announcement was made.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/news/2543/spitting_image_usa/|title=HBO to make Spitting Image series|date=22 April 2017|work=[[British Comedy Guide]]|access-date=15 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016021551/https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/news/2543/spitting_image_usa/|archive-date=16 October 2017}}</ref> In September 2019, the show was confirmed to be returning to screens twenty-three years after it originally ended, with the unveiling of the puppets of Trump, [[Vladimir Putin]], [[Mark Zuckerberg]], [[Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex|Prince Harry]] and [[Meghan, Duchess of Sussex|Meghan Markle]].<ref>{{cite news|first1=Esther|last1=Addley|access-date=28 September 2019|title=Look who's back: Spitting Image returns for our chaotic times|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/sep/28/spitting-image-returns-chaotic-times-trump-putin-zuckerberg|newspaper=The Guardian|date=27 September 2019|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Roger Law stated that the pilot for the new series had been filmed and that talks were in progress with US networks to take the show to a larger, global audience.<ref name="plots"/> According to Law, the revival is set to have a global appeal through a "uniquely British eye".<ref name="twentyfour"/> Originally [[NBC]] was set to distribute the series stateside, however they backed out weeks before its initial broadcast. Executive producer [[Jon Thoday]] cited their "nervousness" with the series' content as the reason for their departure.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/spitting-image-jon-thoday-nbc-1234592851/|title='Spitting Image' Producer Says NBC Backed Out Of Series Because Of "Too Much Nervousness"|first=Jake|last=Kanter|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|date=October 7, 2020|access-date=October 24, 2020}}</ref>
In April 2017, it was reported that US broadcaster [[HBO]] was set to revive the series in light of the [[First presidency of Donald Trump|presidency of Donald Trump]]. However, no immediate official confirmation or announcement was made.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/news/2543/spitting_image_usa/|title=HBO to make Spitting Image series|date=22 April 2017|work=[[British Comedy Guide]]|access-date=15 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016021551/https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/news/2543/spitting_image_usa/|archive-date=16 October 2017}}</ref> In September 2019, the show was confirmed to be returning to screens twenty-three years after it originally ended, with the unveiling of the puppets of Trump, [[Vladimir Putin]], [[Mark Zuckerberg]], [[Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex|Prince Harry]] and [[Meghan, Duchess of Sussex|Meghan Markle]].<ref>{{cite news|first1=Esther|last1=Addley|access-date=28 September 2019|title=Look who's back: Spitting Image returns for our chaotic times|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/sep/28/spitting-image-returns-chaotic-times-trump-putin-zuckerberg|newspaper=The Guardian|date=27 September 2019|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Roger Law stated that the pilot for the new series had been filmed and that talks were in progress with US networks to take the show to a larger, global audience.<ref name="plots"/> According to Law, the revival is set to have a global appeal through a "uniquely British eye".<ref name="twentyfour"/> Originally [[NBC]] was set to distribute the series stateside, however they backed out weeks before its initial broadcast. Executive producer [[Jon Thoday]] cited their "nervousness" with the series' content as the reason for their departure.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/spitting-image-jon-thoday-nbc-1234592851/|title='Spitting Image' Producer Says NBC Backed Out Of Series Because Of "Too Much Nervousness"|first=Jake|last=Kanter|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|date=7 October 2020|access-date=24 October 2020}}</ref>


The writers for the revival include [[Jeff Westbrook]], [[Al Murray]], ''[[The Windsors]]'' creators Bert Tyler-Moore and George Jeffrie, [[Bill Odenkirk]], [[David X. Cohen]], [[Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris|Jason Hazeley]], [[Keisha Zollar]], [[Patric Verrone]], [[Phil Wang]], and [[Sophie Duker]].<ref name="BritBox">{{cite news |url=https://www.itv.com/presscentre/britbox/press-releases/spitting-image-lands-britbox-uk-3rd-october-2020|title=Spitting Image lands on BritBox UK from 3rd October 2020| publisher=ITV Press Centre. 11 September 2020 | access-date=12 September 2020}}</ref>
The writers for the revival include [[Jeff Westbrook]], [[Al Murray]], ''[[The Windsors]]'' creators Bert Tyler-Moore and George Jeffrie, [[Bill Odenkirk]], [[David X. Cohen]], [[Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris|Jason Hazeley]], [[Keisha Zollar]], [[Patric Verrone]], [[Phil Wang]], and [[Sophie Duker]].<ref name="BritBox">{{cite news |url=https://www.itv.com/presscentre/britbox/press-releases/spitting-image-lands-britbox-uk-3rd-october-2020|title=Spitting Image lands on BritBox UK from 3rd October 2020| publisher=ITV Press Centre. 11 September 2020 | access-date=12 September 2020}}</ref>
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In an interview from July 2021, Law said that the second series would go massively over-budget like Boris Johnson's policies with full support from BritBox. He also said that the series would not be adding many new political figures, instead adding several footballers.<ref>{{Cite news|title='Spitting Image': Marcus Rashford and Gareth Southgate become puppets after Euro 2020 success|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/spitting-image-marcus-rashford-gareth-southgate-085552455.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAMsZGHGsMPKPgUg4wO-RylF7x7wJl3m5Xe_0mDwdZbWTahnhwmcAqsgDmC6bdseSCxRr6M3bYs4PhhJHtaJOKOSsg_C8Z-x553jGA1dpdvBQOp7geb02UU15-dKkJzq56DvjJaAIlK3qoAhGpyOGWiYxQfo95Sw267GF55NiWanG|last=Beasley|first=Tom|date=2021-07-23|access-date=2021-10-04|work=[[Yahoo! News]]}}</ref>
In an interview from July 2021, Law said that the second series would go massively over-budget like Boris Johnson's policies with full support from BritBox. He also said that the series would not be adding many new political figures, instead adding several footballers.<ref>{{Cite news|title='Spitting Image': Marcus Rashford and Gareth Southgate become puppets after Euro 2020 success|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/spitting-image-marcus-rashford-gareth-southgate-085552455.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAMsZGHGsMPKPgUg4wO-RylF7x7wJl3m5Xe_0mDwdZbWTahnhwmcAqsgDmC6bdseSCxRr6M3bYs4PhhJHtaJOKOSsg_C8Z-x553jGA1dpdvBQOp7geb02UU15-dKkJzq56DvjJaAIlK3qoAhGpyOGWiYxQfo95Sw267GF55NiWanG|last=Beasley|first=Tom|date=2021-07-23|access-date=2021-10-04|work=[[Yahoo! News]]}}</ref>


Following the death of [[Elizabeth II]] in September 2022, ITV made the decision to write off £9 million which had been spent on several remaining unaired episodes of ''Spitting Image''; they could not be effectively edited to remove reference to Elizabeth, and it was felt highly unlikely that they would now ever be broadcast.<ref>{{cite web |title=ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022 |url=https://www.itvplc.com/~/media/Files/I/ITV-PLC/documents/reports-and-results/annual-report-2022.pdf |website=itvplc.com |page=196| access-date=21 March 2023}}</ref>
Following the [[death of Elizabeth II]] in September 2022, ITV made the decision to write off £9 million which had been spent on several remaining unaired episodes of ''Spitting Image''; they could not be effectively edited to remove reference to Elizabeth, and it was felt highly unlikely that they would now ever be broadcast.<ref>{{cite web |title=ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022 |url=https://www.itvplc.com/~/media/Files/I/ITV-PLC/documents/reports-and-results/annual-report-2022.pdf |website=itvplc.com |page=196| access-date=21 March 2023}}</ref>


In October 2022, it was announced that the revived series had been cancelled.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sherwin |first1=Adam |title=Spitting Image has been cancelled by ITV despite national need for political satire, says star Matt Forde |url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/spitting-image-cancelled-itv-political-satire-matt-forde-1930379 |website=inews.co.uk |access-date=21 March 2023 |date=24 October 2022}}</ref>
In October 2022, it was announced that the revived series had been cancelled.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sherwin |first1=Adam |title=Spitting Image has been cancelled by ITV despite national need for political satire, says star Matt Forde |url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/spitting-image-cancelled-itv-political-satire-matt-forde-1930379 |website=inews.co.uk |access-date=21 March 2023 |date=24 October 2022}}</ref>
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| DirectedBy = Steve Bendelack, Adam Miller
| DirectedBy = Steve Bendelack, Adam Miller
| WrittenBy = Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, Laura Major, Karl Minns, Al Murray, Sarah Morgan, Nico Tatarowicz, Brona C. Titley, Bert-Tyler Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook
| WrittenBy = Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, Laura Major, Karl Minns, Al Murray, Sarah Morgan, Nico Tatarowicz, Brona C. Titley, Bert-Tyler Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|12|02|df=y}}{{Efn|Premiered on December 24th on ITV<ref name=stage>{{Cite news|title=Satire 'Spitting Image' to Make West End Debut, Lampooning U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson|url=https://variety.com/2021/legit/global/spitting-image-stage-boris-johnson-1235139584/|last=Ramachandran|first=Naman|date=2021-12-20|access-date=2021-12-20|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>}}
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|12|02|df=y}}{{Efn|Premiered on 24 December on ITV<ref name=stage>{{Cite news|title=Satire 'Spitting Image' to Make West End Debut, Lampooning U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson|url=https://variety.com/2021/legit/global/spitting-image-stage-boris-johnson-1235139584/|last=Ramachandran|first=Naman|date=2021-12-20|access-date=2021-12-20|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>}}
| LineColor = A60000
| LineColor = A60000
}}
}}
Line 451: Line 385:


==German version==
==German version==
On 16 September 2021, a German version of ''Spitting Image'' called "The Krauts' Edition", began to air on the TV channel [[Sky Group|Sky]]. The German version has new puppets, including [[Sebastian Kurz]], [[Jan Böhmermann]], [[Annalena Baerbock]], [[Karl Lauterbach]], [[Markus Lanz]], [[Heidi Klum]], [[Thomas Müller]], [[Olaf Scholz]], [[Barbara Schöneberger]], [[Armin Laschet]], and [[Adolf Hitler]]. Puppets used in the British version such as [[Angela Merkel]], [[Jürgen Klopp|Jurgen Klopp]], and [[COVID-19]], also appear in this version.<ref>{{Cite news|title=German TV version of "Spitting Image" with guest from Austria|url=https://kurier.at/kultur/medien/deutsche-ausgabe-von-spitting-image-mit-gast-sebastian-kurz-aus-oesterreich/401677926|last=Temel|first=Peter|date=2021-09-01|access-date=2021-09-25|work=[[Kurier]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEv2bm0tQQw|title=Spitting Image Krauts (German Edition) - Trailer Teaser|access-date=28 November 2021|publisher=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
On 16 September 2021, a German version of ''Spitting Image'' called ''The Krauts' Edition'' began to air on the TV channel [[Sky Group|Sky]]. The German version has new puppets, including [[Sebastian Kurz]], [[Jan Böhmermann]], [[Annalena Baerbock]], [[Karl Lauterbach]], [[Markus Lanz]], [[Heidi Klum]], [[Thomas Müller]], [[Olaf Scholz]], [[Barbara Schöneberger]], [[Armin Laschet]], and [[Adolf Hitler]]. Puppets used in the British version such as [[Angela Merkel]], [[Jürgen Klopp|Jurgen Klopp]], and [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2|Coronavirus]], also appear in this version.<ref>{{Cite news|title=German TV version of "Spitting Image" with guest from Austria|url=https://kurier.at/kultur/medien/deutsche-ausgabe-von-spitting-image-mit-gast-sebastian-kurz-aus-oesterreich/401677926|last=Temel|first=Peter|date=2021-09-01|access-date=2021-09-25|work=[[Kurier]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEv2bm0tQQw|title=Spitting Image Krauts (German Edition) - Trailer Teaser|date=20 September 2021 |access-date=28 November 2021|publisher=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>


==Stage show==
==Stage show==
A stage show titled '''''Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image Saves The World''''' opened at the [[Birmingham Repertory Theatre]] on 1 February 2023 and ran until 12 March. It was written by [[Al Murray]], [[Matt Forde]], and [[Sean Foley (director)|Sean Foley]], directed by Foley, and features characters such as Boris Johnson, Tom Cruise, King Charles III & Queen Camilia, Rishi Sunak, Michael Gove, Adele, Tyson Fury, Harry & Meghan, Stormzy, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, John Major and Margaret Thatcher, and more.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Steve |title=Spitting Image Live premiere announced : News 2022 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide |url=https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2022/06/27/51038/spitting_image_live_premiere_announced |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=www.chortle.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> New puppets made for the show include [[Suella Braverman]], [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]], [[Jacob Rees-Mogg]], [[Paddington Bear]], and [[Nigel Farage]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dillon |first=Luke |date=12 January 2023 |title=Spitting Image Live release first look photos of new puppets |url=https://www.westendtheatre.com/151450/news/show-photos/spitting-image-live-release-more-first-look-photos-of-new-puppets/ |access-date=13 January 2023 |website=WestEndTheatre}}</ref>
A stage show titled '''''[[Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical]]''''' opened at the [[Birmingham Repertory Theatre]] on 1 February 2023 and ran until 12 March. It was written by [[Al Murray]], [[Matt Forde]], and [[Sean Foley (director)|Sean Foley]], and directed by Foley.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bennett |first=Steve |title=Spitting Image Live premiere announced |url=https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2022/06/27/51038/spitting_image_live_premiere_announced |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=[[Chortle]]}}</ref> New puppets made for the show included [[Suella Braverman]], [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]], [[Jacob Rees-Mogg]], [[Paddington Bear]], and [[Nigel Farage]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dillon |first=Luke |date=12 January 2023 |title=Spitting Image Live release first look photos of new puppets |url=https://www.westendtheatre.com/151450/news/show-photos/spitting-image-live-release-more-first-look-photos-of-new-puppets/ |access-date=13 January 2023 |website=WestEndTheatre}}</ref>
On 23 March 2023, it was announced that the musical would be open at the [[Phoenix Theatre, London|Phoenix Theatre]], at London's West End, from 24th May 2023. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image the Musical|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGid6EZeFL4/ |access-date=23 March 2023 | website=YouTube}}</ref>
On 23 March 2023, it was announced that the musical would be open at the [[Phoenix Theatre, London|Phoenix Theatre]], at London's West End, from 24 May 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image the Musical|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGid6EZeFL4/ |access-date=23 March 2023 | website=YouTube| date=23 March 2023 }}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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{{Boris Johnson}}
{{Boris Johnson}}
{{Liz Truss}}
{{Rishi Sunak}}
{{Keir Starmer}}
{{Trump media}}
{{Trump media}}
{{Joe Biden}}
{{Joe Biden}}
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[[Category:Political satirical television series]]
[[Category:Political satirical television series]]
[[Category:British television shows featuring puppetry]]
[[Category:British television shows featuring puppetry]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of the British Royal Family]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of the British royal family]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of politicians]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of politicians]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of sportspeople]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of sportspeople]]
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[[Category:Cultural depictions of pop musicians]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of pop musicians]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of religious leaders]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of religious leaders]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Elizabeth II]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Charles III]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Boris Johnson]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Boris Johnson]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Barack Obama]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Donald Trump]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Donald Trump]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Joe Biden]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Joe Biden]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Kamala Harris]]
[[Category:Nancy Pelosi]]
[[Category:Mitch McConnell]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Vladimir Putin]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Vladimir Putin]]

Latest revision as of 13:39, 8 December 2024

This article is about the 2020 television series. For the original 1984–1996 series, see Spitting Image.

Spitting Image
Promotional poster for the first series featuring from L-R Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Donald Trump, Kanye West and Vladimir Putin
Genre
Created byPeter Fluck
Roger Law
Martin Lambie-Nairn
Voices of
Music byWillie Dowling
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series2
No. of episodes20
Production
Executive producersJeff Westbrook
Richard Allen-Turner
Joanna Beresford
Roger Law
Jon Thoday
Nana Hughes (Britbox)
ProducerMatt Stronge
Running time30 minutes
Production companyAvalon Television[1]
Original release
NetworkBritBox
Release3 October 2020 (2020-10-03) –
2 December 2021 (2021-12-02)

Spitting Image is a British satirical television puppet show. It is a revival of the 1984 series of the same name created by Peter Fluck, Roger Law and Martin Lambie-Nairn. Similar to the original, the series features puppet caricatures of contemporary celebrities, such as Adele, James Corden, and Kanye West, as well as public figures, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, several Conservative cabinet members such as Michael Gove, Dominic Raab and Priti Patel, and US President Donald Trump.

ITV had plans for a reboot in 2006, but these were scrapped after a dispute over the Ant & Dec puppets used to host Best Ever Spitting Image, which were created against Law's wishes.[2] In September 2019, Law announced the show would be returning with a new series.[3] It was confirmed in March 2020 that the show would return on BritBox.[4] Featuring 100 new puppets, the series debuted on 3 October that year.[5] It was renewed for a second series four days later.[6] The second series premiered on 11 September 2021.[7] The show was cancelled by ITV on 24 October 2022.[8]

Staff

[edit]

Voices

[edit]

Puppeteers

[edit]
  • Laura Bacon (series 2)
  • Warrick Brownlow-Pike
  • Dave Chapman
  • Sheila Clark
  • Philip Eason (series 1)
  • Iestyn Evans
  • Joe Greco
  • Andy Heath
  • Brian Herring
  • Matt Hutchinson
  • Mark Jefferis
  • Steven Kynman (series 1)
  • Rebecca Nagan
  • Wim Oppenheimer
  • Lynn Robertson Bruce (series 1)
  • Neil Sterenberg
  • Olly Taylor (series 1)
  • Chris Thatcher

Directors

[edit]

Writers

[edit]

Caricaturists

[edit]

Production

[edit]

In April 2017, it was reported that US broadcaster HBO was set to revive the series in light of the presidency of Donald Trump. However, no immediate official confirmation or announcement was made.[23] In September 2019, the show was confirmed to be returning to screens twenty-three years after it originally ended, with the unveiling of the puppets of Trump, Vladimir Putin, Mark Zuckerberg, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.[24] Roger Law stated that the pilot for the new series had been filmed and that talks were in progress with US networks to take the show to a larger, global audience.[3] According to Law, the revival is set to have a global appeal through a "uniquely British eye".[4] Originally NBC was set to distribute the series stateside, however they backed out weeks before its initial broadcast. Executive producer Jon Thoday cited their "nervousness" with the series' content as the reason for their departure.[25]

The writers for the revival include Jeff Westbrook, Al Murray, The Windsors creators Bert Tyler-Moore and George Jeffrie, Bill Odenkirk, David X. Cohen, Jason Hazeley, Keisha Zollar, Patric Verrone, Phil Wang, and Sophie Duker.[26]

On 4 March 2020, the show was announced to be returning on the streaming service BritBox, as its first official commission.[4] The show premiered on the service on 3 October 2020, featuring the voice talents of Billy West, Debra Stephenson, Debra Wilson, Guz Khan, Indira Varma, Jess Robinson, John DiMaggio, Lewis MacLeod, Lobo Chan, Matt Forde, and Phil LaMarr.

In an interview from July 2021, Law said that the second series would go massively over-budget like Boris Johnson's policies with full support from BritBox. He also said that the series would not be adding many new political figures, instead adding several footballers.[27]

Following the death of Elizabeth II in September 2022, ITV made the decision to write off £9 million which had been spent on several remaining unaired episodes of Spitting Image; they could not be effectively edited to remove reference to Elizabeth, and it was felt highly unlikely that they would now ever be broadcast.[28]

In October 2022, it was announced that the revived series had been cancelled.[29]

Episodes

[edit]
SeriesEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
1103 October 2020 (2020-10-03)28 November 2020 (2020-11-28)
21011 September 2021 (2021-09-11)2 December 2021 (2021-12-02)

Season 1 (2020)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
11"Episode 1"Andy De Emmony, Steve ConnellyGemma Arrowsmith, David X. Cohen, Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, George Jeffrie, F. Maxwell, Karl Minns, Tom Neenan, Bill Odenkirk, Nico Tatarowicz, Brona C. Titley, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Phil Wang, Jeff Westbrook, Keisha Zollar3 October 2020 (2020-10-03)
22"Episode 2"Andy De Emmony, Steve ConnellyDavid X. Cohen, Sophie Duker, Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, George Jeffrie, F. Maxwell, Karl Minns, Al Murray, Bill Odenkirk, Nico Tatarowicz, Brona C. Titley, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook, Keisha Zollar10 October 2020 (2020-10-10)
33"Episode 3"Andy De Emmony, Steve ConnellyDavid X. Cohen, Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, Noah James, George Jeffrie, F. Maxwell, Jordan Maxwell, Karl Minns, Al Murray, Bill Odenkirk, Nico Tatarowicz, Brona C. Titley, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Phil Wang, Jeff Westbrook, Keisha Zollar17 October 2020 (2020-10-17)
44"Episode 4"Andy De Emmony, Steve ConnellyGemma Arrowsmith, David X. Cohen, Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, Laura Major, F. Maxwell, Karl Minns, Al Murray, Bill Odenkirk, Brona C. Titley, Nico Tatarowicz, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook, Keisha Zollar24 October 2020 (2020-10-24)
55"US Election Special (Part 1)"Andy De Emmony, Steve ConnellyDavid X. Cohen, Sophie Duker, Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, George Jeffrie, F. Maxwell, Karl Minns, Al Murray, Bill Odenkirk, Brona C. Titley, Nico Tatarowicz, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook, Keisha Zollar31 October 2020 (2020-10-31)[a]
66"US Election Special (Part 2)"Andy De Emmony, Steve ConnellyDavid X. Cohen, George Jeffrie, F. Maxwell, Karl Minns, Bill Odenkirk, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook, Keisha Zollar31 October 2020 (2020-10-31)
77"Episode 7"Steve Connelly, Andy De EmmonyDavid X. Cohen, Sophie Duker, Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, George Jeffrie, F. Maxwell, Karl Minns, Al Murray, Pierre Novellie, Bill Odenkirk, Brona C. Titley, Nico Tatarowicz, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook, Keisha Zollar7 November 2020 (2020-11-07)
88"Episode 8"Steve Connelly, Andy De EmmonyGemma Arrowsmith, David X. Cohen, Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, George Jeffrie, F. Maxwell, Karl Minns, Al Murray, Tom Neenan, Bill Odenkirk, Brona C. Titley, Nico Tatarowicz, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook, Keisha Zollar14 November 2020 (2020-11-14)
99"Episode 9"Steve Connelly, Andy De EmmonyDavid X. Cohen, Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, Travis Jay, George Jeffrie, Laura Major, F. Maxwell, Karl Minns, Al Murray, Bill Odenkirk, Brona C. Titley, Nico Tatarowicz, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook, Keisha Zollar21 November 2020 (2020-11-21)
1010"Episode 10"Steve Connelly, Andy De EmmonyDavid X. Cohen, Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, George Jeffrie, Laura Major, F. Maxwell, Karl Minns, Al Murray, Bill Odenkirk, Brona C. Titley, Nico Tatarowicz, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook, Keisha Zollar28 November 2020 (2020-11-28)

Season 2 (2021)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
111"Episode 1"Steve Bendelack, Adam MillerMatt Forde, Jason Hazeley, Sarah Isaacson, Laura Major, Karl Minns, Sarah Morgan, Megan Neuringer, Bill Odenkirk, Matt Stronge, Nico Tatarowicz, Brona C. Titley, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook11 September 2021 (2021-09-11)
122"Episode 2"Adam Miller, Steve Bendelack, David SantCatherine Brinkworth, Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, Rich Fulcher, Laura Major, Karl Minns, Al Murray, Bill Odenkirk, Elizabeth V. Suggs, Nico Tatarwicz, Brona C. Titley, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook18 September 2021 (2021-09-18)
133"Episode 3"Steve Bendelack, Adam MillerCatherine Brinkworth, Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, Sarah Isaacson, George Jeffrie, Laura Major, Karl Minns, Megan Neuringer, Bill Odenkirk, Nico Tartowicz, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook, Keisha Zollar25 September 2021 (2021-09-25)
144"Episode 4"Adam Miller, Steve Bendelack, David SantCatherine Brinkworth, Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, Sarah Isaacson, Laura Major, Karl Minns, Sarah Morgan, Megan Neuringer, Bill Odenkirk, Elizabeth V. Suggs, Matt Stronge, Nico Tatarowicz, Brona C. Titley, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook, Keisha Zollar2 October 2021 (2021-10-02)
155"Episode 5"Steve Bendelack, Adam MillerCatherine Brinkworth, Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, Sarah Isaacson, Laura Major, Karl Minns, Al Murray, Megan Neuringer, Bill Odenkirk, Nico Tatarowicz, Brona C. Titley, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook, Keisha Zollar9 October 2021 (2021-10-09)
166"Episode 6"Adam Miller, Steve Bendelack, David SantCatherine Brinkworth, Matt Forde, Rich Fulcher, Jason Hazeley, Sarah Isaacson, Laura Major, Karl Minns, Sarah Morgan, Megan Neuringer, Bill Odenkirk, Nico Tatarowicz, Brona C. Titley, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook, Keisha Zollar16 October 2021 (2021-10-16)
177"Episode 7"Steve Bendelack, Adam Miller, David SantCatherine Brinkworth, Matt Forde, Rich Fulcher, Jason Hazeley, Sarah Isaacson, Laura Major, Karl Minns, Sarah Morgan, Tom Neenan, Megan Neuringer, Bill Odenkirk, Nico Tatarowicz, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook22 October 2021 (2021-10-22)
188"Halloween Special"Adam Miller, Steve Bendelack, David SantCatherine Brinkworth, Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, Sarah Isaacson, Laura Major, Karl Minns, Al Murray, Sarah Morgan, Megan Neuringer, Bill Odenkirk, Nico Tatarowicz, Brona C. Titley, Bert Tyler-Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook, Keisha Zollar30 October 2021 (2021-10-30)[b]
199"Episode 9"Steve Bendelack, Adam MillerCatherine Brinkworth, Matt Forde, Jason Hazeley, Sarah Isaacson, Laura Major, Karl Minns, Tom Neenan, Megan Neuringer, Bill Odenkirk, Matt Stronge, Nico Tatarowicz, Bert-Tyler Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook, Keisha Zollar6 November 2021 (2021-11-06)
2010"Spitting Image: Christmas Special 2021"Steve Bendelack, Adam MillerMatt Forde, Jason Hazeley, Laura Major, Karl Minns, Al Murray, Sarah Morgan, Nico Tatarowicz, Brona C. Titley, Bert-Tyler Moore, Patric M. Verrone, Jeff Westbrook2 December 2021 (2021-12-02)[c]

Reception

[edit]

The series received mixed reviews from critics. The decision to satirise Greta Thunberg garnered criticism as she was a minor at the time.[32]

Mark Lawson of The Guardian wrote approvingly in his four-out-of-five star review that "[a]dmirers of the franchise will be relieved that the revival ... has lost none of its savagery or willingness to shock."[33] Also writing for The Guardian, columnist Nesrine Malik described the new series as a "toothless performance" and the jokes "excruciatingly obvious".[34]

In his three-out-of-five star review, Ralph Jones of NME lauded the series' ability to satirise timely events, "its topicality is admirable: there are several sketches here about events that occurred as little as 12 hours before the recording. This is impressive on the radio but when puppets are involved, it’s almost breathtaking."[35]

The Economist was more mixed in their analysis, calling it "pretty tame" in light of the current political atmosphere and when compared to its 1984 predecessor, writing how "[i]n an era of cynicism and conspiracy theories, the radical act would be to make a show that celebrated public life."[36] Ed Power of The Telegraph was negative in his one-out-of-five star review pertaining to the two-part US election special, calling it "toothless" in its satire.[37]

German version

[edit]

On 16 September 2021, a German version of Spitting Image called The Krauts' Edition began to air on the TV channel Sky. The German version has new puppets, including Sebastian Kurz, Jan Böhmermann, Annalena Baerbock, Karl Lauterbach, Markus Lanz, Heidi Klum, Thomas Müller, Olaf Scholz, Barbara Schöneberger, Armin Laschet, and Adolf Hitler. Puppets used in the British version such as Angela Merkel, Jurgen Klopp, and Coronavirus, also appear in this version.[38][39]

Stage show

[edit]

A stage show titled Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical opened at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 1 February 2023 and ran until 12 March. It was written by Al Murray, Matt Forde, and Sean Foley, and directed by Foley.[40] New puppets made for the show included Suella Braverman, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Paddington Bear, and Nigel Farage.[41] On 23 March 2023, it was announced that the musical would be open at the Phoenix Theatre, at London's West End, from 24 May 2023.[42]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Spitting Image Lands On Britbox UK From 3rd October". Avalon. 11 September 2020. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
  2. ^ "Ant and Dec stunt ends 'Spitting Image' return". Digital Spy. 17 November 2006. Archived from the original on 12 September 2007.
  3. ^ a b "Spitting Image show plots return to TV after 23 years". BBC News. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  4. ^ a b c "Spitting Image to return on BritBox, 24 years after the TV show ended". BBC News. 4 March 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  5. ^ Cremona, Patrick (11 September 2020). "Spitting Image revival to debut on BritBox next month with 100 new puppets including Boris Johnson and Donald Trump". Radio Times. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
  6. ^ Katner, Jake (7 October 2020). "'Spitting Image' Renewed For Second Season By BritBox". Deadline. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  7. ^ "Spitting Image Returns: Series 2 | Spitting Image". YouTube. 15 June 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  8. ^ Sherwin, Adam (24 October 2022). "Spitting Image has been cancelled by ITV, despite national need for political satire, says star". inews.co.uk. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Hilton, Kevin (14 January 2021). "This is how The Farm put together the audio for Spitting Image". RedShark. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  10. ^ "Meet Spitting Image's new first lady : Jess Robinson is the puppet show's voice of celebrities from Gwyneth to Greta". Thejc.com. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  11. ^ "Spitting Image". Jessrobinson.co.uk. 1 October 2020. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  12. ^ "Jess Robinson September 9" "Seriously, #SpittingImage is such a dream job and I have even more characters in the new series including some more of my heroes Phoebe Waller Bridge, Olivia Colman and Jess Philips."
  13. ^ Mistlin, Alex (9 August 2021). "'They wanted my meerkat to sound like a Russian Alan Sugar' – meet TV's secret superstars". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  14. ^ "Vladimir Putin". Behindthevoiceactors.com. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  15. ^ a b "The voice of Johnson and Trump on Spitting Image". BBC News. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  16. ^ Roper, Kerri-Ann (30 October 2020). "Spitting Image star: Trump is intellectually insecure". Sunday World. PA Entertainment. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  17. ^ Gamster-Newton, Becky (8 September 2021). "7 Questions with… Matt Forde: 'To be asked to impersonate the President of the United States – you never think it's going to be you!'". BT Group. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  18. ^ "The Huge Reveal of Piers' Spitting Image Puppet! Will He Be Outraged?". Good Morning Britain. 30 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  19. ^ "Spitting Image - News - Daniel Barker - Voice Over Artist". 9 April 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  20. ^ "Spotlight". Spotlight.com. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  21. ^ "Spotlight". Spotlight.com. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  22. ^ "George Jeffrie". United Agents. 24 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  23. ^ "HBO to make Spitting Image series". British Comedy Guide. 22 April 2017. Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  24. ^ Addley, Esther (27 September 2019). "Look who's back: Spitting Image returns for our chaotic times". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  25. ^ Kanter, Jake (7 October 2020). "'Spitting Image' Producer Says NBC Backed Out Of Series Because Of "Too Much Nervousness"". Deadline. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  26. ^ "Spitting Image lands on BritBox UK from 3rd October 2020". ITV Press Centre. 11 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
  27. ^ Beasley, Tom (23 July 2021). "'Spitting Image': Marcus Rashford and Gareth Southgate become puppets after Euro 2020 success". Yahoo! News. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  28. ^ "ITV plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022" (PDF). itvplc.com. p. 196. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  29. ^ Sherwin, Adam (24 October 2022). "Spitting Image has been cancelled by ITV despite national need for political satire, says star Matt Forde". inews.co.uk. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  30. ^ Webb, Beth (15 October 2021). "'Spitting Image' returns to live TV with Halloween special". NME. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  31. ^ Ramachandran, Naman (20 December 2021). "Satire 'Spitting Image' to Make West End Debut, Lampooning U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson". Variety. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  32. ^ Chilton, Louis (23 September 2020). "Spitting Image: 'Gross and explicit' trailer for BritBox comedy series released following Greta Thunberg criticism". The Independent. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  33. ^ Lawson, Mark (2 October 2020). "Spitting Image review – welcome return for comedy that revels in giving offence". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  34. ^ Malik, Nesrine (11 October 2020). "The return of Spitting Image shows how toothless British satire has become". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
  35. ^ Jones, Ralph (3 October 2020). "'Spitting Image' review: satirical puppet show aims to shock". NME. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  36. ^ "The new "Spitting Image" will please the puppeteered more than the public". The Economist. 16 October 2020. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  37. ^ Power, Ed (31 October 2020). "Spitting Image, US Election Special, review: this toothless satire fails to land a single blow". The Telegraph. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  38. ^ Temel, Peter (1 September 2021). "German TV version of "Spitting Image" with guest from Austria". Kurier. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  39. ^ "Spitting Image Krauts (German Edition) - Trailer Teaser". YouTube. 20 September 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  40. ^ Bennett, Steve. "Spitting Image Live premiere announced". Chortle. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  41. ^ Dillon, Luke (12 January 2023). "Spitting Image Live release first look photos of new puppets". WestEndTheatre. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  42. ^ "Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image the Musical". YouTube. 23 March 2023. Retrieved 23 March 2023.

Notes

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  1. ^ Debuted on Britbox, also broadcast on ITV the same day at 10pm.
  2. ^ Premiered on BritBox and ITV at the same time at 9:30pm [30]
  3. ^ Premiered on 24 December on ITV[31]
[edit]
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