Level Up (British TV series) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Level Up |
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| Created by | BBC |
| Developed by | Pete Davies |
| Presented by | Sam Nixon Mark Rhodes Ayesha Asantewaa |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Pete Davies |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Release | |
| Original network | BBC |
| Original release | 3 April – 1 September 2006 |
Level Up was a fun UK children's TV show. It aired on CBBC and was an hour long. The show started on 3 April 2006. It took the place of another show called Xchange.
During the school year, you could watch Level Up from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM. When school was out for holidays, it aired a bit later, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
The main presenters were Mark Rhodes and Sam Nixon. They became famous after being on Pop Idol. Ayesha Asantewaa also helped on the show. She read out a section called "Glitches and Fixes." The show was broadcast live from BBC Television Centre in London.
The first series of Level Up ran for about four months. It ended on 1 September 2006. There were plans for a second series in 2007. However, this idea changed into a new show called Do Something Different.
Show Features
Level Up had many exciting parts. Here are some of the main features you could see on the show:
Infoburst
In "Infoburst," Sam and Mark would research answers. These answers were for questions sent in by viewers. They would then share what they found on the show.
The Techno Timeline
This feature took Sam and Mark back in time. It helped explain old technology. It also looked at new tech that might appear in the future.
Have-a-go
Viewers could send in short videos. These videos showed off their special skills, like playing an instrument or a sport. If chosen, the viewer would come to the studio. Sam and Mark would then try to do that skill themselves. The viewer would pick who was best. They also made a video of tips for their skill. This video was put on the Level Up website. Sam was the overall winner of this challenge.
60 Seconds of Newsround
CBBC's news show, Newsround, was part of Level Up. A short news update was shown around 7:45 AM. This kept viewers up-to-date with the latest news.
Instant Message
This section answered a specific question. Viewers would share their thoughts on the show's message board. Some of the best answers were then read out live on the show.
Billions Things
These were short, funny video clips. They gave ideas for things to do if you were feeling bored.
R8 Your M8
Two friends, or 'mates,' would choose from different 'missions.' They earned points for completing these missions. Six points could win a special V.I.P. visit to the Level Up studio. Missions included funny tasks like feeding a giraffe or dancing in a silly costume.
The Cheat Bros
Sam and Mark would give 'advice' on different topics. These topics included acting, moving to secondary school, or playing football.
Player 2 Ready
Viewers could send in videos about their interests. This could be about a club they joined or a sport they played.
The Next Level
This feature was a competition for viewers. If you were interested in a certain job, you could enter. The winner got to try out that job in real life. Examples included marine biology or being a sports commentator.
The Next Level Jobs
Here are some of the jobs children got to try through "The Next Level":
- Fashion Designer
- Cook
- Dog Trainer
- Sports Commentator
- Radio Journalist
- Games Demonstrator
- Archaeologist
- Holiday Rep
- Film director
- Marine Biologist
Young Experts
Sam and Mark often got help from young experts. These experts knew a lot about a specific field. They were a big part of the show. Sometimes, they would even present a section live with Sam and Mark. They would explain how viewers could get involved.
For example, Sarah, an environmental expert, encouraged viewers to be more eco-friendly. Rishi, the technology expert, shared news about the latest tech.
Here are some of the experts who appeared on the show:
- Technology: Rishi
- Environment: Sarah Bowler
- Fashion: Imogen
- Film: Ollie
- Sport: Stuart
- Dance: Matthew Evan Garrett
- Music: Jack
- Books: Maxine Felicity Stride
- Animals: Peter Cooper
- Cooking: Blessing
- Gardening: Emily
- Science: Alex, Alex and Alex (also known as Alex cubed)
Interestingly, two of these 'experts' also took part in "The Next Level" work experience part of the show.
The Gamers
In each episode, three of twelve special 'gamers' were contacted. They chatted from their homes using a webcam and Skype. Sometimes the connection would cut out for a moment.
The gamers joined in discussions and were given challenges. They also helped with the "Glitches and Fixes." They even made video diaries of their special trips or holidays.
The twelve gamers from the first series were:
- Maria
- Avijit
- Callam
- Chloe
- Eleanor
- Lauren
- Rhys
- Naomi
- Ryan
- Alice
- Bradley
- Sam
Sam won a competition to become the 12th Gamer.
The Gamer Weekender
The Gamer Weekender was a special event. Level Up organized a fun weekend for all the gamers to meet. It included challenges that tested their logic, teamwork, and competitive skills. There were prizes at the end.
For each team challenge they won, gamers got 'creds.' These were heavy weights. They used the 'creds' to try and raise the water level in a tall clear cylinder. The gamers almost didn't make it, but they got another chance. Finally, they raised the water level high enough to win. Their prize was a ride in a limousine, a helicopter flight, and a barbecue cooked by Sam & Mark!
Glitches and Fixes
Glitches and Fixes was a popular part of the show. Ayesha Asantewaa would sort through 'glitches' and 'fixes.'
What were Glitches?
'Glitches' were problems that viewers sent in. They could send them as a text message or a video.
What were Fixes?
'Fixes' were suggestions from other viewers. They would phone, text, or email their ideas to solve the 'glitches.' The best 'fixes' were put on the show's website. Other viewers could then vote on their top five favorite solutions.
Group Glitches
Group glitches were problems sent in by a group of people. This could be friends or a club. These glitches usually needed more effort to 'fix' than regular ones. To help, Level Up would send a 'pro-gamer.' This was someone who was an expert in the area of the glitch. For example, if a girls' football club sent in a glitch, Level Up might send one of England's top women's football players to help them.
