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A Comprehensive Guide to Johnny Vegas's Best TV Shows

Johnny Vegas has been a familiar face on British television for years, bringing his unique brand of humour and acting talent to a variety of shows. From chaotic antique hunting to sun-drenched Spanish resorts, his TV appearances have often been memorable. If you're looking to revisit some of his best work or discover new johnny vegas tv shows, this guide is for you. We'll take a look at some of the programmes that have really showcased his distinctive style.

Key Takeaways

  • Carry On Glamping saw Johnny Vegas embracing a more hands-on, entrepreneurial role, fixing up a glamping site.

  • Johnny Vegas' Little Shop Of Antiques offered a glimpse into his passion for collecting unusual items and his dealings in the antique trade.

  • Benidorm featured Johnny Vegas in a popular sitcom role, adding his comedic flair to the chaotic lives of holidaymakers and staff.

  • Podge & Rodge was an early platform where Johnny Vegas appeared, showcasing his stand-up and interview skills.

  • Johnny Vegas' career spans comedy, acting, and presenting, with his TV shows often reflecting his personal interests and evolving persona.

1. Carry On Glamping

Right then, let's talk about 'Carry On Glamping'. This was one of those shows that popped up and, honestly, it felt like a bit of a breath of fresh air. Johnny Vegas, known for his stand-up and acting, took on a whole new venture here, and it was quite something to watch.

The premise was simple: Johnny bought a dilapidated campsite and set about transforming it into a quirky, glamping destination. He wasn't just buying a business; he was pouring his heart and soul into it, often with hilarious results. You saw him wrestling with old caravans, trying to make them look appealing, and generally getting stuck into the nitty-gritty of renovation. It wasn't always pretty, but it was always entertaining.

What made it work was seeing Johnny in his element, away from the usual comedy circuit. He's got this knack for finding the humour in everyday struggles, and trying to get a campsite up and running definitely provided plenty of those. Plus, he had his trusty sidekick, Bev, who was brilliant at keeping him (somewhat) on track.

Here's a little look at what the show covered:

  • The Big Buy: The initial purchase of the rundown site and the sheer scale of the task ahead.

  • Renovation Chaos: Tackling the various structures, from static caravans to yurts, often with unexpected problems.

  • Customer Care (sort of): Welcoming the first guests and dealing with the inevitable teething issues.

  • Johnny's Vision: His unique ideas for decor and atmosphere, which were, shall we say, distinctive.

It really showed a different side to Johnny Vegas. Beyond the loud persona, you saw a man with a genuine passion for creating something unique and a surprising amount of practical (if unconventional) ideas. It was a proper labour of love, and you couldn't help but root for him.

It was a proper feel-good watch, showing that with a bit of grit and a lot of laughs, you can turn even the most unlikely of projects into something special. Definitely one for the fans who wanted to see Johnny tackle something completely different.

2. Johnny Vegas' Little Shop Of Antiques

Right then, let's talk about 'Johnny Vegas' Little Shop Of Antiques'. This was a bit of a departure, wasn't it? Instead of the usual stand-up or acting gigs, Johnny decided to open up his own antiques shop. It was set in Nantwich, and the whole idea was to see if he could actually make a go of it, turning his passion for collecting into a business. It really showed a different side to him, away from the usual boisterous persona.

He wasn't doing it alone, mind you. He had his mate Bev along for the ride, and they made a pretty good team, trundling around the country in a rather colourful van looking for treasures. You could see the genuine excitement when they found something they thought had potential. It felt quite authentic, a bit like watching Clarkson's Farm but with more bric-a-brac and less tractor trouble.

What was interesting was how Johnny approached the whole selling thing. He wasn't just about making a quick quid; it was more about the stories behind the items and what they meant to him. He'd find all sorts of oddities, from a plaster cast of John Gielgud's face to a rather questionable Miss World painting. He even admitted he could sell it because he just loved it, which says a lot about his approach to life and collecting.

Here's a peek at some of the kinds of things he might have been hunting for:

  • Vintage furniture with a bit of history

  • Unusual ceramics or artwork

  • Nostalgic memorabilia from bygone eras

  • Anything with a really good story attached

It wasn't always easy, though. You could tell that parting with some of the items was tough for him, especially when they held personal significance. He talked about how collecting things was perhaps about filling a void, maybe chasing a childhood he felt he missed out on. It gave you a real insight into his personal life and what drives him.

The whole process of setting up the shop and trying to sell items seemed to be a journey of self-discovery for Johnny. It wasn't just about the antiques themselves, but about what they represented and how they connected to his own life experiences and memories. He seemed to be emptying his heart, not just a house.

He did have a knack for spotting things with potential profit, even if they were a bit bizarre. It showed he understood the market, or at least his own unique take on it. If you're interested in seeing more of his ventures, you might want to check out Carry On Glamping for another look at his more recent projects.

3. Benidorm

Right then, let's talk about Benidorm. This was a big one for Johnny, wasn't it? He played the character of Mick Garvey, the slightly hapless but loveable holidaymaker who was always getting into scrapes.

The show really captured that classic British holiday vibe, the kind of chaos you'd expect when a load of Brits descend on the Spanish coast. It was full of larger-than-life characters and situations that were just funny because they felt so familiar, even if they were a bit over the top.

Johnny's role as Mick was a bit of a departure from some of his earlier, more anarchic comedy. He showed he could really act, bringing a warmth and a touch of vulnerability to the character, even amidst all the silliness. You could see him genuinely trying to keep his family together while everything around them was going a bit pear-shaped.

Here's a quick look at some of the Garvey family dynamics:

  • Mick Garvey (Johnny Vegas): The dad, often trying to keep things afloat.

  • Janice Garvey (Siobhan Finneran): Mick's wife, who's got her own way of dealing with things.

  • Michael Garvey (Oliver Stokes): Their son, growing up on the holiday resort.

  • Madge Harvey (Sheila Reid): Janice's mum, a force to be reckoned with.

It wasn't just about the laughs, though. The show often touched on real-life issues, like money worries and family struggles, all set against that sunny, sometimes surreal, backdrop. It made the characters feel more real, even when they were doing something completely daft.

The whole experience of being on Benidorm seemed to be a really positive step for Johnny. It allowed him to showcase his acting chops in a popular, mainstream show, reaching a whole new audience. Plus, who wouldn't want to spend time filming in sunny Spain, eh?

4. Podge & Rodge

Before Johnny Vegas became a household name for his chaotic energy in shows like Benidorm, he made an appearance on the Irish chat show, Podge & Rodge. This programme, hosted by the titular puppet characters, was known for its irreverent humour and often unpredictable interviews. Vegas, then a rising star, brought his unique brand of comedy to the show, engaging in the kind of banter that fans had come to expect. It was a chance for viewers to see him interact with a different style of comedy, one that was perhaps a bit more anarchic than his usual stand-up gigs.

He met his now ex-wife, Maia Dunphy, when he was in Dublin to do Podge & Rodge. She worked on the show and interviewed him for a magazine, and they hit it off straight away. It just goes to show that sometimes, work can lead to unexpected personal connections, even if the relationship doesn't last. It's a testament to the unpredictable nature of life, and perhaps a little bit of the magic that happens when you put yourself out there.

  • Vegas's appearance on the show highlighted his quick wit.

  • He engaged in lively discussions with the puppet hosts.

  • The interview provided a glimpse into his developing comedic persona.

  • It was during this time in Dublin that he met Maia Dunphy, who would later become his wife [0db3].

The dynamic between Vegas and the Podge & Rodge hosts was a memorable one, showcasing his ability to adapt his humour to various formats and personalities. It was a brief but significant stop on his journey through the entertainment world.

So, What's Next for Johnny Vegas?

Looking back at all the shows we've covered, it's pretty clear Johnny Vegas has had a career with plenty of ups and downs, but always with that unmistakable spark. From his early, wilder days to his more recent, settled life as a dad and husband, he's shown he's more than just a comedian. Whether he's making us laugh on screen or surprising us with his acting chops, there's always something interesting happening. It’ll be good to see what he gets up to next, whether it’s more telly, maybe some more of that antique hunting, or just enjoying family life. One thing’s for sure, he’s left his mark on British television, and we’ll be watching to see what he does next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'Carry On Glamping' about?

'Carry On Glamping' is a TV show where Johnny Vegas tries to fix up old caravans and glamping sites. It's a bit like a DIY show but with Johnny's unique humour and style. He often finds himself in funny situations as he works on these projects.

What kind of things does Johnny Vegas collect in 'Johnny Vegas' Little Shop Of Antiques'?

In this show, Johnny collects all sorts of unusual and interesting items. He's not just after valuable antiques; he loves things with a story or a quirky charm. You'll see everything from old toys and furniture to odd bits of memorabilia that catch his eye.

Is Johnny Vegas actually in the show 'Benidorm'?

Yes, Johnny Vegas played a character called The Oracle in the popular comedy series 'Benidorm'. He was known for his psychic predictions and added a lot of laughs to the show during his time there.

What was Johnny Vegas's role in 'Podge & Rodge'?

Johnny Vegas appeared on the Irish chat show 'Podge & Rodge'. He was interviewed by the hosts, Podge and Rodge, and was known for his funny and sometimes outrageous answers, fitting right in with the show's chaotic style.

Did Johnny Vegas always want to be a comedian?

Not exactly. Before becoming the famous Johnny Vegas we know, he actually trained to be a priest! He developed the Johnny Vegas persona to help him cope with life and express himself, which eventually led him to stand-up comedy.

What's the difference between Johnny Vegas and Michael Pennington?

Michael Pennington is Johnny Vegas's real name. Johnny Vegas was an act, a character he created for his stand-up comedy. While he used to be very much 'Johnny', he has since stepped back from that persona to focus more on acting and his personal life as Michael.

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