FORMER First Minister Alex Salmond’s reprise of a Rev IM Jolly-type character in his RT television show has been viewed by more than 100,000 people in just a few days over Christmas.
The comic broadcast, dedicated to the memory of the original Rev Jolly, played by the late Rikki Fulton, attracted more than 7000 views on YouTube and has been watched by a further 100,000 people on Facebook.
Salmond first played the part of the lugubrious Kirk minister – who will return for another appearance today – for BBC Children in Need in 2008, and the latest incarnation has already attracted twice the total YouTube audience of his last Christmas message as First Minister in 2013.
As would be expected from Salmond, the sketch ends with the hope of a second independence referendum, though it may lose something in translation as the cleric character exhorts us “not to be such tubes (choobs) next time round”.
Salmond said: “There may be a lesson here in the art of festive political communication. The Rev Jolly character was made famous by the late, great Rikki Fulton and is still remembered with great affection as a New Year institution.
“I do it as the Very Reverend Former First Minister and he pokes gentle humour at just about everybody, especially myself. At any rate, there has been a great reaction to the Christmas Special.
“For the Hogmanay Show today we will give the Rev another outing. Last week he looked back to the auld year with complete gloom. This week he looks forward in total despondency.
“It is a cracker of a show with Judy Murray, Gerard Burns and Des Clarke joining in the fun along with Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh and myself.
“It is based at the Principal Edinburgh George Street Hotel and I appear throughout in full Highland regalia – except, of course, when I don that famous dog collar.”
The Alex Salmond Show is broadcast on RT International Thursday at 7.30am, 6.30pm, 11.30pm GMT on Freeview 234, Freesat 206 and Sky 512.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel