The idea was created by Jonathan King for Channel 4 as a way to introduce new presenters and was featured in his newspaper column of the time in The Sun to seek applicants.

He then moved the project, before it began, to BBC2 which was broadcasting his Entertainment USA series.

In its final series, in addition to Baker and Powell, presenters were chosen from around the country to represent different regions.

Each music track ran for 90 seconds so as to appeal to viewers who liked them without alienating those who didn't.

At its peak, the series was the top-rated show on BBC2 and had up to six million weekly viewers.