Features / Doorstep Sport TV
When Maggsy met George
Sitting in a t-shirt, jacket and pair of tight red pants, Neil Maggs isn’t your average political interviewer.
But the award-winning Bristol sports journalist, turned comic star is back on the small screen regardless – and this time he has former mayor George Ferguson in his sights.
Maggsy’s now-legendary spoof interviews have seen him wash dishes with UFC fighter Nad Narimani, challenge world champion boxer Lee Haskins to a painting competition, play Monopoly with Bristol City vice chair Jon Lansdown and take on former Liverpool and Bristol Rovers player Nick Tanner in a pint downing competition.
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His first foray into the world of politics was a comedy interview with mayor Marvin Rees.
Following that success, he decided to take on Rees’ old foe, former mayor Ferguson.
“I’m not very comfortable with this,” are the first words uttered by Ferguson, as the camera pans over to Maggsy, sitting in his tight red pants.
“You wear red trousers, I wear red pants,” comes the reply – a comic take off of the former mayor’s famed penchant for red trousers.
“I like the fact that people aren’t sure of this is serious or not,” Maggs tells Bristol24/7. “The guests are usually aware to a degree, but I don’t tell them what will happen. It’s the reactions that make it.’
“After sport stars, I have branched into world of politicians and media people. In some ways, it’s funnier to see them in these situations.
“George was up for it, and was a great sport. Not sure he realised fully what it was about, but he soon caught on. He insisted I put my trousers back on though.”
Maggs, who is a regular contributor to Bristol24/7’s sports section, works to shine a light on grassroots sports and projects across Bristol.
His TV show, Doorstep Sport, which aired on Made in Bristol TV, is about community sport, delivered in a comedic way and features a series of silly challenges.
Maggs also has a comedy spoof chat show alongside local film maker and founder of Shunk Films Paul Holbrook. It is exclusive to Amazon prime.
Guests so far include Bristol-born actor Joe Sims, famed for his role on hit drama Broadchurch, and next up is Ewen MacIntosh, aka Big Keith from The Office, with some more big names lined up.
Read more: When Maggsy met Marv
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