Lingo

Manchester’s newest reality‑competition, Family Face‑Off, is hosted by the ever‑cheeky Adil Ray. The line‑up is a proper mix of northern families: mum‑daughter duo Adele and Molly from Manchester, a Stoke‑on‑Trent pair, Anita and Alex, and the Leeds sisters Dominique and Tahiela. They’re all thrown into a series of quirky challenges that test teamwork, quick‑thinking and, inevitably, how well they can laugh at each other’s blunders. The episode rolls out like a cross between The Great British Bake Off and Taskmaster, only the tasks are a lot messier. First up the teams have to build a makeshift raft from supermarket cardboard and then race it down a local canal while answering pop‑culture trivia. Next they’re stuck in a “DIY escape room” where the clues are hidden inside giant inflatable pumpkins. The format is simple enough to follow, and the banter between contestants keeps the pace lively, even if a few of the games feel a touch contrived. Honestly, it’s not groundbreaking, but it’s surprisingly good fun if you enjoy watching ordinary people get a bit mental under pressure. The chemistry between Adele and Molly is the highlight – their mother‑daughter ribbing feels genuine. The production values are modest; some of the set pieces look a bit ropy, and the editing can linger on awkward silences. Still, the show’s charm lies in its down‑to‑earth humour, which feels more authentic than the glossy polish of Love Island. Rated U, with mild language and a few moments of slapstick that could startle very young kids. First terrestrial broadcast this Thursday at 8 pm on BBC One, it slots in after the news, so you can catch it without needing a streaming subscription. If you’re after a light‑hearted, region‑spanning slice of British life, give it a go – just don’t expect any high‑stakes drama.