The best of Xarabank from Friday

More than half a million televoters, 180 programmes, Lm230,000 in prizes, 30,000 guests, and scores of controversial topics have been logged during the five years of screening of the popular television programme Xarabank.

Spread over three programmes, starting from Friday, Xarabank will be screening six hours of 'the best of the best' snippets from its inception.

The Xarabank team has been busy for the last two months, carefully scouring tapes from the last five years to pick up the funniest, most controversial, touching and entertaining moments.

Snippets from certain topics which are traditionally repeated annually, will be screened during the programmes, showing the difference in attitudes and behaviour, (not to mention the hairstyles) of certain individuals.

For example, one particular feature will show Finance Minister John Dalli debating successive budgets, both when he was in opposition and then as minister.

Presenter Peppi Azzopardi said the aim of the three programmes was to give a snapshot of the programme along the years, showing those moments which have remained imprinted in viewers' minds.

What has changed?

"Nowadays we have more research, and we now have up to 15 features per programme. At the same time we have retained the same formula for satire and song.

"Xarabank has been a success story because it's about people. Five years ago, some might have originally argued that it appealed to the lower classes - but this is certainly not the case any more. Everybody, from all walks of life, watches it."

The popularity factor is amply evidenced by the fact that Xarabank has always placed first in the Broadasting Authority survey, with the last poll issued just a month ago showing that some 174,000 people watch the programme.

The programme has been boycotted by the Labour Party since the beginning of the year, but Mr Azzopardi said this has not affected the programme's popularity.

"I honestly wish this boycott would stop since we want the MLP to have a voice. And we cannot do anything to stop it since we did nothing wrong to start it," Mr Azzopardi said.