Bondiplus back on screen

Bondiplus kicks off on TVM tonight with the delicate topic of paedophilia, airing exclusive interviews with six men who allege they were sexually abused by priests at a Church home.

Fr Silvio Bezzina MSSP, director of the institute in question, is also appearing on the programme which will start after the news on TVM.

The programme will be split in two parts, with next week's show delving into the broader legal, religious and ethical issues as well as providing further testimonies of alleged sexual abuse.

The programme this season kicks off with a new face alongside Lou Bondì - journalist Rachel Attard, 23.

"She's only three years older than my eldest daughter Vanessa. I feel so old and decrepit next to her," says Mr Bondi.

However, there's more to Ms Attard than a pretty young face. She has worked as a journalist with RTK for the last three years and has just graduated from university with a degree in sociology. She also has a long track record in voluntary work, going abroad six times to help disadvantaged people.

What can we expect from Bondiplus this television season? "The programme will have a main topic, as in the past," says Mr Bondì.

"But we are introducing other elements which would be unrelated to it, including musical videos. This should give the Bondiplus programme more of a magazine feel than before. I hope it works."

Mr Bondì shrugs when asked whether the removal of the MLP boycott will affect the programme.

"With or without the boycott we continued to do our job and viewers seem to have appreciated our efforts. In fact, our viewership increased when the boycott was in force. All I can say now is that it will be a pleasure to welcome back representatives of the MLP to Bondiplus."