fbpx
Wikipedia

Lads' Army

Lads' Army (known in later series as Bad Lads' Army, Bad Lads' Army: Officer Class and Bad Lads' Army: Extreme) was a reality game show that constitutes a historically derived social experiment. Shown on ITV, the series is based on the premise of subjecting today's delinquent young men to the conditions of conscripts to British Army National Service of the 1950s to see if this could rehabilitate them.

Lads' Army
Also known asBad Lads' Army (2004)
Bad Lads' Army: Officer Class (2005)
Bad Lads' Army: Extreme (2006)
GenreReality Game show
Voices ofKevin Whately (2002)
Dennis Waterman (2004–06)
ComposerDaniel Pemberton
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series4
No. of episodes32
Production
Running time60 minutes (inc. adverts)
Production companyTwenty Twenty
Original release
NetworkITV
Release3 June 2002 (2002-06-03) –
29 August 2006 (2006-08-29)

The programme was derived from an earlier one called simply Lads' Army (a play on Dad's Army) in which a number of volunteers underwent four weeks of basic training for 1950s National Service. Unlike the three sequel series (the ones whose titles began with "Bad"), the original programme's experiment was merely to see if 18- to 24-year-old members of the modern British public could cope with the 1950s training, and how they compared to the public of that period. The success of the original series led to the experiment being repeated with the recruits having committed criminal offences, often given the option to undergo the training by courts as an alternative to serving pending sentences, to explore the proposition that it would be beneficial to reinstate National Service for petty criminals and delinquents as an alternative to more conventional sentences. Series 4 raised the maximum age to 26.

The narrator for the first series was Kevin Whately, then Dennis Waterman took over until the show ended in 2006. Within each series a small number of the recruits have either walked out (after a 24-hour cooling off period), or been ejected. The majority of the remainder claim some benefit from the experience and some have chosen the regular British Army as a career at the end of it.

Format edit

 
Browndown Training Camp in Hampshire, home of Lads' Army and Bad Lads' Army: Officer Class

The programme format is relatively simple. The recruits are issued period uniforms and equipment and fed, quartered and trained according to the standards of the era. Their free time is limited to visits to the NAAFI with period refreshments and facilities. The recruits form a single platoon made up of two sections, each under the care of a section commander, either Richard Nauyokas or Joe Murray (in series 3 Nauyokas was replaced by Glenn Thomas [who appeared as the Company Sergeant Major in series 2], although he still appeared as a relief corporal). During training the sections compete against each other, building a sense of competition but also of teamwork and loyalty. Success brings modest rewards. Praise is given for whole-hearted attempts at tasks. The NCOs and officers running the training are all, or have been, professional British soldiers.

Each series had a slightly different format to its predecessors, although the theme of 1950s military training is common to all series. The 3rd series (known as Bad Lads' Army: Officer Class) had the volunteers train to become officers while the 4th series (known as Bad Lads' Army Extreme) had the volunteers train to become paratroopers.

Series 1 to 3 had included interviews with celebrities who had completed National Service in the 1950s, including Joss Ackland, Michael Aspel, William Roache, Brian Blessed, Richard Briers, Paul Daniels, Frederick Forsyth, Bernard Manning, Nosher Powell, Andrew Sachs and Brian Sewell. During re-airings of the first series, the interviews were edited out.

Contestants edit

Series 1 (Lads' Army, 2002) edit

Waterloo Platoon NCO's and Officers

Rank/Name: Role: Experience:
LCPL Andy Thurgood Platoon Medic Royal Army Medical Corps
CPL Richard Nauyokas 1 Section NCO Royal Army Ordnance Corps
CPL Joe Murray 2 Section NCO Parachute Regiment
CPL Taff Gillingham Q/M NCO Logistics
CPL John Goodwin PTI PTI
CPL Neil Sawell PTI PTI
SGT John Roberts Drill SGT/"3 Section NCO" British Army Infantry
SGT Mark Sullivan Platoon SGT Recruit Instructor
WO2 Colin Coull Company SGT Major Scots Guards
CAPT Richard Owen Platoon Commander Parachute Officer
Padre David Rindell Padre Royal Army Chaplain's Department

Waterloo Platoon recruits edit

1 Section
CPL Richard Nauyokas
Ages Occupation Status 2 Section
CPL Joe Murray
Ages Occupation Status
Ade Adebayo 21 (1981) University Student PASSED OUT Paul Claydon 20 (1982) Unemployed LEFT
William Bate 19 (1982) Computer Engineer PASSED OUT Steve Daly 21 (1981) Sales Manager PASSED OUT
John Cooke 23 (1979) Construction Site Manager PASSED OUT Paul Eagle 22 (1980) Labourer PASSED OUT
Jodie Copeland 24 (1977) Customer Service Executive PASSED OUT Tony Ellis 22 (1980) Unemployed PASSED OUT
Jamie Dodd 23 (1978) Musician/Pub Cellarman LEFT David Gardner 20 (1981) Gardener PASSED OUT
Matthew Faulkner 21 (1981) Finance Administrator PASSED OUT Gordon Hamilton 21 (1981) Club Bouncer PASSED OUT
Michael Honzick 18 (1984) Design Student PASSED OUT Chris Hampson 21 (1981) Genetics Student LEFT
Ross Pitman 21 (1980) Research Executive PASSED OUT Daniel Harrison 24 (1978) Unemployed PASSED OUT
Kenny Poulter 19 (1983) Postman PASSED OUT Nicholas Holbrook 22 (1980) Business Researcher PASSED OUT
Thomas Rossiter 18 (1984) School Student PASSED OUT Alex Kingsy 19 (1983) Law Student PASSED OUT
Nicholas Sandford 23 (1979) Personal Trainer LEFT Aaron Larson 20 (1982) Actor LEFT
John-Paul Watts 24 (1977) Unemployed PASSED OUT Peter Leyland 23 (1978) Mechanical Engineer PASSED OUT
Tom Woolfe 22 (1979) Rugby Coach LEFT Dan Neal 22 (1979) Bartender PASSED OUT
William Wood 22 (1980) University Student LEFT Thomas O' Hanlon 21 (1980) Unemployed PASSED OUT
Lee Wooten 21 (1981) University Student LEFT Adam Spires 20 (1981) Needlecrafter PASSED OUT
James Willingham 20 (1982) University Student PASSED OUT Samuel Webb 23 (1978) Warehouse Technician PASSED OUT
Key:
  • PASSED OUT = Recruit was present at the final stages of training, at the Passing Out Parade.
  • LEFT = Recruit quit or was discharged before making it to the final parade.

Series overview edit

David Gardner received the "Best Recruit" award, James Willingham was awarded the platoons "Most Improved Recruit". 2 Section won "Best Section".

During the series, Tom Woolfe was dishonourably discharged/back squadded from the camp. Paul Claydon, Lee Wooten, and Chris Hampson chose to leave voluntarily. Nicholas Sandford deserted the base and never returned to camp. Jamie Dodd and Aaron Larson were medically discharged from the camp. William Wood's exit is unknown as his exit never aired.

After William Wood and Paul Clayden left, William Bate and Paul Eagle were drafted in as replacement recruits.

Captain Richard Owen, Waterloo Platoon's CO, died after the filming of the series in 2014, at age 48. He is said to have died from cancer.[1]

The main filming location for series one was Browndown Training Camp at Lee-on-Solent.

Series 2 (Bad Lads' Army, 2004) edit

Montgomery Platoon NCO's and Officers

Rank/Name: Role: Experience:
CPL Richard Nauyokas 1 Section NCO Royal Army Ordnance Corps
CPL Joe Murray 2 Section NCO Parachute Regiment
CPL Taff Gillingham Q/M NCO Logistics
CPL Mark Sheridan PTI PTI
CPL John Goodwin PTI PTI
CPL Kevin Smith Platoon Medic Royal Army Medical Corps
CPL Timothy Dean Provost CPL Military Police
CPL James Lance Provost CPL Military Police
CPL Taff Gillingham Q/M NCO Logistics
SGT Jeff Edwards Provost SGT Royal Army Ordanance Corps
SGT Alistair Rae Platoon SGT Royal Army Ordanance Corps,Training Instructor
SGT Mark Sullivan Drill SGT Recruit Instructor
WO2 Glen Thomas Company SGT Major Sandhurst Officer
CAPT Henry Dodds Platoon Commander Royal Engineers
Padre David Rindell Padre Royal Army Chaplain's Department

Montgomery Platoon recruits edit

1 Section
CPL Richard Nauyokas
Ages Occupation Status 2 Section
CPL Joe Murray
Ages Occupation Status
Tjobbe Andrew 22 (1982) Website Designer PASSED OUT Chris Andrew 21 (1982) Unemployed PASSED OUT
Marcus Birks 23 (1981) Unemployed PASSED OUT Michael Blackham 19 (1985) Unemployed PASSED OUT
David Butler 21 (1983) Joiner PASSED OUT Alan Brown 23 (1981) Unemployed LEFT
Shaun Carr 18 (1986) Student PASSED OUT Luke Brown 23 (1981) Unemployed LEFT
Peter Cray 23 (1980) Actor PASSED OUT Chris Davis 18 (1986) Student PASSED OUT
Ashley Cummings 18 (1986) Student LEFT Damien Ellis 23 (1980) Graduate PASSED OUT
Matthew Gilks 21 (1982) Builder PASSED OUT Daniel Kett 21 (1982) Civil Engineer LEFT
Robert Grundy 19 (1984) Unemployed PASSED OUT Michael Lowes 22 (1982) Salesperson PASSED OUT
Chris Harkin 18 (1986) Unemployed PASSED OUT Alex Rennie 24 (1979) Unemployed PASSED OUT
John Kyprianou 23 (1980) Barman PASSED OUT Shingi Sekerama 19 (1985) Unemployed PASSED OUT
Mark Lamont 20 (1985) Unemployed PASSED OUT Robert Shutler 22 (1983) Student PASSED OUT
Ashley Morton 21 (1983) Landscape Gardener LEFT Scott Simpson 18 (1986) Unemployed LEFT
Wil Moynihan 20 (1983) Barman PASSED OUT Wayne Spiller 24 (1980) Student PASSED OUT
Hassan Murtada 24 (1979) Scaffolder PASSED OUT Christopher Townsend 20 (1983) Barman/Student LEFT
Robert Pembrook 19 (1984) Unemployed PASSED OUT Richard Weaver 20 (1984) Cinema Team Leader PASSED OUT
N/A N/A N/A N/A Stilianos Xidakis 18 (1985) High School Student PASSED OUT
Key
  • PASSED OUT = Recruit was present at the final stages of training, at the Passing Out Parade.
  • LEFT = Recruit quit or was discharged before making it to the final parade.

Series overview edit

Tjobbe Andrews, Matthew Gilks and Robert Shutler were given Officer Recommendations. This would be the goal of the following series. John Kyprianou received the Platoon's Top Shot (the highest score in the shooting range). Marcus Birks received the Best Recruit award at the Pass Out Parade, with Robert Pembrook receiving the Most Improved award. 2 Section won Best Section. With 2 Section winning best section, CPL Murray was promoted to SGT at the Passing Out Parade.

Luke Brown and Ashley Morton were dishonourably discharged. Morton was the only recruit to receive a dishonourable discharge for committing a criminal offence, namely an unprovoked assault on John Kyprianou, who decided not to press charges. Scott Simpson, Daniel Kett and Chris Townsend chose to leave voluntarily. Ashley Cummings and Alan Brown's status' are unknown, as how they were discharged was never specified. Alan Brown also did not turn up on the first day due to a scheduled court appearance; he received a conditional discharge in connection with a fight that he had previously been involved in, with the requirement that he complete National Service.

After Scott Simpson quit before even being issued a single item of kit or his uniform, Alex Rennie was drafted in as a replacement recruit. At the time of the series release, there was speculation that Tom Woolfe from the first series who was back squadded was set to return but never did for unknown reasons. This is heavily suspected, as there was no replacement for 1 Section after Ashley Cummings left and Woolfe was in 1 Section during the first series, however, to this date, nothing has been confirmed.

After the filming of the series, Michael Lowes suffered from clinical depression after facing indecent exposure charges, and was found dead in his home from an apparent suicide in 2010, at age 28.[2] SGT Alistair Rae, the platoon sergeant for Montgomery, Churchill and Pegasus Platoons, died in November 2020 due to complications from COVID-19,[3] as did contestant Marcus Birks in 2021, at the age of 40.[4]

The main filming location for series two was at New Zealand Farm Camp on Salisbury Plain.

Series 3 (Bad Lads' Army: Officer Class, 2005) edit

Churchill Platoon NCO's and Officers

Rank/Name: Role: Experience:
CPL Glenn Thomas 1 Section NCO Sandhurst Officer
CPL Joe Murray 2 Section NCO Parachute Regiment
CPL Taff Gillingham Q/M NCO Logistics
CPL Richard Nauyokas Relief NCO Royal Army Ordnance Corps
CPL John Goodwin PTI PTI
CPL Gary Nash PTI PTI
CPL Joseph Hoodless Platoon Admin Royal Marines
CPL Kevin Smith Platoon Medic Royal Army Medical Corps
CPL Timothy Dean Provost CPL Military Police
CPL James Lance Provost CPL Military Police
CPL Taff Gillingham Q/M NCO Logistics
SGT Timothy Weston Provost SGT Grenadier Guards
SGT Alistair Rae Platoon SGT Training Instructor
WO2 Julian Whatley Company SGT Major Regimental SGT Major
CAPT Harry Lort Phillips Platoon Commander Officer
MAJ Henry Dodds Company Commander Royal Engineers
Padre David Rindell Padre Royal Army Chaplain's Department

Churchill Platoon recruits edit

1 Section (Blue)
NCO – CPL Glen Thomas
Ages Occupation Officer Potential 2 Section (Red)
NCO – CPL Joe Murray
Ages Occupation Officer Potential
Tim Bailey 22 (1983) Unemployed YES Darren Adams 19 (1986) Student NO
Carl Bedford 20 (1985) Unemployed NO Ross Barrett 20 (1984) Unemployed Novelist/Barman NO
Chris Danns 24 (1981) Unemployed NO Steven Bedford 20 (1984) Unemployed LEFT
Aaron Groom 23 (1981) Unemployed NO Ben Hains 21 (1984) Painter Decorator NO
Les Harvey 18 (1987) Royal Marine Dropout/Stock Taker NO Darren Hardman 22 (1982) Unemployed YES
Jack Kendall 21 (1984) Scaffolder NO Rifat Hassan 22 (1982) Security Guard YES
Simon Magil 22 (1982) Unemployed YES David Johnstone 24 (1980) Web Designer NO
Garry Miller 20 (1985) Office Junior YES Jonathan McDade 18 (1987) Student YES
Adam Oakley 19 (1986) Royal Mail Sorter LEFT Simon Pietkewitz 23 (1983) Unemployed YES
Robert Page 20 (1984) Drivers Mate YES Benjamin Priestman 22 (1982) Unemployed NO
Simon Pinkney 23 (1981) Actor/Dancer LEFT Matthew Rawlings 24 (1980) Boxer NO
James Roberts 20 (1984) Tyre Fitter YES Haydn Russell 21 (1984) Sales Temp NO
Robert Schofield 21 (1983) Unemployed NO Rocco Scalercio 20 (1985) Unemployed NO
Dale Tate 22 (1983) Unemployed LEFT Taisen Coree-Smith 24 (1981) Unemployed NO
Matthew Tate 24 (1980) Unemployed LEFT Adrian Turton 24 (1980) Technician LEFT
Wesley Worrall 21 (1983) Unemployed LEFT Kirk Woodend 21 (1984) Stripper/Porn Actor LEFT
Key
  • YES = Recruit was selected for officer training.
  • NO = Recruit was not selected for officer training.
  • LEFT = Recruit left the series, either voluntarily, due to being dishonourably discharged or a medical discharge.

Series overview edit

The Passing Out Parade never stated who received "Best Recruit", or "Most Improved Recruit", as well as which Section were the winners overall. This is the only season that had no contestants born in the 1970s.

Wesley Worrall, Steven Bedford, and Matthew Tate were dishonourably discharged from the camp, Kirk Woodend chose to leave voluntarily and Adam Oakley was medically discharged. Dale Tate (Matthew Tate's brother) deserted the section and never returned to the Platoon; his brother deserted with him, but later returned. Matthew Tate was dishonorably discharged for hiding 8 shillings (the remainder of his wages from the second week), and wrongly accusing the platoon of stealing said money. Simon Pinkney and Adrian Turton left the camp, however their exits were never aired.

After Wesley Worrall and Steven Bedford were discharged, Chris Danns and Matthew Rawlings were drafted in, as replacement recruits.

Robert Page initially was selected for officer training but quit before training began and was forced to return to unit.

At the end of the final episode, the narrator stated that 11 of 24 who passed out had subsequently applied to join the regular British Army.

Robert Page died after the filming of the series in 2020 at age 36. His cause is unknown.

The main filming location for series three was again at Browndown Training Camp at Lee-on-Solent.

Series 4 (Bad Lads' Army: Extreme, 2006) edit

Pegasus Platoon NCO's and Officers

Rank/Name: Role: Experience:
LCPL Susan Tucker Company Clerk Royal Army Ordnance Corps
LCPL JJ Adams Assistant Medic Royal Air Force
CPL Richard Nauyokas 1 Section NCO Royal Army Ordnance Corps
CPL Joe Murray 2 Section NCO Parachute Regiment
SGT Taff Gillingham Q/M NCO Logistics
CPL John Newton PTI Parachute Regiment
CPL Jim Bush PTI Parachute Regiment
CPL Alex Bohanna Platoon Medic Royal Army Medical Corps
CPL Kevin Smith Assistant Medic Royal Army Medical Corps
CPL Timothy Dean Provost CPL Military Police
CPL James Lance Provost CPL Military Police
SGT Taff Gillingham Q/M NCO Logistics
SGT Timothy Weston Provost SGT Grenadier Guards
SGT Alistair Rae Platoon SGT Training Instructor
WO2 Julian Whatley Company SGT Major Regimental SGT Major
CAPT Henry Dodds Platoon Commander Royal Engineers

Pegasus Platoon recruits edit

Blue Section
NCO – CPL Richard Nauyokus
Ages Occupation Final Jump Selection Red Section
NCO – CPL Joe Murray
Ages Occupation Final Jump Selection
Jamie Brooks 21 (1984) NO James Bourne 23 (1983) Unemployed YES
Samuel Bruce Angland 21 (1984) Security Guard NO Chris Coad 22 (1984) Unemployed NO
Keith Burke 19 (1987) Unemployed LEFT Aiden Chaffe 18 (1988) Unemployed NO
Colin Elliot 23 (1983) Unemployed LEFT Andrew Findley 24 (1981) Teaching Assistant NO
Mark Grimes 26 (1979) Unemployed NO Luke Howard 18 (1987) LEFT
Sebastian Judd 21 (1985) YES Kyle Jensen 22 (1983) Roofer YES
Raymond Impey 21 (1985) Unemployed LEFT Andrew Jimson 25 (1981) Unemployed LEFT
Phillip Lee-Hodgeson 20 (1985) NO Darren McDonald 26 (1980) Fitness Instructor LEFT
Adam Mercer 25 (1981) Unemployed LEFT Sean Morris 24 (1981) YES
Luke Moyes 19 (1986) LEFT Shaz Nawaz 23 (1982) Security Guard YES
Joe Peto 18 (1988) YES Jerry Reilly 25 (1980) NO
Matthew Reed 18 (1988) University Student/Riot Leader LEFT Joe Renwick 19 (1986) NO
Giles Walker 25 (1980) LEFT Leon Thompson 20 (1986) LEFT
Steven Walker 22 (1983) YES Jamie Smeadly 21 (1984) Plasterer NO
Gavin Woodhouse 21 (1985) Unemployed YES Robin Woodfourth 22 (1983) Unemployed YES
Joel Whittaker 24 (1982) LEFT Tyrone Walsh 26 (1979) NO
Key
  • YES = Recruit was selected for the Final Parachute Jump
  • NO = Recruit was not selected for Final Parachute Jump.
  • LEFT = Recruit left the series, either voluntarily, due to being dishonourably discharged or a medical discharge.

Series overview edit

The Passing Out Parade never stated who received "Best Recruit", or "Most Improved Recruit". Blue Section was the winning section.

Colin Elliot was Dishonourably Discharged from the camp. Keith Burke, Adam Mercer, Joel Whittaker, and Andrew Jimson were dismissed on Bin Day, just before the interrogation phase. Giles Walker, Leon Thompson, Luke Howard, Matthew Reed, Raymond Impey, Darren McDonald, and Luke Moyes were all dismissed from the camp but their exits never aired. This series features a high amount of unusual dismissals, with 12 exits total.

After Colin Elliot and Giles Walker were discharged, Joe Peto and Steven Walker were drafted in, as replacement recruits. This was the first time that both replacement recruits went into the same section.

Aiden Chaffe died on 22 October 2018 at the age of 31 following a skydiving accident.[5]

Series four was filmed at the Royal Navy Cordite Factory, Holton Heath, in Dorset. However, for the series, it was named 'Sandford Army Camp'.

Transmissions edit

Series Start date End date Episodes
1 3 June 2002 5 July 2002 10
2 8 July 2004 26 August 2004 8
3 28 July 2005 8 September 2005 7
4 11 July 2006 29 August 2006 7

Ratings edit

Official episode viewing figures are from BARB.[6]

Series 1 edit

Episode
no.
Airdate Viewers
(millions)
ITV weekly
ranking
1 3 June 2002 (2002-06-03)
2 5 June 2002 (2002-06-05) 6.14 15
3 10 June 2002 (2002-06-10) 6.27 14
4 14 June 2002 (2002-06-14) 5.47 18
5 17 June 2002 (2002-06-17) 5.28 23
6 21 June 2002 (2002-06-21)
7 24 June 2002 (2002-06-24) 5.98 14
8 25 June 2002 (2002-06-25) 5.19 16
9 28 June 2002 (2002-06-28) 4.93 18
10 5 July 2002 (2002-07-05) 5.42 18

Series 2 edit

Episode
no.
Airdate Viewers
(millions)
ITV weekly
ranking
1 8 July 2004 (2004-07-08) 6.48 15
2 15 July 2004 (2004-07-15) 6.58 13
3 22 July 2004 (2004-07-22) 6.23 15
4 29 July 2004 (2004-07-29) 5.45 17
5 5 August 2004 (2004-08-05) 5.64 16
6 12 August 2004 (2004-08-12) 5.41 17
7 19 August 2004 (2004-08-19) 5.44 16
8 26 August 2004 (2004-08-26) 4.72 16

Series 3 edit

Episode
no.
Airdate Viewers
(millions)
ITV weekly
ranking
1 28 July 2005 (2005-07-28) 5.13 15
2 4 August 2005 (2005-08-04) 5.24 15
3 11 August 2005 (2005-08-11) 5.23 15
4 18 August 2005 (2005-08-18) 4.67 18
5 25 August 2005 (2005-08-25) 5.05 15
6 1 September 2005 (2005-09-01) 5.09 15
7 8 September 2005 (2005-09-08) 5.40 18

Series 4 edit

Episode
no.
Airdate Viewers
(millions)
ITV weekly
ranking
1 11 July 2006 (2006-07-11) 3.87 19
2 18 July 2006 (2006-07-18) 3.31 21
3 25 July 2006 (2006-07-25) 3.14 21
4 1 August 2006 (2006-08-01) 3.31 25
5 15 August 2006 (2006-08-15)
6 22 August 2006 (2006-08-22)
7 29 August 2006 (2006-08-29)

International versions edit

The format has been exported to Italy and first aired in 2021.

Country Title TV channel Seasons Distribution
  Italy La caserma Rai 2 2 27 January 2021 – 10 March 2021
12 November 2023 – 17 December 2023

References edit

  1. ^ "RIP Richie Owen".
  2. ^ "Reality TV star was facing indecency charges – Chronicle Live". 9 April 2010.
  3. ^ "Heartfelt tributes paid to fearsome TV sergeant who died of Covid-19".
  4. ^ "Former Covid sceptic from Staffordshire Marcus Birks dies in hospital". BBC News. 29 August 2021.
  5. ^ "Experienced skydiver died after 'misjudgement' on jump". BBC News. 5 March 2019. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  6. ^ "Weekly Top 30 Programmes". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 22 October 2015.

External links edit

lads, army, this, article, possibly, contains, original, research, please, improve, verifying, claims, made, adding, inline, citations, statements, consisting, only, original, research, should, removed, october, 2023, learn, when, remove, this, template, messa. This article possibly contains original research Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations Statements consisting only of original research should be removed October 2023 Learn how and when to remove this template message Lads Army known in later series as Bad Lads Army Bad Lads Army Officer Class and Bad Lads Army Extreme was a reality game show that constitutes a historically derived social experiment Shown on ITV the series is based on the premise of subjecting today s delinquent young men to the conditions of conscripts to British Army National Service of the 1950s to see if this could rehabilitate them Lads ArmyAlso known asBad Lads Army 2004 Bad Lads Army Officer Class 2005 Bad Lads Army Extreme 2006 GenreReality Game showVoices ofKevin Whately 2002 Dennis Waterman 2004 06 ComposerDaniel PembertonCountry of originUnited KingdomOriginal languageEnglishNo of series4No of episodes32ProductionRunning time60 minutes inc adverts Production companyTwenty TwentyOriginal releaseNetworkITVRelease3 June 2002 2002 06 03 29 August 2006 2006 08 29 The programme was derived from an earlier one called simply Lads Army a play on Dad s Army in which a number of volunteers underwent four weeks of basic training for 1950s National Service Unlike the three sequel series the ones whose titles began with Bad the original programme s experiment was merely to see if 18 to 24 year old members of the modern British public could cope with the 1950s training and how they compared to the public of that period The success of the original series led to the experiment being repeated with the recruits having committed criminal offences often given the option to undergo the training by courts as an alternative to serving pending sentences to explore the proposition that it would be beneficial to reinstate National Service for petty criminals and delinquents as an alternative to more conventional sentences Series 4 raised the maximum age to 26 The narrator for the first series was Kevin Whately then Dennis Waterman took over until the show ended in 2006 Within each series a small number of the recruits have either walked out after a 24 hour cooling off period or been ejected The majority of the remainder claim some benefit from the experience and some have chosen the regular British Army as a career at the end of it Contents 1 Format 2 Contestants 2 1 Series 1 Lads Army 2002 2 1 1 Waterloo Platoon recruits 2 1 2 Series overview 2 2 Series 2 Bad Lads Army 2004 2 2 1 Montgomery Platoon recruits 2 2 2 Series overview 2 3 Series 3 Bad Lads Army Officer Class 2005 2 3 1 Churchill Platoon recruits 2 3 2 Series overview 2 4 Series 4 Bad Lads Army Extreme 2006 2 4 1 Pegasus Platoon recruits 2 4 2 Series overview 3 Transmissions 4 Ratings 4 1 Series 1 4 2 Series 2 4 3 Series 3 4 4 Series 4 5 International versions 6 References 7 External linksFormat edit nbsp Browndown Training Camp in Hampshire home of Lads Army and Bad Lads Army Officer Class The programme format is relatively simple The recruits are issued period uniforms and equipment and fed quartered and trained according to the standards of the era Their free time is limited to visits to the NAAFI with period refreshments and facilities The recruits form a single platoon made up of two sections each under the care of a section commander either Richard Nauyokas or Joe Murray in series 3 Nauyokas was replaced by Glenn Thomas who appeared as the Company Sergeant Major in series 2 although he still appeared as a relief corporal During training the sections compete against each other building a sense of competition but also of teamwork and loyalty Success brings modest rewards Praise is given for whole hearted attempts at tasks The NCOs and officers running the training are all or have been professional British soldiers Each series had a slightly different format to its predecessors although the theme of 1950s military training is common to all series The 3rd series known as Bad Lads Army Officer Class had the volunteers train to become officers while the 4th series known as Bad Lads Army Extreme had the volunteers train to become paratroopers Series 1 to 3 had included interviews with celebrities who had completed National Service in the 1950s including Joss Ackland Michael Aspel William Roache Brian Blessed Richard Briers Paul Daniels Frederick Forsyth Bernard Manning Nosher Powell Andrew Sachs and Brian Sewell During re airings of the first series the interviews were edited out Contestants editSeries 1 Lads Army 2002 edit Waterloo Platoon NCO s and Officers Rank Name Role Experience LCPL Andy Thurgood Platoon Medic Royal Army Medical Corps CPL Richard Nauyokas 1 Section NCO Royal Army Ordnance Corps CPL Joe Murray 2 Section NCO Parachute Regiment CPL Taff Gillingham Q M NCO Logistics CPL John Goodwin PTI PTI CPL Neil Sawell PTI PTI SGT John Roberts Drill SGT 3 Section NCO British Army Infantry SGT Mark Sullivan Platoon SGT Recruit Instructor WO2 Colin Coull Company SGT Major Scots Guards CAPT Richard Owen Platoon Commander Parachute Officer Padre David Rindell Padre Royal Army Chaplain s Department Waterloo Platoon recruits edit 1 SectionCPL Richard Nauyokas Ages Occupation Status 2 SectionCPL Joe Murray Ages Occupation Status Ade Adebayo 21 1981 University Student PASSED OUT Paul Claydon 20 1982 Unemployed LEFT William Bate 19 1982 Computer Engineer PASSED OUT Steve Daly 21 1981 Sales Manager PASSED OUT John Cooke 23 1979 Construction Site Manager PASSED OUT Paul Eagle 22 1980 Labourer PASSED OUT Jodie Copeland 24 1977 Customer Service Executive PASSED OUT Tony Ellis 22 1980 Unemployed PASSED OUT Jamie Dodd 23 1978 Musician Pub Cellarman LEFT David Gardner 20 1981 Gardener PASSED OUT Matthew Faulkner 21 1981 Finance Administrator PASSED OUT Gordon Hamilton 21 1981 Club Bouncer PASSED OUT Michael Honzick 18 1984 Design Student PASSED OUT Chris Hampson 21 1981 Genetics Student LEFT Ross Pitman 21 1980 Research Executive PASSED OUT Daniel Harrison 24 1978 Unemployed PASSED OUT Kenny Poulter 19 1983 Postman PASSED OUT Nicholas Holbrook 22 1980 Business Researcher PASSED OUT Thomas Rossiter 18 1984 School Student PASSED OUT Alex Kingsy 19 1983 Law Student PASSED OUT Nicholas Sandford 23 1979 Personal Trainer LEFT Aaron Larson 20 1982 Actor LEFT John Paul Watts 24 1977 Unemployed PASSED OUT Peter Leyland 23 1978 Mechanical Engineer PASSED OUT Tom Woolfe 22 1979 Rugby Coach LEFT Dan Neal 22 1979 Bartender PASSED OUT William Wood 22 1980 University Student LEFT Thomas O Hanlon 21 1980 Unemployed PASSED OUT Lee Wooten 21 1981 University Student LEFT Adam Spires 20 1981 Needlecrafter PASSED OUT James Willingham 20 1982 University Student PASSED OUT Samuel Webb 23 1978 Warehouse Technician PASSED OUT Key PASSED OUT Recruit was present at the final stages of training at the Passing Out Parade LEFT Recruit quit or was discharged before making it to the final parade Series overview edit David Gardner received the Best Recruit award James Willingham was awarded the platoons Most Improved Recruit 2 Section won Best Section During the series Tom Woolfe was dishonourably discharged back squadded from the camp Paul Claydon Lee Wooten and Chris Hampson chose to leave voluntarily Nicholas Sandford deserted the base and never returned to camp Jamie Dodd and Aaron Larson were medically discharged from the camp William Wood s exit is unknown as his exit never aired After William Wood and Paul Clayden left William Bate and Paul Eagle were drafted in as replacement recruits Captain Richard Owen Waterloo Platoon s CO died after the filming of the series in 2014 at age 48 He is said to have died from cancer 1 The main filming location for series one was Browndown Training Camp at Lee on Solent Series 2 Bad Lads Army 2004 edit Montgomery Platoon NCO s and Officers Rank Name Role Experience CPL Richard Nauyokas 1 Section NCO Royal Army Ordnance Corps CPL Joe Murray 2 Section NCO Parachute Regiment CPL Taff Gillingham Q M NCO Logistics CPL Mark Sheridan PTI PTI CPL John Goodwin PTI PTI CPL Kevin Smith Platoon Medic Royal Army Medical Corps CPL Timothy Dean Provost CPL Military Police CPL James Lance Provost CPL Military Police CPL Taff Gillingham Q M NCO Logistics SGT Jeff Edwards Provost SGT Royal Army Ordanance Corps SGT Alistair Rae Platoon SGT Royal Army Ordanance Corps Training Instructor SGT Mark Sullivan Drill SGT Recruit Instructor WO2 Glen Thomas Company SGT Major Sandhurst Officer CAPT Henry Dodds Platoon Commander Royal Engineers Padre David Rindell Padre Royal Army Chaplain s Department Montgomery Platoon recruits edit 1 SectionCPL Richard Nauyokas Ages Occupation Status 2 SectionCPL Joe Murray Ages Occupation Status Tjobbe Andrew 22 1982 Website Designer PASSED OUT Chris Andrew 21 1982 Unemployed PASSED OUT Marcus Birks 23 1981 Unemployed PASSED OUT Michael Blackham 19 1985 Unemployed PASSED OUT David Butler 21 1983 Joiner PASSED OUT Alan Brown 23 1981 Unemployed LEFT Shaun Carr 18 1986 Student PASSED OUT Luke Brown 23 1981 Unemployed LEFT Peter Cray 23 1980 Actor PASSED OUT Chris Davis 18 1986 Student PASSED OUT Ashley Cummings 18 1986 Student LEFT Damien Ellis 23 1980 Graduate PASSED OUT Matthew Gilks 21 1982 Builder PASSED OUT Daniel Kett 21 1982 Civil Engineer LEFT Robert Grundy 19 1984 Unemployed PASSED OUT Michael Lowes 22 1982 Salesperson PASSED OUT Chris Harkin 18 1986 Unemployed PASSED OUT Alex Rennie 24 1979 Unemployed PASSED OUT John Kyprianou 23 1980 Barman PASSED OUT Shingi Sekerama 19 1985 Unemployed PASSED OUT Mark Lamont 20 1985 Unemployed PASSED OUT Robert Shutler 22 1983 Student PASSED OUT Ashley Morton 21 1983 Landscape Gardener LEFT Scott Simpson 18 1986 Unemployed LEFT Wil Moynihan 20 1983 Barman PASSED OUT Wayne Spiller 24 1980 Student PASSED OUT Hassan Murtada 24 1979 Scaffolder PASSED OUT Christopher Townsend 20 1983 Barman Student LEFT Robert Pembrook 19 1984 Unemployed PASSED OUT Richard Weaver 20 1984 Cinema Team Leader PASSED OUT N A N A N A N A Stilianos Xidakis 18 1985 High School Student PASSED OUT Key PASSED OUT Recruit was present at the final stages of training at the Passing Out Parade LEFT Recruit quit or was discharged before making it to the final parade Series overview edit Tjobbe Andrews Matthew Gilks and Robert Shutler were given Officer Recommendations This would be the goal of the following series John Kyprianou received the Platoon s Top Shot the highest score in the shooting range Marcus Birks received the Best Recruit award at the Pass Out Parade with Robert Pembrook receiving the Most Improved award 2 Section won Best Section With 2 Section winning best section CPL Murray was promoted to SGT at the Passing Out Parade Luke Brown and Ashley Morton were dishonourably discharged Morton was the only recruit to receive a dishonourable discharge for committing a criminal offence namely an unprovoked assault on John Kyprianou who decided not to press charges Scott Simpson Daniel Kett and Chris Townsend chose to leave voluntarily Ashley Cummings and Alan Brown s status are unknown as how they were discharged was never specified Alan Brown also did not turn up on the first day due to a scheduled court appearance he received a conditional discharge in connection with a fight that he had previously been involved in with the requirement that he complete National Service After Scott Simpson quit before even being issued a single item of kit or his uniform Alex Rennie was drafted in as a replacement recruit At the time of the series release there was speculation that Tom Woolfe from the first series who was back squadded was set to return but never did for unknown reasons This is heavily suspected as there was no replacement for 1 Section after Ashley Cummings left and Woolfe was in 1 Section during the first series however to this date nothing has been confirmed After the filming of the series Michael Lowes suffered from clinical depression after facing indecent exposure charges and was found dead in his home from an apparent suicide in 2010 at age 28 2 SGT Alistair Rae the platoon sergeant for Montgomery Churchill and Pegasus Platoons died in November 2020 due to complications from COVID 19 3 as did contestant Marcus Birks in 2021 at the age of 40 4 The main filming location for series two was at New Zealand Farm Camp on Salisbury Plain Series 3 Bad Lads Army Officer Class 2005 edit Churchill Platoon NCO s and Officers Rank Name Role Experience CPL Glenn Thomas 1 Section NCO Sandhurst Officer CPL Joe Murray 2 Section NCO Parachute Regiment CPL Taff Gillingham Q M NCO Logistics CPL Richard Nauyokas Relief NCO Royal Army Ordnance Corps CPL John Goodwin PTI PTI CPL Gary Nash PTI PTI CPL Joseph Hoodless Platoon Admin Royal Marines CPL Kevin Smith Platoon Medic Royal Army Medical Corps CPL Timothy Dean Provost CPL Military Police CPL James Lance Provost CPL Military Police CPL Taff Gillingham Q M NCO Logistics SGT Timothy Weston Provost SGT Grenadier Guards SGT Alistair Rae Platoon SGT Training Instructor WO2 Julian Whatley Company SGT Major Regimental SGT Major CAPT Harry Lort Phillips Platoon Commander Officer MAJ Henry Dodds Company Commander Royal Engineers Padre David Rindell Padre Royal Army Chaplain s Department Churchill Platoon recruits edit 1 Section Blue NCO CPL Glen Thomas Ages Occupation Officer Potential 2 Section Red NCO CPL Joe Murray Ages Occupation Officer Potential Tim Bailey 22 1983 Unemployed YES Darren Adams 19 1986 Student NO Carl Bedford 20 1985 Unemployed NO Ross Barrett 20 1984 Unemployed Novelist Barman NO Chris Danns 24 1981 Unemployed NO Steven Bedford 20 1984 Unemployed LEFT Aaron Groom 23 1981 Unemployed NO Ben Hains 21 1984 Painter Decorator NO Les Harvey 18 1987 Royal Marine Dropout Stock Taker NO Darren Hardman 22 1982 Unemployed YES Jack Kendall 21 1984 Scaffolder NO Rifat Hassan 22 1982 Security Guard YES Simon Magil 22 1982 Unemployed YES David Johnstone 24 1980 Web Designer NO Garry Miller 20 1985 Office Junior YES Jonathan McDade 18 1987 Student YES Adam Oakley 19 1986 Royal Mail Sorter LEFT Simon Pietkewitz 23 1983 Unemployed YES Robert Page 20 1984 Drivers Mate YES Benjamin Priestman 22 1982 Unemployed NO Simon Pinkney 23 1981 Actor Dancer LEFT Matthew Rawlings 24 1980 Boxer NO James Roberts 20 1984 Tyre Fitter YES Haydn Russell 21 1984 Sales Temp NO Robert Schofield 21 1983 Unemployed NO Rocco Scalercio 20 1985 Unemployed NO Dale Tate 22 1983 Unemployed LEFT Taisen Coree Smith 24 1981 Unemployed NO Matthew Tate 24 1980 Unemployed LEFT Adrian Turton 24 1980 Technician LEFT Wesley Worrall 21 1983 Unemployed LEFT Kirk Woodend 21 1984 Stripper Porn Actor LEFT Key YES Recruit was selected for officer training NO Recruit was not selected for officer training LEFT Recruit left the series either voluntarily due to being dishonourably discharged or a medical discharge Series overview edit The Passing Out Parade never stated who received Best Recruit or Most Improved Recruit as well as which Section were the winners overall This is the only season that had no contestants born in the 1970s Wesley Worrall Steven Bedford and Matthew Tate were dishonourably discharged from the camp Kirk Woodend chose to leave voluntarily and Adam Oakley was medically discharged Dale Tate Matthew Tate s brother deserted the section and never returned to the Platoon his brother deserted with him but later returned Matthew Tate was dishonorably discharged for hiding 8 shillings the remainder of his wages from the second week and wrongly accusing the platoon of stealing said money Simon Pinkney and Adrian Turton left the camp however their exits were never aired After Wesley Worrall and Steven Bedford were discharged Chris Danns and Matthew Rawlings were drafted in as replacement recruits Robert Page initially was selected for officer training but quit before training began and was forced to return to unit At the end of the final episode the narrator stated that 11 of 24 who passed out had subsequently applied to join the regular British Army Robert Page died after the filming of the series in 2020 at age 36 His cause is unknown The main filming location for series three was again at Browndown Training Camp at Lee on Solent Series 4 Bad Lads Army Extreme 2006 edit Pegasus Platoon NCO s and Officers Rank Name Role Experience LCPL Susan Tucker Company Clerk Royal Army Ordnance Corps LCPL JJ Adams Assistant Medic Royal Air Force CPL Richard Nauyokas 1 Section NCO Royal Army Ordnance Corps CPL Joe Murray 2 Section NCO Parachute Regiment SGT Taff Gillingham Q M NCO Logistics CPL John Newton PTI Parachute Regiment CPL Jim Bush PTI Parachute Regiment CPL Alex Bohanna Platoon Medic Royal Army Medical Corps CPL Kevin Smith Assistant Medic Royal Army Medical Corps CPL Timothy Dean Provost CPL Military Police CPL James Lance Provost CPL Military Police SGT Taff Gillingham Q M NCO Logistics SGT Timothy Weston Provost SGT Grenadier Guards SGT Alistair Rae Platoon SGT Training Instructor WO2 Julian Whatley Company SGT Major Regimental SGT Major CAPT Henry Dodds Platoon Commander Royal Engineers Pegasus Platoon recruits edit Blue SectionNCO CPL Richard Nauyokus Ages Occupation Final Jump Selection Red SectionNCO CPL Joe Murray Ages Occupation Final Jump Selection Jamie Brooks 21 1984 NO James Bourne 23 1983 Unemployed YES Samuel Bruce Angland 21 1984 Security Guard NO Chris Coad 22 1984 Unemployed NO Keith Burke 19 1987 Unemployed LEFT Aiden Chaffe 18 1988 Unemployed NO Colin Elliot 23 1983 Unemployed LEFT Andrew Findley 24 1981 Teaching Assistant NO Mark Grimes 26 1979 Unemployed NO Luke Howard 18 1987 LEFT Sebastian Judd 21 1985 YES Kyle Jensen 22 1983 Roofer YES Raymond Impey 21 1985 Unemployed LEFT Andrew Jimson 25 1981 Unemployed LEFT Phillip Lee Hodgeson 20 1985 NO Darren McDonald 26 1980 Fitness Instructor LEFT Adam Mercer 25 1981 Unemployed LEFT Sean Morris 24 1981 YES Luke Moyes 19 1986 LEFT Shaz Nawaz 23 1982 Security Guard YES Joe Peto 18 1988 YES Jerry Reilly 25 1980 NO Matthew Reed 18 1988 University Student Riot Leader LEFT Joe Renwick 19 1986 NO Giles Walker 25 1980 LEFT Leon Thompson 20 1986 LEFT Steven Walker 22 1983 YES Jamie Smeadly 21 1984 Plasterer NO Gavin Woodhouse 21 1985 Unemployed YES Robin Woodfourth 22 1983 Unemployed YES Joel Whittaker 24 1982 LEFT Tyrone Walsh 26 1979 NO Key YES Recruit was selected for the Final Parachute Jump NO Recruit was not selected for Final Parachute Jump LEFT Recruit left the series either voluntarily due to being dishonourably discharged or a medical discharge Series overview edit The Passing Out Parade never stated who received Best Recruit or Most Improved Recruit Blue Section was the winning section Colin Elliot was Dishonourably Discharged from the camp Keith Burke Adam Mercer Joel Whittaker and Andrew Jimson were dismissed on Bin Day just before the interrogation phase Giles Walker Leon Thompson Luke Howard Matthew Reed Raymond Impey Darren McDonald and Luke Moyes were all dismissed from the camp but their exits never aired This series features a high amount of unusual dismissals with 12 exits total After Colin Elliot and Giles Walker were discharged Joe Peto and Steven Walker were drafted in as replacement recruits This was the first time that both replacement recruits went into the same section Aiden Chaffe died on 22 October 2018 at the age of 31 following a skydiving accident 5 Series four was filmed at the Royal Navy Cordite Factory Holton Heath in Dorset However for the series it was named Sandford Army Camp Transmissions editSeries Start date End date Episodes 1 3 June 2002 5 July 2002 10 2 8 July 2004 26 August 2004 8 3 28 July 2005 8 September 2005 7 4 11 July 2006 29 August 2006 7Ratings editOfficial episode viewing figures are from BARB 6 Series 1 edit Episodeno Airdate Viewers millions ITV weeklyranking 1 3 June 2002 2002 06 03 2 5 June 2002 2002 06 05 6 14 15 3 10 June 2002 2002 06 10 6 27 14 4 14 June 2002 2002 06 14 5 47 18 5 17 June 2002 2002 06 17 5 28 23 6 21 June 2002 2002 06 21 7 24 June 2002 2002 06 24 5 98 14 8 25 June 2002 2002 06 25 5 19 16 9 28 June 2002 2002 06 28 4 93 18 10 5 July 2002 2002 07 05 5 42 18 Series 2 edit Episodeno Airdate Viewers millions ITV weeklyranking 1 8 July 2004 2004 07 08 6 48 15 2 15 July 2004 2004 07 15 6 58 13 3 22 July 2004 2004 07 22 6 23 15 4 29 July 2004 2004 07 29 5 45 17 5 5 August 2004 2004 08 05 5 64 16 6 12 August 2004 2004 08 12 5 41 17 7 19 August 2004 2004 08 19 5 44 16 8 26 August 2004 2004 08 26 4 72 16 Series 3 edit Episodeno Airdate Viewers millions ITV weeklyranking 1 28 July 2005 2005 07 28 5 13 15 2 4 August 2005 2005 08 04 5 24 15 3 11 August 2005 2005 08 11 5 23 15 4 18 August 2005 2005 08 18 4 67 18 5 25 August 2005 2005 08 25 5 05 15 6 1 September 2005 2005 09 01 5 09 15 7 8 September 2005 2005 09 08 5 40 18 Series 4 edit Episodeno Airdate Viewers millions ITV weeklyranking 1 11 July 2006 2006 07 11 3 87 19 2 18 July 2006 2006 07 18 3 31 21 3 25 July 2006 2006 07 25 3 14 21 4 1 August 2006 2006 08 01 3 31 25 5 15 August 2006 2006 08 15 6 22 August 2006 2006 08 22 7 29 August 2006 2006 08 29 International versions editThe format has been exported to Italy and first aired in 2021 Country Title TV channel Seasons Distribution nbsp Italy La caserma Rai 2 2 27 January 2021 10 March 202112 November 2023 17 December 2023References edit RIP Richie Owen Reality TV star was facing indecency charges Chronicle Live 9 April 2010 Heartfelt tributes paid to fearsome TV sergeant who died of Covid 19 Former Covid sceptic from Staffordshire Marcus Birks dies in hospital BBC News 29 August 2021 Experienced skydiver died after misjudgement on jump BBC News 5 March 2019 Retrieved 29 September 2021 Weekly Top 30 Programmes Broadcasters Audience Research Board Retrieved 22 October 2015 External links editLads Army at IMDb nbsp Lads Army at UKGameshows com Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Lads 27 Army amp oldid 1219415262, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.