They record 3 shows a day (even though Noel likes to pretend that the programme is going out live) so by dressing the contestants up as Robin Hood, Humpty Dumpty etc the producers can film the shows back to back without any need for costume changes.

Well it makes sense to me!

Wrong, it's 4 shows a day. It used to start out as 3 but now it' 4.

The theme week shows are most probably why the show is still going strong after all this time.

Then I stand corrected Mark, but its still the same principle. As for the themed weeks keeping the show 'going strong'? then I have to disagree with you because I think that the themed weeks are rubbish - can you imagine how daft the contestants/audience must feel dressing up in Xmas attire in the middle of September?!

'80s Love Week' ? What's that all about?

It's all just a bit of fun really...

True Holly, but for me the regular show (without all the unnecessary faffing about) is more fun.

I watch the themed weeks for the costume and set design, rather than the gameplay mechanisms, as those two departments usually do great jobs.

Fair enough.

The Christmas 2011 shows were actually filmed in April 2011 (8 months earlier)

It is 4 shows a day but given most theme weeks are 6 shows and the extra time probably needed to get the contestants ready, the filming days for the themed weeks normally consist of 3 shows a day.

That's interesting information Simon, please may I ask how you know this?

Because he saw some of the shows recorded live.