THE BELEAGUERED game show “Willing Willie” has undergone a major makeover. The TV5 show will return to television on Saturday with a new title—“Wil Time Bigtime”—with new games and in a spanking new studio.
However, it will still be hosted by the controversial Willie Revillame, according to a statement from TV5 on Tuesday.
“Willing Willie” went off the air on April 9 as a result of protests from viewers, government agencies and rights advocate groups, who all claimed a young contestant was “abused” after he was made to perform a “macho dance” on its March 12 episode.
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), which has been investigating the matter for the past month, recently came up with a final decision. The censors board found that the show violated Section 3 (c) of PD 1986 and this warranted a 30-day suspension.
The MTRCB, however, said it was “crediting the period (of the show’s) voluntary suspension.” This meant the show could have gotten back on air on May 9.
“TV5 responds to the tremendous public clamor for the return of the pro-mass show,” the network said. “(The program) will showcase new games that will utilize an LED (light-emitting diodes) floor and new software technology for a whole new TV experience.”
“Wil Time Bigtime” used to be a segment on “Willing Willie” where contestants showcased their talent in singing and dancing. It was on this segment where 6-year-old Jan-Jan Suan competed with five other contestants, aged 6 to 11.
Revillame was accused of child exploitation for making Suan perform a number described as a striptease while tears rolled down his cheeks. This also resulted in the pull-out of ad placements of five major corporations from the game show.
“Wil Time Bigtime” will premiere this Saturday, May 21, at 5 p.m. It will also air weeknights starting 6:30 p.m. on TV5. Revillame will still share hosting chores with Valenzuela councilor Shalani Soledad.
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph