Behind the scenes of Latest TV with Tim Ridgway

Smashing

Brighton Festival director 2014 Hofesh Shechter is not only a world-famous dancer and thoroughly nice chap – he’s also a mean tennis player. So when Latest TV found out about the world-famous choreographer’s love for the sport, we decided to challenge him to a match.

And guess what? It was a complete racquet! I have to admit as I was setting up the shoot at the Virgin Active leisure complex in Falmer, I was unsure if our very own John McEnroe would be up to the challenge.

But after seeing our man Joseph Gunn kitted out in the whitest of shorts, knee-high socks and a Team GB headband, I knew that this was a bit of television magic just waiting to happen.

After failing to distract Hofesh during the match with moves that even Justin Timberlake would be too scared to try out, Joseph then got a chance to ask the Israeli about his love for the sport and his craft – and if there were any similarities. Hofesh said: “My love for tennis actually comes from a very early age.

I loved it on TV watching people like John McEnroe and Boris Becker. I used to love love love it – I don’t know why.

“I never got to play it until something like five years ago, when I just decided to pick up a racquet that I got from my girlfriend. “I find there is something really interesting about the connection between mind and body which really reminds me of dance.”

Unlike many of his predecessors – who include Brian Eno, Vanessa Redgrave and Anish Kapoor – this year’s festival director has taken up residence in the city for the duration of the three-week event.

And, when not playing tennis against all-comers in Preston Park, Hofesh said he has loved being able to experience Brighton and watch lots of other people’s art. I’m not quite sure Joseph’s forehand was one of those pieces of art he was referring to. But Hofesh did admit he was impressed by Joseph’s dancing, if not his tennis. However, he said he was unsure if he would be incorporating any of our man’s moves into his next production.

Elsewhere, you’ve all heard of tales of young men helping elderly people across the street. But when Latest TV’s super granny Lynn Ruth Miller needed a helping hand after her regular pianist dropped out, who decided to step in but our very own Richard Shayler.

With his full backing, Lynn, 80, who will be one of the presenters on our flagship entertainment show Brighton Lights, played out to a packed audience.

Richard, 25, said: “Normally I’m the one watching and heckling Lynn from the sidelines. But when her piano player dropped out at late notice there was only thing a kind-hearted man like me could do. “After a couple of hours of practice, I quickly got up to speed and then just a couple of days later we were on stage.

“It all went well, I think, and our relationship has grown from strength to strength. She kept on reminding me that she is single. I haven’t got back to her on that just yet.”

The show, a loose mix of cabaret and stand up, was called 80 as a nod to Lynn’s latest birthday. But be warned, for a diminutive short lady, this San Francisco native holds very little back.

Next up is Soho, as well as a possible trip to Edinburgh. Then it’s back to Brighton where Lynn will be one of the star attractions to our city’s very own TV station.

Don’t forget to catch Ruth and the rest of the team on freeview channel 8 later this summer. And if you can’t wait, then catch us on www.thelatest.tv.