Chart Throb
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| Author | Ben Elton |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Bantam Press |
| Released | 2006 |
| Preceded by | The First Casualty |
| Followed by | unknown |
Chart Throb is a 2006 novel by the author/comedian/director Ben Elton. It was released in hardback on 6th November 2006 in the UK, and 9th January 2007 in the US. It is a satire of X-Factor/Pop Idol style reality TV programmes, and was critically and commercially well-received.
The story revolves around the occurences during the latest series of the hit 'reality' star search programme, Chart Throb. The show was the brainchild of Calvin Simms, who assumed a Simon Cowell style role as the mean, English judge. He is accompanied by the extravagant but bitchy former rockstar turned transvestite reality TV star, Beryl Blenheim, and the 'other bloke', Rodney Root. However, all three face problems in their personal lives - Calvin Simms has made a deal with his gold-digging ex-wife that if he makes absolutely anyone she picks the next Chart Throb, she will leave him without taking any of his cash. Beryl Blenheim is trying to manage the scripted reality show she helms, The Blenheims, whilst coping with her unbelievably dumb wife, Serenity, and the flagging pop career of one of her daughters, Priscilla. Meanwhile, Randy is facing the challenge of judging his old flame, the beautiful Iona, whilst trying to revive some interest in his life and work. All of these stories clash and reach a climax at the final of the TV series. At the end of the book, it is said that by the year 2050 everybody will be either a popstar or star of their own reality TV programme.
Chart Throb was the 11th novel by Ben Elton, and has been released in hardback and paperback form. It features many parodies and references to real-life talent search TV stars, such as Brenda Blenheim and her show parodying Sharon Osbourne and her show, The Osbournes. Calvin Simms parodies Simon Cowell, and Rodney Root does the same to Louis Walsh. Another real-life person featured in the novel is HRH Prince Charles Prince Of Wales, who is an actual contestant in the programme.
Chart Throb was preceded by The First Casualty, but it is unkown as to when a new Ben Elton novel will be released.
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