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0:00:00 > 0:00:01- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:02 > 0:00:03- 1964.
0:00:03 > 0:00:09- In the TWW studios, a groundbreaking - TV series was launched...
0:00:10 > 0:00:12- ..in the Welsh language.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15- Here's the view - of one of the company's directors.
0:00:15 > 0:00:20- In my mind, the most loved programme - was Sion a Sian.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- I'll never forget Sion a Sian.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26- The staff in Pontcanna - should be applauded...
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- ..for creating a series - for the common people.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34- The Welsh language isn't waning - amongst the college population.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- It's waning - amongst the common people.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41- TWW created a series - to encourage the common people...
0:00:41 > 0:00:43- ..to use the language - more frequently.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55- Hello, - and a warm welcome to you all.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58- I hope you're all well.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- The first programme was broadcast - live at around 4.30pm.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08- Close the door, Sara.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- Does your husband - criticise your cooking?
0:01:13 > 0:01:17- Sometimes, often or never?
0:01:18 > 0:01:20- Never.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- I was similar to Henry VIII.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26- I had numerous princesses.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32- Hello and welcome to a new series - with a new co-presenter.
0:01:33 > 0:01:34- Mari Emlyn.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38- I still miss Sion a Sian.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- It was an honour to work - on the series.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45- Was she a blonde, - a brunette or a redhead?
0:01:45 > 0:01:47- Brunette.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51- It was most certainly not - a programme for the upper class.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57- It was a programme for the common - viewer, made by the common viewers.
0:02:01 > 0:02:06- If one of Nerys's co-workers arrived - at work with his flies undone...
0:02:08 > 0:02:10- ..would Nerys tell him?
0:02:10 > 0:02:11- ..would Nerys tell him?- - Definitely.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- The audience enjoyed seeing - the humour between the couples.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21- A lot of humour is evident between - the couples on the programme.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- There's nothing - they can do about it.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- How often does your husband - bring you a cup of tea in bed?
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- Never!
0:02:36 > 0:02:38- It's such a simple concept.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- No matter when you watch it, - it's simplicity is its success.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46- Please welcome Grant and Berwyn.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54- A programme for the common viewer - with common viewers taking part.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58- Correct! 1,400. - Come here, come here!
0:02:58 > 0:02:59- Give me a kiss.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- The first presenter - was Dewi Richards.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- Sion a Sian is now a firm part - of the nation's history.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- Here's the crew - from the first 20 years reminiscing.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- '64-'68.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24- The first programme - was broadcast live.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- At about 4.30pm.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31- From then on, it was hard going.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- We recorded four shows - every Saturday afternoon.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- Into the studio at 9.00am - and leaving the studio at 9.00pm.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- Your assistant was Meriel.
0:03:44 > 0:03:45- Meriel at the start.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50- It was all about Dewi - taking the Mick out of me!
0:03:50 > 0:03:54- It was the 1960s. I wore hot-pants.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59- Hot-pants, and Courreges fashion.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01- Feather boas.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- I still have the feather boa - - here it is.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- Here's the feather boa.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- One time, when I was wearing - this feather boa...
0:04:10 > 0:04:16- ..the end of the feather boa - got caught in the box door.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22- The feather boa was draped - around my neck. I couldn't move.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25- There were feathers everywhere.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- Dewi laughed until he cried!
0:04:29 > 0:04:34- The early sets - weren't very sophisticated.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- My job was to operate the box.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- It was in the middle of the set, - towards the back.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46- There was a curtain mechanism - at the front of the box.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51- Every time someone approached the - box, I'd pull it to open the door.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- When they left the box, - I'd close the door.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- To do that, I'd sit on top of the - box with a piece of wood in my hand.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- The audience could see me - and they'd have a laugh...
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- ..watching me - opening and closing the door.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- If people in Ffostrasol knew - I was being paid to do that...
0:05:10 > 0:05:11- ..they'd have collapsed!
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- In September, - I went to North Wales with Jenny.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- He was a two-timer!
0:05:18 > 0:05:23- Meriel Davies was on Sion a Sian - at the time, but she was a teacher.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- I didn't want to take - Meriel's job...
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- ..but she couldn't be released - from work.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- They wanted to do an outside - broadcast of 15 programmes...
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- ..across Wales and I did - Sion a Sian with Dewi Richards...
0:05:37 > 0:05:39- ..the butcher from Ystalyfera.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- Vaughan Evans was the next - presenter.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- He was joined by Elfira Austin - from Patagonia.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48- Elfira would pay the guitar - at the end of the show.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- Every now and then, - Vaughan would fill in with a joke.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57- Two mothers standing outside the - house talking about their children.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- One says to the other...
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- .."Our Jane is engaged - to an X-ray specialist."
0:06:03 > 0:06:08- The other said, "She's lucky - - no-one else saw anything in her."
0:06:09 > 0:06:11- Laugh, mun!
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- Apart from the monetary prize - and the jackpot...
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- ..there were other prizes on offer.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23- I found a carpenter - from Criccieth...
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- ..who could make lovespoons.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- We gave away wooden lovespoons - as prizes.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35- There were two balls in the - lovespoon to represent the couples.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40- A slate clock - a square clock - on real slate on one series.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- For the next series, - we had a kitchen plaque.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- That was very nice. - The clock was very sought after.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- The money wasn't important to them - - they wanted the clock...
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- ..even when they missed out - on the jackpot.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59- Caernarfon's mayor, IB Griffith, - was the next presenter.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- Here's what happened with me.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10- I couldn't believe it. I was asked - to take charge of Sion a Sian.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- I would strut proudly - around Caernarfon.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- Then I found out they'd offered - the job to about 20 other men first!
0:07:18 > 0:07:25- University deans, council chairmen - - they'd all been offered the job.
0:07:25 > 0:07:31- In 1972, a young farmer - from Llanilar, Dai Jones, took over.
0:07:31 > 0:07:36- I was working on the auditions - in the studio one night.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- Hello, and a warm welcome to you.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- I didn't know who was coming - until I saw the list.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47- Dai was one of the names - on the list. I already knew him.
0:07:47 > 0:07:53- I wanted him to fill the role but - I didn't know if he was good enough.
0:07:53 > 0:07:54- But the rest is history.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00- John is very honest. He can't hear - any music through his headphones.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09- Can John hear the music now? - Is he OK?
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- Close the door, Sara. OK then.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- The welcome he gave - the contestants when they arrived...
0:08:21 > 0:08:26- ..it was if they were the exact - people he wanted to see and meet.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- Ifor, good luck to you both.
0:08:30 > 0:08:31- Concentrate on the bank.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37- During the past year, has your wife - lost weight, stayed as she was...
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- ..or put on a few pounds?
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- She's lost weight - because she had a baby!
0:08:48 > 0:08:53- The most risque questions - were questions such as...
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- ..what does your husband - wear to bed?
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- The word 'bed' was enough. - We'd burst out laughing.
0:09:01 > 0:09:07- Those types of questions - reflected society.
0:09:07 > 0:09:13- It made people laugh - from their bellies.
0:09:13 > 0:09:18- That added to the enjoyment - - it was innocent, enjoyable fun.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- Hello, and welcome to - a new series of Sion a Sian.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32- A new series and a new co-presenter. - Mari Emlyn.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- I was similar to Henry VIII.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- I had numerous princesses.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- All of them were excellent.
0:09:42 > 0:09:47- Had I been single, I wouldn't have - minded being married to them all!
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- They were wonderful.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54- I worked with Jenny for - the longest period. She's so dear.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- Being with Dai on Sion a Sian - wasn't like working.
0:09:58 > 0:10:03- It was fun. Dai was a comedian.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- He was a farmer, he knew people...
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- ..he knew just about everyone - in rural Wales, even back then.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- He knows more by now. - We just got on so well together.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- I was happy working with him.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21- As winner of the Blue Riband...
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- ..in the Ammanford National - Eisteddfod two years earlier...
0:10:25 > 0:10:27- ..Dai had more than one feather - in his cap.
0:10:27 > 0:10:28- .
0:10:35 > 0:10:35- Subtitles
0:10:35 > 0:10:36- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- # I go to bed at dusk - and get up again at dawn
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- # I go to bed at dusk - and get up again at dawn... #
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- After the first week, - we received a letter.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- I should be singing - at the end of the programme.
0:10:52 > 0:10:59- # Over the highest hill #
0:11:01 > 0:11:06- We had so many requests.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- By the next recording, - when we filmed three programmes...
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- ..Janice Ball had joined us.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- Well, I'll be totally honest - about her, she's a sweetheart.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- If I'd been shouting - at the sheep and sheepdogs...
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- ..and my voice wasn't perfect, - she would adapt the songs for me.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- She'd play any key, - depending on how I felt...
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- ..she'd play any key.
0:11:36 > 0:11:41- # When the sun sets - over the hills at dusk
0:11:41 > 0:11:47- # The twinkling stars - can be seen in the night sky... #
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- Well, I think that was - an unique experience.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- We got on so well together.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59- I decided what he'd sing, - how long the piece should be.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- What key should it be?
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- Sometimes, the key would change - in the middle of the song...
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- ..to suit his voice.
0:12:08 > 0:12:14- We had so much fun together - over the years.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- The singing, everything was special.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20- # Sweet Elen
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- # Elen
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- # Do you remember the shining star?
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- # Sweet Elen
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- # Elen
0:12:31 > 0:12:36- # Do you remember the night? #
0:12:39 > 0:12:44- As the years passed by, with over - 700 songs during my 17 years...
0:12:45 > 0:12:47- ..we ran out of Welsh songs.
0:12:48 > 0:12:54- People like Eifion Lloyd Jones - and Gwyndaf Evans...
0:12:54 > 0:13:00- ..wrote words for Scottish, - Irish and English folk tunes.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- I wasn't being very helpful.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- Depending on the length - of the programme...
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- ..I'd write three or four verses - accordingly...
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- ..but when time would run out...
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- ..he'd have to sing three instead - of four and two instead of three.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- It was hard enough - singing something...
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- ..you were used to singing - in English in Welsh.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- When someone told you half way - through the programme....
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- ..there's only time to sing - half a song...
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- ..I'd need an idiot board.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- That didn't work every time.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41- I remember one time, the floor - manager held the board upside down!
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- I was trying to read it - with my head on its side.
0:13:45 > 0:13:50- Fortunately, - we'd found a new co-presenter...
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- ..when we were filming - up here in Mold.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- Her name was Rosalind, - and Rosalind never forgot her words.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- # This country belongs to you and I
0:14:05 > 0:14:14- # This country - belongs to you and I #
0:14:18 > 0:14:23- The producer, Ieuan Davies, decided - to take the show on the road...
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- ..with the groupies.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- Off we went, Janice Ball - acting as Dai's accompanist...
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- ..Dai and myself.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- We toured Wales - - halls, churches and chapels.
0:14:35 > 0:14:40- Sometimes, we had to change - in front of the chapel deacons.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- Tables covered - with sandwiches and cakes...
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- ..and Jan and I - changing in front of them!
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- Once, on a cold January day...
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- ..we were down in Letterston.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56- What caught our attention - was the hearse.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- Dai said, - "Dear me, what's happened?"
0:15:00 > 0:15:05- A man came to the window and told us - that someone had passed away...
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- ..in the audience - while they were waiting for us.
0:15:10 > 0:15:18- Dai said, naturally, that it would - be best if we postponed the evening.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- "Oh, no, no, the show must go on," - replied the man.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24- We went, "Oh!"
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- "Once the hearse has gone, - it's what he would have wanted.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- "He would have wanted us - to continue."
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- I remember that evening.
0:15:34 > 0:15:40- We arrived and a member - of the audience requested...
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- ..we sing - Pwy Fydd Yma Ymhen Can Mlynedd?
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- After 17 years at the helm, - Dai's tenure came to an end.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08- S4C then decided it was time - to resurrect the series.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13- We recorded some pilot programmes - in the studio.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- We tried to change the show's image.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24- We sent the information - to our audience research.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26- The research was returned.
0:16:26 > 0:16:32- The favoured presenters for - the new series were Gill and Ieu.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36- The second couple are Owie - and Gladys Hughes from Llangefni.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- It had been off the screen - so it needed a modern makeover.
0:16:41 > 0:16:47- HTV decided that the couples - didn't have to be married.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- You could be - a co-habiting couple...
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- ..you could be engaged - to be married.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58- I remember when we did the pilot, - the audition process...
0:16:58 > 0:17:04- ..I had a different co-presenter - and she introduced the couple.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09- "So-and-so and so-and-so - come from wherever.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13- "They live together - and plan to get engaged."
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- There were around 200 members - of Merched y Wawr in the audience...
0:17:18 > 0:17:19- ..and they all tutted!
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- I said, "What did you have - for breakfast - trill?"
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- They sounded like 200 budgies.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30- They couldn't accept it - this - couple were openly living together!
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- This was the 1990s.
0:17:39 > 0:17:40- Right, Gill, the first couple.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- Right, Gill, the first couple.- - Dai and Gwen Morgan from Aberaeron.
0:17:48 > 0:17:54- She was tall and glamorous, - she looked like Farah Fawcett...
0:17:55 > 0:17:56- ..and Katie Price.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- Her husband looked like a simpleton.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- There was something odd - about his hair.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- Before the programme, - I introduced myself to them.
0:18:07 > 0:18:12- I asked him about his work and he - said he was a butcher in Aberaeron.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14- "OK, fine."
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- Gill introduced them on the snow.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- I knew something wasn't quite right.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- We had a little chat - before the questions.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24- "Welcome to the show. - I hear you're a..."
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- Part-time butcher.
0:18:27 > 0:18:28- No.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- No.- - "Sorry?" I said.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- "I thought you were a butcher. - OK, what do you do?"
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- You're unemployed.
0:18:36 > 0:18:37- You're unemployed.- - I'm unemployed.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- Oh, my God!
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- Everything was starting to unravel.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- I thought it would stop eventually.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- They were cheating - - you could hear them coughing.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- And flirting.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54- He's singing in the box.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- Can you hear him?
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- He went into the booth - and I placed the cans on his head.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03- His hair slipped off!
0:19:04 > 0:19:06- This was all going on...
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- I felt so sorry for him.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- I tried to stick it - back on his head.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18- The only thing that was going - through my head at the time...
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- ..was how on earth - would they edit this together.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- I was talking to myself - while this was going on.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- "Ieu, just carry on presenting. - Just do it."
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- Thank you, Gill.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- After around half an hour, - through the corner of my eye...
0:19:43 > 0:19:45- ..I saw a commotion in the audience.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- Well done.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- I knew it!
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- I saw two men walking out - and I turned...
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- Adrian and Paul - Y Brodyr Bach. - I couldn't believe it.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15- We met in 1988.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- We've been a couple for 24 years.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23- Our first couple come from Cardiff. - Please welcome Grant and Berwyn.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- Sion a Sian is quite - an old format these days...
0:20:34 > 0:20:39- ..but aspects of it have evolved - as society has evolved.
0:20:39 > 0:20:44- The Sion a Sian doors are open - to couples who are yet to marry...
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- ..and same-sex couples.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- We've been told - that the two of you snore.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- How would you describe - Grant's snoring?
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- Does he purr like a little cat?
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- Like a motorbike - starting its engine?
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- Or a rhinoceros?
0:21:11 > 0:21:16- As long as we, as producers, - have interesting couples...
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- ..the series - will run and run and run.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- Here we go.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- Here's the question.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- You're in a restaurant.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31- You're given a dirty knife. - What do you do?
0:21:31 > 0:21:33- Clean it on the tablecloth...
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- ..complain - and ask for a clean knife...
0:21:37 > 0:21:39- ..or complain and walk out?
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- Complain and ask for a clean knife.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- Complain and ask for a clean knife.- - Correct! 1,400.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- Come here, come here. - Give me a kiss.
0:21:47 > 0:21:54- 1998 - Owie and Gladys Hughes won - the jackpot for the second time...
0:21:54 > 0:21:59- ..on the most successful series - ever seen on Welsh television.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02- Sion a Sian.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- Anyone who wanted to take part - was offered the chance.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- It's not a programme - for the important people.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- When is your husband - most likely to have a bath?
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- First thing in the morning, - after work or before bed?
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- It's a simple format.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- Couples from across the country...
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- ..competing and finding out - how well they know each other.
0:22:31 > 0:22:37- Do you sit on the sofa together, - sit apart or does it vary?
0:22:37 > 0:22:38- Sit apart.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44- Who looks after the money - in your house?
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- You, him or both of you?
0:22:47 > 0:22:48- Me!
0:22:48 > 0:22:49- Me!- - Correct.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- They're the stars.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- We enjoy hearing what they tell us.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- They're the TV gold.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- Sion and Sian.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- Sion and Sian.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:24 > 0:23:25- .