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A story from the Comic Relief collection.

"Two Fat Androgums", picture by Mark Simpson

A short short story by Steve Gee

Excerpt From The Daily Mirror dated 4th February 2065

"...and so to last night's introduction to gourmet cuisine - Androgum style. I must say that I admire the BBC's decision to allow this show to go ahead. For years, we Earthlings have admired the imagination and dedication that our galactic cousins have put into their fine dishes, and now, thanks to the Beeb, we can learn their secrets. The two fat Androgums - Hezzcorg and Uderveer - are obviously fanatical in their love of all things edible and, despite their sometimes dark humour, I look forward to watching the rest of their 8 week run...."

Excerpt From Heat dated 12th February 2065

"ONE TO WATCH! Two Fat Androgums are the new Jamie Oliver! Ever since the BBC packed away Mr Oliver's genetic codes, vowing never to clone him again, they have been desperate to find a cookery programme that will appeal to the 20-30 age group. They must be laughing all the way to the e-Bank with this one! No doubt helped by Uderveer's blossoming relationship with Lourdes Ciccone, but the less said about that the better...."

Excerpt from The Sun dated 15th February 2065

"...champagne corks were popping at the BBC last night, as Two Fat Androgums was revealed to be an astounding ratings winner. 34 million viewers tuned in to last weeks show, making it the highest rating first quarter show since the 50th anniversary Eastenders back in February 2035, when the whole cast were killed by the Ice Warrior running the launderette...."

Excerpt from Daily Star dated 18th February 2065

"Darlings of the TV Cookery world, the Two Fat Androgums, held a press conference today denying that they had fallen out with Head of Factual Programming, Ted Grade, over his editorial control of their show's content.

Hezzcorg said, 'Mr Grade has every right to decide the final format of the show, and Uderveer and I appreciate that.'

Uderveer had the nations' press in hysterics as he solemnly added that 'it obviously wasn't the right time for us to demonstrate how to cook human flesh on prime-time television.'
Uderveer is reknowned for his black sense of humour."

Excerpt from Daily Sport dated 23rd February 2065

"Ms Ciccone wept quietly as she told our reporter how Uderveer had taken advantage of her.

'It was awful. His hands were everywhere. Normally he is a warm and tender lover, but it was like he was possessed. He groped me and tore away my skimpy clothing to expose my bare flesh. He began sinking his teeth into my milky white skin, grunting like a wild animal.'

Our reporter tried to get further, more explicit, details from Ms Ciccone but she was too upset to speak. We agreed we would interview her again the following day.

As our reporter left, Ms Ciccone said, 'He's a dangerous man, he is going to kill someone', but she did not elaborate on whether this would mean more naked flesh or ravishings."

Excerpt from The Guardian dated 24th February 2065

"...Mrs Grade is said to be 'extremely concerned' for her husband's safety. Mr Grade, who has been Head of Factual Programming at the BBC since 2059, has been missing since last week. Police are appealing for any information."

Excerpt from Radio Times Letters Page

"...I am writing to you to express my joy at the Two Fat Androgums series. Each week, my family and I sit down for half an hour of sheer culinary ecstasy! We have tried a few of the dishes that Uderveer and Hezzcorg have prepared, and have often resorted to sharing the odd 'bad taste' joke over the dinner table!
My only gripe (albeit minor) is that we have never quite managed to get our own meat dishes to have the same texture and taste as our favourite Androgums achieve. Any ideas?
Mrs F Brown, Herts.

Hezzcorg replies: Uderveer and I would be more than happy to offer you and your family a personal demonstration of our techniques. Please write in again and it will be arranged."

Excerpt from The Daily Telegraph dated 26 February 2065

"Am I alone in thinking that the Two Fat Androgums is sheer tripe? Week after week we are subjected to banal recipes prepared by two aliens of dubious personal hygiene whilst cracking often extremely sick jokes which leave a nasty taste in the mouth. Last night's main dish may have looked appetizing to the masses, but in light of recent events, to name the dish 'Head Of Factual Programming' was beyond redemption..."

Excerpt from The Independent dated 1 March 2065

"...Police say that the headless corpse may have been hidden for several weeks, and have had difficulty in identifying the badly decomposed body. Shepherds Bush Underground Station will remain closed today as forensic teams scour the area for clues."

Excerpt from The Daily Telegraph dated 3 March 2065

"Ivan Liddell has been the Telegraph's TV critic for the past two years, and is a well known figure in the pubs and clubs of Soho. His partner, David Varnish, is distraught and is appealing for Ivan to get in touch as soon as he can. Police are treating his disappearance as suspicious."

Excerpt from The Sun dated 8th March 2065

"The BBC last night confirmed that Two Fat Androgums has been axed. This popular show has many fans, who have bombarded the BBC's website with complaints about the axing of the show. An insider at the BBC said, 'It's all very hush-hush. Yesterday morning the Metropolitan Police raided TV Centre and arrested several of the production team. Hezzcorg and Uderveer were nowhere to be seen. Next thing, the Director is announcing the show's been axed. We're all mystified.'
Today the Sun starts a 'Save Our Fat Androgums' campaign."

Excerpt from The Daily Telegraph dated 14th March 2065

"...and despite complaints from the public, the BBC has announced it is standing firm on its position. Meanwhile, Hezzcorg and Uderveer appear to have left planet Earth under a veil of secrecy. They are still wanted for questioning about the disappearance of Ted Grade, Ivan Liddell and the Brown family from Hertfordshire."

Excerpt from The Daily Mirror dated 20th June 2065

"The BBC has announced that it will be reviving its prime-time cookery slot, with a new programme from Delia Smith. Despite being over 100 years old, Delia is said to be fighting fit and looking forward to the new show. Last night Delia said, 'It was a shame that Hezzcorg and Uderveer lost their programme, as they were very close friends of mine. But their fans will be pleased to know that I'll be using some of their recipes in my new show. If any viewers want to volunteer for a vital part in my show, please get in touch'....."

Authors Notes: Just in case any non-Brits are a bit mystified by some of references...

Delia Smith is a well known UK TV chef who was, until recently, seen as being a rather gentle and polite woman. Then she revealed her true colurs when she referred to some other TV chefs as 'ugly', 'talentless' and even called one of them a 'bastard'. She also revealed she likes to shout obscenties at football players. All this has only added to her popularity.

Eastenders is a long-running UK soap opera set in the East End of London. It provides much needed work for ex-Dr Who stars.


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