Inverdale reveals all

On Side has a reputation for attracting some of the biggest names in modern day sport.

But how do the programme makers decide which of the many potential guests to invite onto which show?

According to On Side presenter John Inverdale, the process is lengthy and strewn with unforeseen circumstances.

"The surprising thing is there aren't that many people you actually want to hear from - or those that you do want to hear from sometimes they have bigger fish to fry than talking to us.

"Or, or they would love to talk to us but they can't do when the programme is going out because of their rigid time schedule.

But Inverdale is keen to reiterate that On Side is not exclusively a sports show.

"The crucial thing is that it is a sports programme buts it is also an entertainment programme," he added.

If there are questions that have to be asked then you ask them, but I think you can ask them with a smile in your voice

  John Inverdale

"So it's no good having people on who are just sportsmen, who all they can talk about are six-foot putts or penalty shoot-outs.

"They have to have other things to say otherwise it doesn't sustain the programme."

Being a topical show, controversial issues are never shied away from.

But sometimes they can make certain guests feel uneasy - something Inverdale acknowledges.

He said: "The main thing is the texture and the tone of the interview - are you trying to be confrontational?

Riveting company

"I'm not sure that we are a lot of the time - if there are questions that have to be asked then you ask them, but I think you can ask them with a smile in your voice."

As the programme is recorded live, there is always the risk of making a show not as good as the previous one.

But according to Inverdale, there is a very good reason for this.

I think McEnroe was the best because he was so forthright and entertaining witty

  John Inverdale

He said: "We do it in one hit because that keeps the spontaneity going.

"But there's always the risk that the whole thing will be a complete disaster, there's always that risk in everything you do.

"You try and make the programme by the balance of the guests, but there is never a guarantee.

"We have had one or two that have been distinctly below par."

As for the best guest so far on the programme? No contest for Inverdale. The one and only John McEnroe.

"I think McEnroe was the best because he was so forthright and entertaining witty and intelligent erudite, allied to the fact that he was the best," he reflects.

"He's just riveting company, to be in his presence for any length of time is fascinating.

"There are so many facets to him. That's the ideal role model for a guest on the programme."

High standards indeed.