Whicker's War (C4); 50 Ways To Look Great Naked (five): WHEN you have someone with the stature of Alan Whicker fronting a show, there is little else you need to do.

The makers of Whicker's War resisted the modern temptation to rely on computer graphics and instead let one man tell his remarkable story.

Whicker returned to the beaches and towns of Sicily which he visited and photographed in 1943 as a captain with the Army Film and Photo Unit.

Speaking directly to camera with the Sicilian backdrop, Whicker told his own story in a captivating way. His memories were crystal clear and he evoked the fear and elation of a young solider with ease.

His experience as a broadcaster was evident as he described eating Sicilian tomatoes for the first time, having a laugh with his mates and then the pain of friendships ripped apart by war.

He knew there was no need to sensationalise the story - this was a tale that had everything a Hollywood blockbuster could ever hope for, and more.

If Whicker wasn't such a professional with a unique style, this programme could have seemed self-indulgent. We only heard his voice for the whole hour and the only shots that didn't feature him were archive footage.

But he pulled it off by simply telling us the truth - no frills, no exaggeration - and the result was a touching hour of television.

Over on Five, things were less inspirational, with the amusingly named 50 Ways To look Great Naked.

The question 'who wants to know these things?' wasn't answered but I am sure a whole bevy of wannabe Page Three girls and men in dirty macs were glued to the screen.

Last night's 50 tips for laying yourself bare included advice from photographers, make-up artists and a stripper.

The show finished after midnight when anyone naked should be in bed, holding their stomach in, the lights off, which would be my top tips for looking good with nothing on.

Published: 17/08/2004