Maltese television is something we have a love-hate relationship with. It’s either really good or really cringey, but the in-betweens are pretty hilarious. Over the years, some funny and iconic moments have developed from Maltese television. Here are our faves!
1. Imissek tisthi, Salvinu!
“You should be ashamed of yourself, Salvinu!” was a line on the popular Maltese TV show, Simpatici. Whoever it was telling Salvinu off, it would be with whole-hearted passion. (And it's since taken on a different meaning, following some none-too-pleasant accusations in the actor's personal life.)
2. Inti toqghod fil-gholi (Ghini naqa John, qatt ma rbaht xej)
This one has become a meme and a cultural reference used in conversation and local theatre. A local called in on one of John Bundy’s day-time shows to play a game. But instead of answering the 'get to know you' questions, she went straight to the game, thinking that the comment the presenter passed: ‘fil-gholi’ (referring to the fact that she lives in Mtarfa which is on a hill) was part of the game. Just check out Bundy’s reaction.
3. Ara Doris, HELLOW!
Gotta love Eileen Montesin. She opened the Carnival celebrations in Valletta back in 2006. Chatting with the crowd she welcomes them to the celebrations, commenting on the weather, when all of a sudden she belts out, “Ara Doris, HELLOWWW!” spotting a friend in the crowd.
4. Fenek tas-serduq
Oh boy. Ray Calleja had a local on the phone who called in to play a game with him. She chose the category ‘animals’ for which she had to guess what Ray was acting out. The correct answer was “fenek tal-indi” which is a type of rabbit, but the woman was saying anything but! “Ta xiex inhu il-fenek?” she asks her husband. “Forget about your husband!” Ray says, urging her to give the answer in full (which she’s unknowingly already said, mind you). When she does, Ray says, “Fl-ahhar, wasalna” meaning she’s finally got the answer!
5. Maria, Maria, Maria
John Bundy seems to attract older women and their hilarious antics to his shows. This time, the poor lady couldn’t understand a word Bundy was saying, even when he sang to her. “Tell me but shout,” she says, to which Bundy plays along and begins shouting out questions to her. Just watch what happens!