Scott’s big opening
The programme devoted its afternoon to the opening of the Scott Mills Bridge, the covered walkway connecting the northbound and southbound sides of Fleet Services across the M3. Scott remained in the studio while Chris reported from beneath a balloon arch beside the curtained plaque.
The first crowd was essentially non-existent, although passing motorists stopped to investigate and the audience grew as the ceremony approached. The bridge appeared on Google as a tourist attraction, listeners began posting reviews, and Scott learned that roughly six million people passed through the services each year.
Chris filled the build-up with a Horn Dash among the parked lorries, persuading 15 drivers to sound their horns in 90 seconds. Fleet supplied a pizza decorated to resemble Scott, a coffee shop distributed free drinks, and visitors Mick, Lynn and Joey joined Bamboleo Wednesday. Pudsey Bear appeared without an obvious explanation, improving the day’s celebrity count.
Fleet-themed Bangers
Even Battle of the Bangers had to come from compilation CDs available in the service-station shop. Jeremy Vine judged the two records and chose Chris’s, refusing to let Scott’s ownership of the bridge influence the decision.
The ceremony briefly suffered a curtain crisis when the covering disappeared from the plaque on the opposite side. Security guarded the remaining surprise, while Scott rejected accusations against nearby towns and reminded visitors that the bridge was not an alternative toilet.
Rod opens the curtains
Welcome Break chief executive Rod welcomed the assembled crowd before handing over to Chris. His speech placed the new bridge beside the pyramids, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the other wonders of the ancient world. Just as Scott connected Hayley Williams and Greg James on Radio 1, Chris said, the bridge would connect the two sides of Fleet Services.
He invited people to walk hand in hand, step lightly and savour every moment, then presented “the Scott Mills Bridge”. Rod opened the curtains and revealed the plaque. Visitors immediately queued for photographs, while Chris experienced the strange comedown of watching the crowd disperse after an entire show’s worth of anticipation.
Scott briefly wondered whether the ceremony was an elaborate act of revenge for his Jennifer Aniston prank. Chris reassured him that the plaque, bridge and dedication were all real, and that a different retaliation remained in reserve.
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