 Barrowman was one of the original hosts of Live & Kicking , a children 's Saturday morning variety show on the BBC . During this time , he became known for his catchphrase , " it 's a dirty rat ! " , which he used during a phone @-@ in game set in a haunted house . From 1993 – 1994 , Barrowman reported on technology news as the host of the Electric Circus segment of the show . He appeared on the children 's television game show , The Movie Game from 1994 – 1996 . Barrowman was one of the regular presenters on Five channel 's afternoon show 5 's Company from 1997 – 1999 . Barrowman read bedtime stories on the CBeebies channel between 1 and 5 May 2006 . That summer , Barrowman was on a Judges panel with Andrew Lloyd Webber , David Ian , and Zoe Tyler on BBC One 's music talent show How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria ? . In the same year , Barrowman made two television appearances on New Year 's Eve : He talked about spirituality and civil partnerships on BBC Television 's Heaven & Earth , hosted by Gloria Hunniford , and he appeared as a guest on Graham Norton 's one @-@ off BBC Television programme , The Big Finish , teaming up with Craig Revel Horwood and Louis Walsh to take a lighthearted look at news stories in 2006 . On 11 February 2007 , Barrowman co @-@ presented coverage of the BAFTA Film Awards , along with Ruby Wax for E ! : Entertainment Television . On 11 and 18 February 2007 , Barrowman guest @-@ presented two editions of Elaine Paige on Sunday , a pre @-@ recorded BBC Radio 2 weekly musical theatre and film music showcase . 
