WAKEY WAKEY!
19 JUNE 2023 - BREAKFAST GOES BACK TO THE FREEZER
Unfortunately Channel 4 has announced that there will be no further editions of The Big Breakfast in the immediate future. There is a small glimmer of hope with a C4 spokesman saying 'Although there are no shows planned for this year, The Big Breakfast may well return in the future.'
The show originally ran for 10 years between 1992 until 2002 before returning to celebrate Channel 4's Black to Front day in 2021. AJ Odudu and Mo Gilligan hosted the reboot which proved popular enough for a further four-week run during the summer of 2022.
Despite positive fan reaction to the rebooted Big Breakfast, Channel 4 is currently facing a number of commercial pressures with many popular shows being axed or having shorter runs.
Bow Locks and it's associated social media pages celebrating The Big Breakfast will continue in the show's absence keeping you updated with news from its presenters and any chances of new episodes in the future.
We're also on Twitter @E32NN
Don't phone, it's just for fun!
06 JUNE 2023 - FRIENDS REUNITED
Exciting times Breakfast Heads. Johnny Vaughan & Denise Van Outen are to reunite on Channel 4 to host an edition of Steph’s Packed Lunch.
Denise posted on Instagram this afternoon to say: “ANNOUNCEMENT. Can’t wait to be reunited with @johnny_vaughan66 to co host @packedlunchc4 @channel4 Tuesday 13th June. @stephlunch has taken a day off so Johnny and I will be keeping her sofa warm. Expect the unexpected! It’s LIVE ….. anything can happen!”
The duo hosted The Big Breakfast during its late-90s renaissance bringing us treasured chaos with More Tea Vicar, Bulldogging, Mutton Chops the Basildon Sound Machine and more. After leaving the Big Breakfast they presented BBC’s, Saturday night entertainment series, Passport to Paradise, in 2004 however, this was their final on-screen collaboration to date.
Johnny is excited about the prospect of working with Denise again after 20 years joking “‘We’ve had Blur, there are rumours flowing about the Gallagher Brothers and now, we can now confirm, it’s the big one, the 90s reunion you been waiting for … Johnny and Denise, and I can’t wait.”
Johnny & Denise hosting Steph’s Packed Lunch will be live & streaming on Channel 4 on Tuesday 13th June
29 MARCH 2023 - RIP PAUL O'GRADY
We're sad to report that Paul O'Grady has died at the age of 67.
Paul's alter-ego Lily Savage was a popular star of The Big Breakfast in the mid-90s with her regular 'Ask Lily' slot solving viewer's problems. Soon Lily was promoted to star interviewer and had the honour of chatting to many celebs 'on the bed' until Vanessa Feltz arrived in 1996.
Paul went on to a successful and Bafta winning TV career hosting ITV quiz Blankety Blank, Channel 5's Blind Date and his own chat shows. In 2008 he became an MBE for his services to entertainment and was a passionate advocate for LGBT issues.
More recently Paul quit his long running BBC Radio 2 show and was due to launch a new radio slot on the UK's Boom Radio.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
12 AUGUST 2022 - BREAKFAST EVE
It's official, AJ & Mo are at the NEW Big Breakfast house currently running through and rehearsing the show's big comeback.
The show teased us with our fist glimpse of the new living room via their official Instagram account's story feed. Patio doors, two chairs and a telly with a pool and logo wall behind - it's all looking pretty breakfasty!
Channel 4 have also released the show's Press Pack featuring interviews with returning presenters Mo, AJ, Melvin, Judi & Phil as well as show new-comer Harriet Rose. You can find the pack here.
In other news, various guests have been teased. This week a number of tabloids ran the story that Big Breakfast royalty Denise Van Outen, who presented a golden era of the show alongside Johnny Vaughan, will join AJ & Mo at the new house to 'pass the baton'.
Also, on Twitter and Instagram Zig & Zag have advised viewers to tune in. The new house features an American themed poolside bar which would be perfect for an updated edition of The Crunch...
11 AUGUST 2022 - LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
The new Big Breakfast house has been revealed. The Villa Mansion near Potter's Bar will be the new home to the show for it's four-week 2022. The first time the show has moved home in its 30 year history.
Featuring seven bedrooms and five bathrooms it has plenty of space for Britain's Brightest Brekkie.
The 8000 sq ft mansion features a snooker table, pinball machine, swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi bath and a pool house themed like a US bar.
We can't wait to see what the show's Art Department does with the decor!
11 AUGUST 2022 - HARRIET ROSE JOINS THE SHOW
Harriet Rose is used to waking the nation on the Kiss Radio Breakfast Show but now she'll be doing it on tour as she joins Melvin Odoom to form the Big Breakfast's Down Your Doorstep team!
Harriet has this to say about joining the show:
How are you feeling about joining The Big Breakfast?
I couldn’t be more excited to be joining The Big Breakfast team I used to watch the original when I was younger and to be part of this new series is a dream come true. Melvin is one of my favourite people in the world and the whole team are so talented it’s an honour to be a part of the family.
What’s your role on the show?
So, I’ll be out and about around the UK with Melvin taking on various challenges and trying to win every single one. I’m actually extremely competitive. I always try to hide it, but I feel like it’s gonna come out in full force for this.
24 JULY 2022 - HOME UNDER THE HAMMER
Phil Gayle will be returning to The BIG Breakfast for its new run next month. Phil presented the news on the show's classic run as well as returning to fulfill headlines duties on the one-off special in 2021. It's exciting to welcome him back once again.
But in more earth shattering news, the time has come to say farewell to the iconic Lock Keepers Cottage. Home to The Big Breakfast since show one back in 1992 the canal-side cottage was sold to a new owner in May and is now a private residence. (We hope someone has told Zig & Zag) This means next month's Big Breakfast will come from a brand new house. Where will it be? What will it look like? Only time will tell.
13 July 2022- The BIG Breakfast needs a NIGEL!
THE BIG BREAKFAST CASTING CALL!
Do you want to be on the Big Breakfast? Do you want to name or rename your kid live on air? If so we want to hear from you.
The legendary 90's breakfast show, The Big Breakfast, is returning to our screens this August. We are looking for people who want to do something extraordinary and name their child NIGEL live on air!
If this sounds like you get in touch to find out more!
Email: adam.aulaqi@itv.com
01 July 2022- The BIG Breakfast needs you!
Today the show has launched a drive to find fun familes, groups of friends and workmates to join them at The BIG Breakfast House for fun & games this summer.
Is that you? If so, what are you waiting for. Head to the show's production website to complete the application forms!
28 May 2022 - Thirsty for more?
Channel 4 this week confirmed that The Big Breakfast is to return for a four-week run in August.
All we know so far is that the show will air on Saturday mornings for two & a half hours with Mo Gilligan & AJ Odudu returning to the presenter’s chairs.
Sources have also hinted that the show will be broadcast live from Lock Keeper’s Cottage – The Big Breakfast’s home since 1992 however, there has been no confirmation whether Judy Love, Phil Gayle or Melvin Odoom will return to their roles from the 2021 Black to Front special.
On the return of the show AJ Odudu said: “There really is nothing like The Big Breakfast on our screens. I loved hosting it last year and I am looking forward to being back at the house to kick off summer weekends on this now award-winning show.”
Mo Gilligan added: "I love being part of this incredible history making show. The whole team are so spectacular, and I have so much fun working with AJ - she’s one of the best in the business. And now a live summer series? LET’S GO!"
Channel 4’s Head of Entertainment and Events, Phil Harris commented: “Mo and AJ both have their own big primetime entertainment shows on Channel 4 with The Lateish Show and The Bridge, so it’s really exciting to be able to harness their combined power and brilliant chemistry to smash into the morning schedules once again”
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Lee McNicholas, Creative Director at producers Lifted Entertainment enthused: "Bringing the Big Breakfast back with a bang last year was a real joy for all the team working on the show and RTS recognising the programme as best Entertainment show and Mo and AJ as Best Presenters was the icing on the cake. We're so excited to get the team together and bring the show back."
Vivienne Molokwu, Senior Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, said: ”I genuinely believe that the Black To Front Project unearthed one of the best presenting double acts that telly has seen in sometime in bringing Mo and AJ together for The Big Breakfast so it’s absolutely no surprise that we’re reuniting them for more early morning madness and making them a regular staple of our summer schedule.”
Channel Four have yet to confirm a launch date but we will keep you updated with more as we get it!
30 March 2022 - Breakfast of Champions
The winners of the RTS Programme Awards 2022, in partnership with Audio Network, have been announced.
The Big Breakfast scooped up best entertainment show with judges decreeing that the winning show “felt both joyful and timely, with a special chemistry all of its own”.
That wasn't the show's only win. Presenters Mo Gilligan & AJ Odudu won the entertainment performance award with a style that was “Playful and generous, funny and warm” said the judges.
While the show's return didn't set ratings alight, the fact that it is receiving high praise from the industry can only be good omens for any future serving of The Big Breakfast.
A full list of RTS winners can be found here.
09 September 2021 - Breakfast Eve
Set your alarm clocks for 8am, tomorrow is the day. Channel 4 have treated us to our first glimpse inside the house with press images of Mo & AJ in the kitchen and posing by the pool.
The classic fried egg wall paper is back with a crisp modern vibe. Fans on social media caught glimpse of the fried egg design laid out in the front garden as Lock Keepers cottage was dressed for its return to telly.
It looks great. We can't wait. The Big Breakfast is back!
08 September 2021 - FIRST LOOK TRAILER
Channel 4 have revealed the show's new trailer and it's perfect. The colours, the graphics, the house and the glorious cheerful chimes of David Arnold's original 1992 theme tune. Don't take our waffle for it - watch it now!
01 September 2021 - IT'S NOT ALL DOOM & GLOOM
From Da Bungalow to your doorstep it's time to shout "Where Are You MELVIN!"
Yes, Melvin Odoom joins The Big Breakfast's revival as the new roving reporter!
Melvin had this to say: "'The Big Breakfast' inspired me, and I’m sure many more of us in the industry, to get into TV back in the day. With its colourful chaos in the mornings, it looked like the most fun job in the world, so it’s a real dream come true to be part of the squad bringing the show back and giving it our own flavour."
You can join the chaos live on Channel 4 from 8am on Friday 10th September!
RIP LINTON CONRATHE
Some sad news to announce. Linton, a much loved crew member and 'steps of woe' regular often seen during the show's Johnny & Denise era has passed away.
Love and thoughts to his family and all who knew him. Linton Conrathe. December 1968 - August 2021
(Photo from @brekkiememories on Insta)
27th July 2021 - HOME SWEET HOME
Channel 4 have confirmed that the new edition of The Big Breakfast will come from the show's original home.
All together now.... Lock Keeper's Cottage, Old Ford Lock, London, E3 2NN!
22th July 2021 - GALE WARNING
We're excited to see Phil Gayle returning to The Big Breakfast.
Phil handled the news & weather on The Big Breakfast alongside Johnny & Denise in the 90s and he'll be bringing his expertise back to this role on the show with new presenters Mo & AJ when The Big Breakfast returns to Channel 4 in September.
21st July 2021 - AJ JOINS THE BB
The Voice UK and 4Music presenter AJ Odudu will join The Big Breakfast presenting team when the show returns in September.
Speaking about Big Breakfast, AJ said: "I absolutely can’t wait to get stuck into The Big Breakfast. It is such an iconic show to be part of and I am buzzing it is finally coming back!
"I’m so looking forward to working with Mo and I can’t wait to wake up the nation!
"I’m thrilled to be part of Channel 4’s Black to Front – which quite rightly gives a platform to deserving Black British TV talent across our industry, both on and off-screen. It’s going to be really special."
27 October 2020 - Vaughan's Return
With news that Lock Keeper's Cottage is up for sale one of it's old residents has returned for a nostalgic look around.
Johnny Vaughan revisits Old Ford Lock after 19 years and Radio X captured every moment with interesting insights into the show's production and why Johnny feels the house really added to the character of the show.
19th October 2020 Christ, don't update the site for three years then along come two MASSIVE news items in two months.
Basically:
Big Breakfast House. For Sale
Yes our beloved home is currently available for viewing. Sold for around £800,000 in 2003 following the end of the original run of The Big Breakfast, and an arson attack, the sale price of nearly £6million represents a remarkable return on the buyer's investment.
Obviously they lucked out when the UK Government decided that their new neighbour would be the 2012 Olympic Stadium - no doubt regenerating a considerably rundown area of London.
Rightmove's photos show the results of the incredible make-over Lock Keepers Cottage received once the show went off-air.
How this effects the likliehood of the House's use for the forthcoming reboot of the show remains up for speculation.
25th August 2020 - Smoke us a kipper, we'll be back for Breakfast
Channel 4 has announced that it is rebooting its iconic morning show The Big Breakfast after an 18-year hiatus, with BAFTA-winning British comedian Mo Gilligan hosting a one-off special.
Gilligan, who won a BAFTA for Channel 4’s The Lateish Show With Mo Gilligan, said: “Like so many of us, I loved The Big Breakfast and I am so grateful to be asked to host this special event, particularly as part of such a hugely thrilling and history-making day for British television!”
The revival will form part of a Black Takeover Day in 2021, during which the British broadcaster will mark a year since the international protests and debates sparked by the killing of George Floyd on May 25.
ITV Studios will produce The Big Breakfast revival after the show was originally made by Charlie Parsons’ production company Planet 24. Channel 4 promised to recapture the show’s anarchic spirit and said it will be reimagined through an “unashamedly Black British lens.”
We'll have more news as we get it!
