Bosses are in talks with a number of big name hosts to resurrect the beloved biographical TV show, where a celebrity guest is honoured with a big, red book charting their life in the spotlight.
6
Legendary biography show This Is Your Life with its famous big red book could be set for a return after two decadesCredit: BBC
6
Eamonn Andrews was the show’s first hostCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
6
A guest, usually someone famous, would be caught be surprise then brought to the studio to have their life story toldCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Since it first aired in 1955 until its final episode in 2003, three men have been at the helm – but now Susanna Reid, 53, is in the frame, as well as Kate Garraway, 56, and Fiona Bruce, 59.
A special episode profiling Simon Cowell ran as a one-off with Trevor McDonald in 2007.
A TV source said: “There is a reason This Is Your Life aired for so many years – as a format, it is perfect. It’s warm, entertaining and interesting plus is fairly affordable to make, which of course helps.
“Since it last ran properly in 2003 many more celebrities are now worthy of the big, red book treatment.
“It was always such an honour to appear, bosses are confident a whole new generation of stars will embrace a surprise visit from the team.
“Discussions are underway with a number of potential hosts with a view to getting work underway later this year.
“A warm, professional interviewer like Susanna or Fiona are seen as the safe hands to steer the next generation of the show.”
This Is Your Life sees a famous face caught by surprise and then brought to a studio where their life story is told.
The audience was filled with their friends, family and other celebrities who had been important through their life and who had been let in on the secret.
The cast list reads like a Who’s Who of show business, with everyone from actor Dudley Moore to football legend Matt Busby featuring.
Forty-two celebrities have been featured on the show twice – including Honor Blackman, Bob Monkhouse and Eamonn Andrews himself.
The anonymous nature of the show created a number of awkward moments over the years.
Comedy legend Ronnie Barker once told how he became convinced his wife was having an affair because of her efforts to secretly plan his surprise.
TV producer Richard Osman has been privy to the latest behind-the-scenes talks.
He told on his podcast, The Rest Is Entertainment: “I got a message from a very big name TV presenter saying they’d just been offered a reboot of This Is Your Life.”
The show was originally broadcast live, and over its run alternated between both the BBC and ITV.
The source added: “Talks are in early stages and discussions ongoing with a number of channels.”
Eamonn Andrews launched the format and was at the helm until 1964, and then returned from 1969 until his death in 1987.
Michael Aspel then took up the role of host until the show ended in 2003.
Richard Osman’s House of Games features returning celebs who didn’t win first time around
The show was last rumoured for return in 2018, with chat show king Jonathan Ross tipped to host.
At the time it was suggested modern changes would include inclusion of more behind the scenes footage about how guests are chosen, and how the surprise “hit” on the celebrity is planned.
But the reboot never made it to air.
A spoof of the show was resurrected by Ant & Dec for Saturday Night Takeaway to celebrate the Geordie duo’s 25 years together.
Michael Aspel returned as host alongside Ashley Roberts.
6
Kate Garraway is in the running to host the showCredit: Rex
6
ITV favourite Susanna Reid is also being considered for the roleCredit: Rex
6
Trevor McDonald hosted a one-off special in 2007Credit: ITV
