Entertainment
Susanna Reid and Kate Garraway in battle to host beloved TV show ‘returning after 17 years’-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro
It originally aired in 1995.
Kate Garraway and Susanna Reid are rumoured to be in the running to host the new This Is Your Life (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX)
Legendary TV show This Is Your Life is said to be making a return, with Susanna Reid and Kate Garraway rumoured to be in the running to host.
The biographical programme, which ran from 1955 to 2003, with a one-off special in 2007, saw guests including the likes of actor Dudley Moore and football manager Matt Busby surprised and then taken back through their life story with the famous big red book.
Carol Vorderman, Ross Kemp and Loose Women star Denise Welch were also surprised on the show with Eamonn Andrews originally hosting from 1995 until his death in 1967, and Michael Aspel taking over until 2003.
And it’s now said to be making a comeback with a woman at the helm, with Good Morning Britain stars Susanna and Kate said to be up against Fiona Bruce for the role.
An insider 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.’
Eamonn Andrews presented the original programme (Picture: Keystone/Getty Images)
Michael Aspel took over, surprising the likes of Judy Finnigan and Richard Madeley (Picture: Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)
The source added to The Sun: ‘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 aired on both the BBC and ITV and ran for a total of 43 seasons.
As well as celebrities, the programme surprised regular people too, but if they found out ahead of it happening, the show would be cancelled.
Sir Trevor McDonald hosted a one-off special in 2007 with Simon Cowell (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
In 2018, Jonathan Ross was rumoured to be presenting a reboot, after appearing as a guest on the show in 2001.
And while nothing ever came of it, The Sun also notes that Richard Osman has let slip a revival is returning, saying: ‘I got a message from a very big name TV presenter saying they’d just been offered a reboot of This Is Your Life.’
Simon Cowell became the latest guest surprised in a one-off special with Sir Trevor McDonald in 2007, while Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly also brought it back to life during their 25-year anniversary of Saturday Night Takeaway.
Metro.co.uk has approached Susanna and Kate’s reps for comment.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Entertainment – MetroRead More