Big Red Book
Celebrating television's This Is Your Life
Now firmly re-established as a BBC programme - although still produced by the newly independent Thames Television production company - This Is Your Life returned for series 37, offering a wide range of subjects which included several BBC contracted personalities, understandably reflecting the corporation's output.
For the first time since 1964, the broadcast day changed from Wednesday to Friday but, halfway through the run, moved again to Monday, where it officially remained for the next four years.
The press reported on the slump in the programme's ratings, from 18 million in the heyday of the mid-1970s to a current 6 million, and in an ever-increasing competitive television environment, speculated on the possible end of the programme. However, new producer John Graham and former producer Jack Crawshaw - who returned as Editorial Consultant - proved there is still life in the big red book!
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Gary RHODES | Chef | 27 September 1996 |
Toyah WILLCOX | Singer and actress | 4 October 1996 |
Freddie YOUNG | Cinematographer | 11 October 1996 |
John MOTSON | Football commentator | 18 October 1996 |
Jeremy CLARKSON | Broadcaster and journalist | 25 October 1996 |
John RANDS | Squadron Leader of the Red Arrows | 1 November 1996 |
Jill DANDO | Journalist and newsreader | 8 November 1996 |
Don BLACK | Lyricist | 15 November 1996 |
Sue NICHOLLS | Actress | 29 November 1996 |
Lynn REDGRAVE | Actress | 6 December 1996 |
Tanni GREY | Paralympic athlete | 13 December 1996 |
Noddy HOLDER | Lead singer of Slade | 20 December 1996 |
Thora HIRD | Actress | 30 December 1996 |
Richard MADELEY and | Television presenters | 6 January 1997 |
Judy FINNIGAN | ||
Sam TORRANCE | Golfer | 13 January 1997 |
John SIMPSON | Journalist and broadcaster | 20 January 1997 |
Elizabeth WARD | Charity founder | 27 January 1997 |
Ross KEMP | Actor | 3 February 1997 |
Julian BREAM | Classical guitarist | 10 February 1997 |
Les DENNIS | Comedian, actor and presenter | 17 February 1997 |
Nigel DAVENPORT | Actor | 24 February 1997 |
Richard WHITELEY | Television presenter and journalist | 3 March 1997 |
Justin HAYWARD | Musician and singer with The Moody Blues | 10 March 1997 |
Sian PHILLIPS | Actress | 17 March 1997 |
Chris TARRANT | TV and radio presenter | 24 March 1997 |
Broadcast details and Production team
Thames Television production for BBCProduction team
Producer: John Graham | Executive Producers: John Longley, Gill Stribling-Wright