Big Red Book
Celebrating television's This Is Your Life
This Is Your Life, now on British television screens for more than 20 years and unquestionably at the peak of its popularity, achieved another significant milestone in the programme's history - in its 19th series since the programme began in 1955.
For the first time, ITV adjusted the schedules to allow the programme to broadcast its festive edition on Christmas Day. The specially extended edition, broadcast at the later-than-usual time of 10.15pm - which honoured a global superstar and world champion - remains one of the most talked-about programmes ever and still ranks as a favourite among the production team.
This series had two additional episodes that aired at times different from the regular Wednesday at 7pm slot. One episode, featuring a former British Army officer, was broadcast at 9.30pm due to a European Championship football match. The final programme of the series, which honoured a former dancer turned choreographer, was recorded at the Meridien Hotel in Paris and aired on a Thursday at 10.15pm as part of the General Election results evening.
After nine years broadcasting from Thames Television's Euston Road Studios, This Is Your Life relocated to the New London Theatre in Covent Garden. The theatre's large stage and auditorium created a greater sense of occasion, allowing for a longer guest list.
related pages...
the show's fifty year history
the genesis of the programme
the special editions
the researcher's story
the studio look and locations
TV Times interview with Michael Aspel
Irish magazine RTE Guide reveals some behind-the-scenes secrets
| Alice GOLDBERGER | Child therapist | 25 October 1978 |
| Michael PARKINSON | Writer and broadcaster | 1 November 1978 |
| Mary O'HARA | Singer and harpist | 8 November 1978 |
| Barbara KELLY | Actress and broadcaster | 15 November 1978 |
| Terry SCOTT | Actor and comedian | 22 November 1978 |
| Jimmy SHAND | Musician and conductor | 29 November 1978 |
| Eric NEWBY | Travel writer | 6 December 1978 |
| Patricia NEAL | Actress | 13 December 1978 |
| David BELLAMY | Botanist and broadcaster | 20 December 1978 |
| Muhammad ALI | Boxer | 25 December 1978 |
| Vera LYNN | Singer and entertainer | 1 January 1979 |
| Naomi JAMES | Yachtswoman | 10 January 1979 |
| Leslie THOMAS | Author | 17 January 1979 |
| James GALWAY | Flute player | 24 January 1979 |
| Elaine PAIGE | Singer and actress | 31 January 1979 |
| Lord LOVAT | Former British Army officer | 7 February 1979 |
| Kevin KEEGAN | Footballer | 14 February 1979 |
| Stéphane GRAPPELLI | Jazz violinist | 21 February 1979 |
| Robert POWELL | Actor | 28 February 1979 |
| Shirley CRABTREE | Wrestler | 7 March 1979 |
| Peter BARKWORTH | Actor | 14 March 1979 |
| Robert LAW | RAF rescue helicopter crewman | 21 March 1979 |
| Dinah SHERIDAN | Actress | 28 March 1979 |
| JPR WILLIAMS | Rugby union footballer | 4 April 1979 |
| Joyce PEARCE | Charity founder | 11 April 1979 |
| Ian OGILVY | Actor | 18 April 1979 |
| Margaret KELLY | Former dancer and choreographer | 3 May 1979 |
Broadcast details
Thames Television production for ITV27 editions | 26 x 30 minutes | 1 x 45 minutes
Wednesday | 7.00pm x 23 | 9.30pm x 1
Monday | 7.00pm x 1 | 10.15pm x 1
Thursday | 10.15pm x 1
25 December 1978 edition broadcast on Monday at 10.15pm due to the Christmas Day schedules
1 January 1979 edition broadcast on Monday due to the New Year schedules
7 February 1979 edition broadcast at 9.30pm due to the European Championship football match
3 May 1979 edition broadcast on Thursday at 10.15pm as an Election Night special
Production team
Created by: Ralph EdwardsProducer: Jack Crawshaw
Directors: Royston Mayoh, Terry Yarwood, Stuart Hall
Writers: Tom Brennand, Roy Bottomley, John Sandilands, Bob Tyrrell | Programme Consultants: Tom Brennand, Roy Bottomley
Researchers: Debbie Gaunt, Catherine Parnall, John Graham, Tony Lee, Maurice Leonard, Sue Jerrard, Vivien Lind, John Viner
Programme Associate: Kay Bird | Production Assistants: Miriam Cooper, Carole Kane, Sue Gwynn, Caroline Hahn
Designers: Lewis Logan, John Reid, Jan Chaney
Studio Supervisors: Dick Hibberd, Bruce Engelfield, Del Randall, Peter Groome, Dave Sparks, Fred Cope, John White Jones, Nigel Spong
Lighting Directors: Ken Craik, Bill Burgess, Harry Holton, Ray Nicholson, Dennis Bowden-Williams, Brian Turner
Sound Supervisors: Roy Sanders, Keir Polyblank, Chris Chapman, David Law, Brian Hibbert, Ron Ferris
Senior Camermen: Ray Wilson, Eric Jackson, Kevin Bergstrom, David Brook, John Darnell, Chris Emmins
Vision Control: Bill Marley, Peter Bower, Robert Byde, Bob Mason, Ian Jones, Paul Stripp, Allan James, Alan Fowler
Brian Kerr, Jim Fergus-Smith
Vision Mixers: Peter Turl, Val Waters, Kenneth Angus, John Cooper, Janice Howes
Floor Managers: Maurice Langston, David London, John de Coverley, Bob King, Tim Dehn, John Sanders, John Hansen, Tom O'Sullivan
Make-up Supervisors: Jeannie MacKenzie, Christine Toth, Mimi Kimmins | Wardrobe Supervisors: Pat Worth, Terry Parker
Graphics: Jack Frogell, Memfhis Hakki, Bruce Langsman, Pat Murphy | Location Manager: Alan Pinniger
Production Team: Maurice Leonard, Roy Fewins, Alan Tingay, Chris Munt