The Big Breakfast
A very popular light entertainment show that graced every week
morning on Channel 4. It ran for nearly 10 years and saw many
presenters... and many many stars as guests.
It began with Gaby Roslyn and newcomer Chris
Evans as it's anchors, with Mark Lamaar
going around peoples houses making them do wacky things. Paula
Yates chatted to guests on a bed, and stars got the Zig
& Zag treatment. It pretty much launched Chris Evan's
career - as it has for many others. While everyone remembers Chris &
Gaby's time on the show, many feel that the show was at it's peak when Jonny
Vaughan and Denise Van Outen were
on the show - launching the pair to stardom. Jonny now has his own chat
show with the BBC and Denise is on Broadway with 'Chicargo'.
Although it did lose the plot sometimes it was always something fun and easy to wake up to and it's a shame it had to come to an end.
A Few Of The Presenters
(a-z)
Richard Bacon
Disgraced Blue Peter presenter, Bacon got a job on The Big Breakfast as
the show's roving reporter, and made his mark with the show's 'Streaky Bacon'
that saw members of the public run around an easy obstacle course wearing only
strategically placed rashers of bacon. Following the Vaughan's exit, and a
*troubled* revamp, Bacon took over as the main presenter... where he stayed
until the shows' exit earlier this year.
Amanda Byron
Irish presenter, Byron only got the job of main presenter when she
accompanied her comedian husband Patrick Keilty, when he auditioned. Her
stay was not to be a long one however, as she joined the showed as it's ratings
began to slip, and the show was eventually axed.
Kelly Brook
Although she was someone most guys didn't mind waking up to in a
morning, Brook failed to impress bosses. She had a tough job as it was, as
she was expected to replace the well loved Denise Van Outen - but she wasn't
helped out when a memo to bosses was made public about her inability to say long
words. She got blasted, and didn't last long... but she may well get the
last laugh. She's already appeared in hit Warner Bros. series 'Smallville'
(teen Superman series), and was rumoured to be first choice to play Lara Croft
should Angelina Jolie turn down a role in 'Tomb Raider 2'.
Keith Chegwin
Former Tizwaz presenter, and current presenter of 'It's A Kockout',
Cheggars was the out-and-about reporter who had way too much energy on week day
morning. He was also the guy in charge, when the Big Breakkie came
to Hunstanton (where I live). Cheggars caused a stir last year (or so)
when he presented a Channel 5 show completely naked.
Chris Evans
Probably THE most famous person to leave The Big Breakfast. He was
an unknown when he got the job of the first male presenter of the new show...
and even today - 10 years later - he's in almost every newspaper for some reason
or other. Following his time on the show he created such shows as 'Don't Forget
Your Toothbrush' and the long running TFI Friday... as well as a successful
radio career.
Vanessa Feltz
Vanessa took on the 'on-the-bed' interviews, talking to the big names...
and afterwards has appeared on many different shows... as well has becoming
quite well known for her private life. In 2001 she went through something of a
'tough patch' whilst filming the 'Celebrity Big Brother' for Comic Relief.
Mark Little
Former Neighbours star - famous for his role as Joe Mangel - Mark Little
presented the show with Gaby Roslyn, but quit after differences with Zoe Ball
when she took over.
Gaby Roslyn
The Original female presenter, alongside Chris Evans, and the show
really boosted her popularity with fans of all ages. Since she left she
has moved over to BBC1 primetime shows... usually on Saturaday nights...
Liza Tarbuck
Daughter to comedian Jimmy Tarbuck, Liza took over from Denise Van Outen,
opposite Johnny Vaughan. Before BB she was known for her role in sitcom
Watching, and now plays the title character in Linda Green.
Denise Van Outen
Proved a MASSIVE hit with viewers, making up the presenting dream-team
with Johnny Vaughan. Formerly a children's presenter (of a show called
Massive - hence the capitals) and then became BB's out-and-about weather
girl. Since her time on the show she has presented her own C4 show, and
currently stars in the Broadway show Chicago!
Johnny Vaughan
Before BB, Johnny presented C4 Movie-Watch, but it was The Big Breakfast
that really let his talent shine. After he left the show he co-wrote 'Orrible
for BBC2, and now host's his own chat show.
Paula Yates
Definitely more famous for her private life, married to Bob Geldolf when
the show started... before the show ended she had married Mike Hutchinson...who
died, and sadly she too passed away (I *think* due to an overdose).
She was the original 'on-the-bed' interviewer.
Zig & Zag
Those wacky TV aliens proved to be fun for all with their wacky take on
life... and even wackier interviews with stars.
& A Few Others
Ant & Dec - Donna Air - Danny Baker - Zoe Ball - Sara Cox - Sharron Davis - Phil Gayle (News&Weather) - Phil Jupitus - Patrick Keilty - Mark Lamaar - Jasmine Lawson (News&Weather) - Jenny McCarthy - Mike "Squeaky" McClain - Richard Orford - Gail Porter - Paul Ross - Lily Savage - Peter Smith (News&Weather) - Melanie Sykes - Paul Tonkinson