The Big Breakfast is making a return to Channel 4 in 2021 for its Black to Front day today.
Taking place Friday, 10 September, Black To Front will see Channel 4 broadcast programming fronted by Black talent and featuring Black contributors, to champion Black voices and stories, and the incredible Black talent that make, shape and star in British TV.
The Big Breakfast 2021 will run between 8AM and 10PM today with Bafta-winning Mo Gilligan joined by presenter AJ Odudu and the show’s original newsreader Phil Gayle. The reboot will come live from its original East London location, the Lock Keepers’ Cottages.
Joining them will be Judi Love assuming her position as On The Bed host, Big Zuu cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and Melvin Odoom pounding the streets of the UK where one viewer will be playing for prizes on their doorstep.
The Receipts Podcast trio, Tolly, Audrey and Milena, will be answering a host of dilemmas, Munya Chawawa’s alter ego, Barty Crease, will offer the alternative news and there will be cameo appearances from EastEnders’ own Winston (Ulric Browne) and Love Island’s Toby Aromolaran.
Guests on the line up are confirmed to include Olympic legend Usain Bolt, music hero Nile Rodgers, smash hit singer-songwriter Eve, acting icon Idris Elba, musicians Krept & Konan and Tokyo 2020 medallists Emily Campbell and Kye White.
A staple of the channel’s morning schedule from 1992 to 2002, The Big Breakfast defied the rules when it came to breakfast telly. Retaining plenty of its original anarchic spirit, risqué sense of humour and distinctive energy, the Black to Front special will see the presenters flanked by a mix of famous guests to kick start the day with a bang.
Comedian Mo Gilligan said: “Like so many of us, I loved The Big Breakfast and I am so grateful to be asked to host this special event, particularly as part of such a hugely thrilling and history making day for British television!”
AJ Odudu said: “I absolutely can’t wait to get stuck into The Big Breakfast. It is such an iconic show to be part of and I am buzzing it is finally coming back! I’m so looking forward to working with Mo and I can’t wait to wake up the nation!
“I’m thrilled to be part of Channel 4’s Black to Front – which quite rightly gives a platform to deserving Black British TV talent across our industry, both on and off-screen. It’s going to be really special.”
Melvin Odoom added: “The Big Breakfast inspired me, and I’m sure many more of us in the industry, to get into TV back in the day. With its colourful chaos in the mornings, it looked like the most fun job in the world, so it’s a real dream come true to be part of the squad bringing the show back and giving it our own flavour. I’m really proud to be part of Channel 4’s Black to Front Project, which we hope will inspire another generation of TV talent on and off-screen.”
The Big Breakfast airs Friday 10 September at 8AM on Channel 4 and All 4
Meanwhile Channel 4 has also confirmed a special line up for Countdown with journalist and broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald hosting the iconic quiz show.
Joining Sir Trevor will be acclaimed poet and playwright Lemn Sissay OBE and award-winning journalist & beer sommelier, Marverine Cole in Dictionary Corner with maths prodigy Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE looking after the numbers round.
Picture: Channel 4
