Big Red Book
Celebrating television's This Is Your Life
This Is Your Life suffered its most serious setback very early in the run of series 28 when Eamonn Andrews died suddenly on the 5th November 1987. One of his last recorded editions had been broadcast the previous evening.
Eamonn had presented over 700 editions over 32 years and was synonymous with the show. His loss was sorely felt by viewers and production colleagues alike.
National newspapers reported on his death and reflected on his life and career.
The series was understandably cut short - but with the approval of the Andrews family, the three editions of This Is Your Life which Eamonn had recorded before his death, including his final one, were broadcast early in 1988. These were followed by the repeat showing of five editions from previous series, specially chosen by the family, broadcast between 27th January and 24th February, featuring Norman Parkinson, Freddie Starr, Susannah York, Gorden Kaye and Christopher Cazenove.
Eamonn's untimely death created uncertainty and press speculation about the future of This Is Your Life.
related pages...
tributes to the original presenter
The Legend That Was Eamonn Andrews
a celebration to mark the presenter's centenary year
the show's fifty year history
Press coverage of the death and memorial service of Eamonn Andrews
RTE Guide tribute to Eamonn Andrews
Andrews's death casts doubt on his show
The Guardian reports the death of Eamonn Andrews
The Sun's coverage of the death of Eamonn Andrews
Press speculation and announcements on new presenter Michael Aspel
A programme with a life of its own
The Independent profiles the programme's history
| Alan FREEMAN | Disc jockey and broadcaster | 14 October 1987 |
| Roy BARRACLOUGH | Actor | 21 October 1987 |
| Georg SOLTI | Orchestral and operatic conductor | 28 October 1987 |
| Jimmy CRICKET | Comedian and entertainer | 4 November 1987 |
| Kitty GODFREE | Former tennis player | 6 January 1988 |
| Tom MCCLEAN | Ocean rower | 13 January 1988 |
| Jane ROSSINGTON | Actress | 20 January 1988 |
Broadcast details
Thames Television production for ITV7 editions | 7 x 30 minutes
Wednesday | 7.00pm
Production team
Created by: Ralph Edwards - Ralph Edwards ProductionsProducer: Malcolm Morris | Associate Producer: Brian Klein
Directors: Terry Yarwood, Stuart Hall | Writer: Roy Bottomley
Researchers: Caroline Blackadder, David Mason, Tom Wettengel, Claire Jenkinson, Louise Clover, Sue Green
Programme Consultant: Roy Bottomley | Production Assistants: Irene Clark, Ellie Gleave
Designer: Jim Nicholson | Film Research: Susan Tiplady
Studio Supervisors: Del Randall, Gil Driver, Bruce Englefield, Brian Kerr
Lighting Directors: Bob Simmons, Wilf Baty, Peter Bower, David Motture, Clive Gulliver, Luigi Bottoni
Senior Cameramen: Albert Almond, John Scarrot, Adrian J Fearnley, Mike Solomans, Roy Easton
Sound Supervisors: Bill Rawcliffe, Dave Grassing, Richard Bradford
Vision Control: Arnold Spence, Keith Worrall, Bob Mason, David Harvey, Richard Waiting, Bill Marley
Vision Mixers: Peter Phillips, Brenda Wilson, Nick Ames, Martin Perrett, Peter Boffin
Make-up Supervisors: Angela Seyfang, Helen Sherry, Christine Morrell, Dianne Millar
Wardrobe Supervisors: Alison Munro, Jane Morris
Floor Managers: John Lopes, Les Davis, Nick Hurran, Peter Beaven, Aidan Boulter
Production Team: Mark Dobson, Roy Fewins, Angela Kennedy, Mandy Lee, Elizabeth Ross, Jill Townsend, Terence Badham, Roger Holmes
Colin Bocking, Grant Goodwin, Dave Lewington