This Is Your Life article

The big red book that has been taking celebrities by surprise for 48 years may be approaching its final appearance. The BBC said yesterday that it was considering scrapping This Is Your Life.

In a world awash with magazines and TV shows dedicated to the rich and famous, the BBC believes it has become outdated.

"This Is Your Life has been one of the longest-running and best-loved entertainment shows on BBC TV," its spokeswoman said.

"But the world of celebrity has moved on and we are looking at different ways of tackling this subject."

She said its future would depend on ideas for revamping the show put forward by its makers, Thames Television.

The changes could include dropping its current host, Michael Aspel, or even the famous red book.

But axing the show altogether seems the more likely option, since younger celebrities have been refusing to take part.

The Oasis star Noel Gallagher is believed to have told the BBC, "Stuff your red book", when he was approached about taking part, and his sentiments are thought to have been echoed by others.

The BBC said the show still had a long run scheduled, but it could not say when the run would end, since it is not broadcast every week.

Aspel will make an appearance at 7pm tonight on BBC1.

The show sprang to life in the US in 1952 and was shown on the BBC from 1955 until 1964.

In 1969 Eamonn Andrews brought it back on Thames TV.

It remained a staple of the schedules, ranking as fourth most popular programme in 1980 with 20m viewers.

Andrews died in 1987, but the show carried on with Aspel at the helm.

In the early 1990s it again faced the axe but the BBC picked up the rights after Thames TV discarded them.

BBC News Online 15 May 2003

This Is Your Life faces axe

The famous This Is Your Life big red book could disappear after BBC bosses admitted the tribute show had become tired.

This Is Your Life, which is hosted by Michael Aspel, has been running since 1955 surprising famous people and taking them on a trip down memory lane.

But the BBC has decided that "the world of celebrity has moved on" and a new format needs to be found.

A BBC spokesman said: "This Is Your Life is one of the best loved and longest running entertainment shows on British TV."

"However, the world of celebrity has moved on and we're looking at different ways of tackling this subject."

Decision

Thames Television, which makes the programme, has been asked to come up with different ideas on how to refresh the format.

No definite decision has yet been made on its future.

The show began life hosted by the late Eamonn Andrews, looking back at the career of a star with the help of friends and family.

Stars from the world of entertainment and sport were frequently surprised when either Andrews or Aspel turned up brandishing the red book.

Past guests have included footballer George Best, comedian Spike Milligan and EastEnders actress Barbara Windsor.

Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher reportedly turned down a chance to appear on the series, saying it was "naff".

Two years ago former Goodies star and wildlife enthusiast Bill Oddie turned away the This Is Your Life production crew who had come to surprise him.

He was only the third person in its history to refuse to take part after family and friends had gathered in a studio.

The Sun 15 May 2003

THIS WAS YOUR LIFE!

Emily Smith, Deputy Bizarre Editor

'Naff' show to go after 48yrs on TV

This Is Your Life is facing the axe after a 48-year run - because young stars think it is naff.

BBC bosses have been turned down by a host of younger celebrities chosen as potential "victims" for the TV show.

One of those approached, Oasis star Noel Gallagher, told producers: "Stuff your red book."

Noel, 35, told pals he thought the programme was for fuddy-duddies and he wouldn't be seen dead on it.

Dropping

The Beeb chiefs have ordered makers Pearson to carry out a last-ditch revamp - which could include dropping host Michael Aspel or even the famous red book.

But insiders say executives have privately decided little can be done to save it.

One said: "The problem is that the new breed of celebrities like Noel refuse to appear. And there are only so many times you can do the likes of Bob Monkhouse and Lionel Blair. It is beginning to look far too outdated."

This Is Your Life was first screened in 1955 but was killed off by the BBC nine years later.

It returned in 1969 when early host Eamonn Andrews took it to ITV.

Aspel stepped in when Andrews died in 1987. And six years later the show was poached back by the Beeb.

Stars whose lives have been featured include Shirley Bassey, George Best and Julie Goodyear.

Glasgow Evening Times 15 May 2003

BBC bosses signal final chapter for big red book

THE BBC's long-running tribute show This Is Your Life - famous for its big red book - could be axed as part of a revamp, it emerged today.

The tired format in which host Michael Aspel surprises a star by paying homage to their history with the help of friends and family is in need of a refresh, according to the BBC.

It has been decided that "the world of celebrity has moved on" and that a new way of focusing on people in the public eye is required.

A BBC spokesman said: "We're looking at different ways of tackling this subject."

"We have asked Thames Television to come up with some new ideas to refresh this long-running format."

The show, hosted previously on ITV by Eamonn Andrews, was first screened in 1955.

Past guests, who are all presented with a red book chronicling events in their lives, have included ex-EastEnders Martin Kemp and former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown.

Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher reportedly turned down a chance to appear on the series, saying it was "naff".

The Times 15 May 2003

End of Life

The long-running celebrity tribute show This Is Your Life could end after the BBC ordered a review of how the series could be updated. The show, hosted previously on ITV by Eamonn Andrews, was first screened in 1955, but many younger celebrities have declined to participate in recent years.

The Mirror 16 May 2003

MATTHEW NORMAN'S COLUMN: COMMENT ON THIS IS YOUR LIFE

The end approaches for This Is Your Life and the big red book may soon be joining Chairman Mao's little version in the dustbin of modern history.

A wistful regret will come over those of us who remember Eamonn Andrews cooing, "you thought you'd come here tonight for a quiet meal with your wife, but..."

Back then there was a zillionth of the celeb coverage we have today and enough real stars to go round.

But nowadays the paradox is that only non-celebs like Catalina Whatshername get decent telly exposure.

There is a way to save This Is Your Life, however - the thing to do is give its subjects no choice. If Noel Gallagher refuses to appear, storm his house, fire a tranquilliser dart into his bum, cart him off to the studio and subject him to the memories of everyone he's ever slept with, fought with or generally irritated.

You wouldn't fancy the editor's job of cutting it to 30 minutes but it might just save the show.

The Scotsman 16 May 2003

FAMOUS RED BOOK FACES CLOSURE

John Innes

The long-running television show This Is Your Life could be axed. The programme, in which Michael Aspel surprises people ranging from celebrities to local heroes by paying homage to their lives with the help of friends and family, is in need of being freshened up, according to BBC chiefs.

It has been decided that "the world of celebrity has moved on" and that a new way of focusing on people in the public eye is required.

A BBC spokesman said: "This Is Your Life is one of the best loved and longest running shows on British TV."

"However, the world of celebrity has moved on and we're looking at different ways of tackling this subject."

"We have asked Thames Television to come up with some new ideas to refresh this long-running format."

He was unable to confirm whether the show would definitely end, saying it would depend on the ideas that were put forward.

The show, hosted previously on ITV by Eamonn Andrews, was first screened in 1955. Guests were all presented with a red book chronicling events in their lives.

Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher reportedly turned down a chance to appear on the series, saying it was "naff".

According to reports, the BBC's executives have decided little can be done to save the show.

"The problem is that the new breed of celebrities, like Noel, refuse to appear," one insider said. "It is beginning to look far too outdated."

Western Mail 16 May 2003

WILL IT BE THAT WAS YOUR LIFE FOR ASPEL?

BYLINE: KAREN PRICE ARTS AND MEDIA CORRESPONDENT

For almost 50 years, the little red book has been a familiar facet of British broadcasting. But now the long-running celebrity tribute show This Is Your Life could be axed as part of a revamp. The tired format in which host Michael Aspel surprises a star by paying homage to their history with the help of friends and family needs to be refreshed, according to BBC bosses.

But media experts say the corporation should think carefully before axing such institutions.

"I guess certain institutions reach a sell-by date but This Is Your Life has a good reputation," said David English, deputy director of the Centre for Journalism Studies at Cardiff University.

"I can understand the need to bring in new programmes but if you have got something you do well then you should not throw the baby out with the bath water."

"The BBC should think carefully before getting rid of its institutions."

The BBC has decided that "the world of celebrity has moved on" and that a new way of focusing on people in the public eye is required.

A BBC spokesman said, "This Is Your Life is one of the best loved and longest running entertainment shows on British TV."

"However, the world of celebrity has moved on and we're looking at different ways of tackling this subject. We have asked Thames Television to come up with some new ideas to refresh this long-running format."

He was unable to confirm whether the show would definitely end, saying it would depend on the ideas that were put forward.

The show, hosted previously on ITV by Eamonn Andrews, was first screened in 1955.

The famous guests are presented with a red book chronicling events in their lives and their friends and relatives are invited to share their memories about the star.

A number of Welsh celebrities have had their life stories revealed on the programme, including Sir Harry Secombe, Dame Shirley Bassey, Gareth Edwards and Simon Weston. The most recent famous name from Wales to receive the honour was former rugby international-turned-TV pundit, Jonathan Davies.

Among the guests on the show, which was screened earlier this year, were former Wales captain Ieuan Evans, Max Boyce and the Treorchy Male Voice Choir.

And his new wife Helen, whom he married last summer, revealed that the couple are expecting their first child together. Jonathan's three children by his late wife Karen were also at the studios in Cardiff for the show.

Others who have received the big red book include ex-EastEnders actor Martin Kemp, entertainer Des O'Connor and former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown. Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher reportedly turned down a chance to appear on the series, saying it was "naff".

According to reports, the Corporation's executives have decided little can be done to save the show.

"The problem is that the new breed of celebrities like Noel refuse to appear," said one BBC insider. "It is beginning to look far too outdated."

Western Daily Press 16 May 2003

Shutting The Big Red Book

The final chapter in Britain's most famous big red book is about to be written by the BBC, it was reported yesterday. Over the last half-century, This Is Your Life has "ambushed" the world's best-loved celebrities, unveiling their family secrets and career highs and lows in front of friends and family members gathered in the studio.

But the hallowed red book may be consigned to the dusty shelves of the BBC archives after it emerged today's young stars think it is "naff".

Once essential peak-time viewing, bosses have admitted the tribute show, which has been taking the famous down memory lane since 1955, has become "tired".

At its peak, This Is Your Life enjoyed enormous pulling power on both sides of the Atlantic.

Viewers knew they could tune into the show certain an A-list celebrity would be the entertaining subject of the half-hour show.

Early guests included Muhammad Ali, World War II hero Douglas Bader, Bob Hope, Dudley Moore and Joan Collins, but critics argue the show has failed to maintain such a high standard of guest list in recent years.

Many feel the show plumbed new depths with actor Shaun Williamson, known only for his role as bungling car dealer Barry Evans in the soap opera EastEnders.

And viewing figures confirm the show's recent decline.

In 1980 it was Britain's fourth most popular show, with 20 million regular viewers, but in 2003, the audience hovers around five million.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "This Is Your Life is one of the best-loved and longest-running entertainment shows on British TV."

"However, the world of celebrity has moved on and we're looking at different ways of tackling this subject." The programme actually began life as an American radio show in 1948 before the TV version was created in America four years later by Ralph Edwards.

This Is Your Life crossed the Atlantic in 1955 with Edwards as its first presenter.

The first subject was Eamonn Andrews, although he only got the red book after a newspaper found out that footballer Stanley Matthews was to be the star of the first show and plans were changed at the last minute.

Andrews became the host in 1969 and remained at the helm until his death in 1987. Michael Aspel has been the sole guardian of the Big Red Book since. [Bigredbook.info editor: Actually Eamonn became host in 1955!]

In the early days, Andrews would go to great lengths to catch stars unawares, dressing up as an airline steward to surprise Shirley Bassey, a wine waiter to collar David Frost and an astronaut for Patrick Moore.

But not everyone thrown under the spotlight by presenter and film crew has taken kindly to the surprise.

Three people have turned down the chance to appear in the Big Red Book - two of them live on air. [Bigredbook.info editor: only one refusal was broadcast live - Richard Gordon]

Tottenham Hotspur and Northern Ireland footballer Danny Blanchflower was the first person to say no in the 1950s. [Bigredbook.info editor: It was actually 1961]

The author of the Doctor in the House books, Richard Gordon, turned the air blue on live TV after Andrews approached him in 1974, although he was soon persuaded to change his mind.

In 2001, comedian-ornithologist Bill Oddie said no before his family, who had gathered at the studio in anticipation of his life story, persuaded him to appear.

In recent years, the BBC has been turned down by a host of younger stars chosen as potential victims.

Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher, 35, is reported to have told producers: "Stuff your red book." The rock star is said to have told friends the show was outdated and he wouldn't be seen dead on it.

Western Daily Press 16 May 2003

The Rise Of Michael Aspel

This Is Your Life presenter Michael Aspel's career began as a radio actor with the BBC in Cardiff in 1954. He soon became a personality on both television and radio. First working on screen as a television newsreader, he later presented several television and radio programmes including Family Favourites, Miss World, Crackerjack, Personal Cinema, Aspel And Company, Today, After Seven, Star Games and Ask Aspel. He entered into an exclusive contract with London Weekend Television to present several programmes including Child's Play and his talk show Aspel and Company.

Aspel hosted ITN's VE Day Programme in May 1995, along with Lights Camera Action for ITV which was a series of six programmes celebrating the centenary of cinema.

He is currently involved in two of the BBC's longest-running TV shows. He succeeded Eamonn Andrews as presenter of This Is Your Life in 1987 and also took over later from Hugh Scully as presenter of the Antiques Roadshow.

Over the years, Michael has been voted Variety Club ITV Personality of the Year and TV Times Television Personality of the Year.

He was awarded the OBE in 1993 for services to broadcasting and was recently voted into the Royal Television Society Hall of Fame for outstanding services to television.

Western Daily Press 16 May 2003

Daily Press Fact File

With 20 million viewers, This Is Your Life was the fourth most popular programme in 1980 after Dallas, James Bond film Live And Let Die and sitcom To The Manor Born. The TV show began in the US in 1952 and ran in the UK on the BBC from 1955 to 1964. Eamonn Andrews then revived it on ITV in 1969, with entertainer Des O'Connor as the first guest.

It was dropped by ITV in 1990 before being poached by the BBC, and presenter Michael Aspel, back in 1993. [Bigredbook.info editor: The programme was broadcast on ITV continually from 1969 right up to transferring to the BBC in 1994]

In May 2002 the show recorded a "disappointing" 4.7million viewers, the BBC said.

Cult US children's programme Sesame Street had its own version of This Is Your Life for muppets, presented by Kermit the Frog.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 18 May 2003

The closing of the big red book

WILLIAM LANGLEY

The special attribute of This Is Your Life is that you do not have to watch it to be glad it is there.

First screened in 1955, the landmark year that saw the launch of Dixon of Dock Green and The Brains Trust, it is a minor piece of living television history and, as such, a brazen provocation to the people who run the BBC. Last week, it was reported to be facing the axe.

The show's formula hasn't changed in 48 years, and neither, thankfully, has the essential wholesomeness and stoical British humour that sustains it. The only mildly shocking episode I can remember was in the late 1970s, and featured Frank Windsor, the Z Cars actor who - caught by surprise in the late stages of a police dinner - told a string of off-colour jokes, and then slid slowly beneath the table sobbing: "Rubbish! Rubbish!"

The programme's modern custodians couldn't agree more. This Is Your Life is our last surviving piece of early programming - a unique link to the first days of television. It has been carried on both major channels, beginning on BBC with Eamonn Andrews, a young Irish boxing commentator, as compere before switching in the late 1960s to ITV and back again to the BBC in the 1980s with the current host, Michael Aspel. [Bigredbook.info editor: The programme transferred to the BBC in 1994]

This Is Your Life, with its corny opening ambush and procession of moderately-famous guests, has become an embarrassment to a network that increasingly exists only to feed the coarse and marginal preferences of its own honchos.

After the reports that This Is Your Life was about to die, the BBC, retreating ominously into the vagaries of corporate-speak, admitted that it was looking at ways to "refresh the formula" and "explore new ideas".

Well, nobody is suggesting that you can keep a programme going for sentiment's sake. But This Is Your Life still pulls in a highly respectable 11 million viewers, it doesn't cost much to make, and, so far as I can discover, it hasn't received a viewer complaint in decades. It sounds like a piece of television to be proud of. So what's the problem?

The problem, apparently, is that what the BBC describes as "younger celebrities" don't want to appear on it. One of those who turned the show down, the oafish Oasis singer, Noel Gallagher, complained that the programme was "naff", and that doing it might damage his image.

Gallagher looks like something that has been hauled up in a net, and the last time I saw him being questioned on television about his band's musical accomplishments, he replied, after a lengthy pause for thought: "Well, it's all about shagging and drugs and that." Who would they bring on as his guests? His moronic brother, Liam, who recently lost half his teeth in a bar brawl with Italian gangsters? Robbie Williams carrying a wreath?

You can't "refresh" a programme like This Is Your Life by turning it into The Graham Norton Show, any more than you can elevate Norton by handing him a leather-bound red book and setting him loose on Lady Antonia Fraser. Some shows simply work the way they are or not at all.

In any case, to scroll back through the programme's history is to demolish the idea - embraced by the fashion-fixated cranks at the BBC - that each week's guest is a variation on Bob Monkhouse. Everyone from Lord Mountbatten of Burma to Gary Glitter has done time on the show, almost invariably with good grace, and if the guests veer towards a certain maturity of years it is for an obvious reason.

The programme needs a life to look back on. You have to have lived one first. Gallagher's life to date consists of virtually nothing except swearing, throwing up in hotel lobbies and ripping off the Beatles. How do you make a programme out of that? To prescribe younger guests for This Is Your Life is like demanding younger subjects for an obituaries column.