Big Red Book
Celebrating television's This Is Your Life
The Story of This Is Your Life
"Well, This Is Your Life has become so much part of my life, I wouldn't know what to do without it..."
Presenter Eamonn Andrews reflected on This Is Your Life in this special edition of the BBC television review programme, Did You See...?
Broadcast in 1987, this documentary gave a rare insight into the making of This Is Your Life, including behind-the-scenes access to the production team's preparation for the edition featuring Coronation Street actor Bill Waddington.
The programme was repeated later the same year as a tribute to Eamonn Andrews after his untimely death.
programme details...
- Broadcast date: BBC2 Tues 3 Mar 1987
- Broadcast time: 4.30-4.55pm
- Repeated: BBC1 Tue 24 Nov 1987
3.00-3.25pm - Series: 27
production team...
- Director: Agnieszke Piotrowska
- Producer: Charles Miller
related pages...
the programme's best kept secrets
the producers who steered the programme's success
the show's fifty year history
Press reviews of the BBC's Did You See...? special on This Is Your Life
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The production team meet to discuss the day ahead... to surprise actor Bill Waddington, 'Percy Sugden' of Coronation Street |
Presenter Eamonn Andrews and producer Malcolm Morris attend the studio rehearsal |
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This Is Your Life's first producer, Leslie Jackson, recalls the programme's early days |
Current producer Malcolm Morris discusses the challenges of putting each edition together |
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Eamonn Andrews offers helpful last-minute advice to the show's guests |
The production team now move to the scene of the pick-up as camera rehearsals begin |
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Bandleader Joe Loss - who will be an integral part of the pick-up - rehearses his band |
The adrenaline is flowing as Eamonn Andrews approaches his subject |
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This week's subject is caught! |
Eamonn recalls some memorable editions from the last 30 years, including Muhammad Ali and Terry Wogan |
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The recording begins at Thames Television's Teddington Studios |
Coronation Street's Thelma Barlow awaits her turn through the sliding doors |
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An unusual guest! |
A smiling Bill Waddington after the recording |
An extract from the programme featuring producers Leslie Jackson and Malcolm Morris discussing aspects of This Is Your Life