This Is Your Life (UK TV series) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids This is Your Life |
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|---|---|
| Genre | Documentary Biography |
| Presented by | Eamonn Andrews Michael Aspel Trevor McDonald |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Production | |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Production company(s) | BBC Productions Click TV Ralph Edwards Productions STV Productions Thames Television ITV Productions TIYL Productions |
| Distributor | Fremantle Media ITV Studios STV Group plc |
| Release | |
| Original network | BBC One ITV (ITV1/STV/UTV) |
| Original release | 1955-1964, 1969-2003, 2007 |
| Chronology | |
| Related shows | American version New Zealand version Australian version |
This is Your Life was a popular British biographical television show. It was based on a similar show from America that started in 1952. The show featured a special guest who was surprised by the host. The host would then guide them through their life story using a special 'big red book'.
Many famous people, and also everyday heroes, were featured on the show. The show first aired live. Over the years, it was shown on both the BBC and ITV television channels.
Contents
Who Hosted This Show?
The show had a few different hosts during its long run.
Eamonn Andrews: The First Host
Eamonn Andrews was the first host of This is Your Life. He hosted the show from 1955 to 1964. After a short break, he returned to host again from 1969 until he passed away in 1987. He was 64 years old when he died.
Michael Aspel: The Later Years
After Eamonn Andrews, Michael Aspel took over as the host. He continued to present the show until it finished its regular run in 2003.
How Did the Show Work?
The main idea of This is Your Life was to surprise a guest. The guest would then be taken on a journey through their own life.
The Big Red Book
A key part of the show was the 'big red book'. The host would use this book to guide the story of the guest's life. It contained details and photos from their past.
Surprising the Guests
The show was famous for how it surprised its guests. Often, the guest had no idea they were going to be on the show until the host appeared with the big red book. This made for exciting and emotional moments.
Guests from All Walks of Life
The show featured a wide range of guests. These included well-known celebrities like actors, musicians, and sports stars. It also celebrated ordinary people who had done amazing things, such as brave firefighters or dedicated teachers.
Where Was the Show Broadcast?
This is Your Life was shown on two major British television networks.
BBC and ITV
The show switched between the BBC and ITV over its many years on air. This was unusual for a popular show. It meant that different generations of viewers could watch it on various channels.
Images for kids
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The big red book for fireman Tom Breaks, Mon 26 Mar 1962
