It’s been revealed that none other than TFI Friday will be premiering on Channel 4 once again on Friday (April 17) but in the form of a spin-off, known as TFI Friday Unplugged.
The broadcaster has acquired six episodes of Virgin Radio UK’s YouTube show, also fronted by Evans, which began streaming for the first time earlier this year.
Channel 4’s original TFI Friday first aired in 1996 and consisted of six seasons until 2000.
Following this, a one-off revival episode was broadcast in 2015 before Channel 4 announced it had commissioned a new series.
However, after the seventh season 11 years ago, Channel 4 shared that there were no plans for other future series.
TFI Friday was notably known for its live music performances, exclusive interviews, and many spontaneous moments, not to mention its A-List guests.
This new Unplugged version from Virgin Radio “retains that DNA while embracing a more intimate, contemporary format”, according to Channel 4.
Over the years, the likes of David Bowie, Pamela Anderson and Elton John all appeared alongside Evans at his famous desk.
TV shows that defined our childhood
Just one of the most memorable episodes was in 1999 when singers Geri Halliwell and Kylie Minogue had an arm wrestle.
Not to mention, Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder caused chaos after he dropped a few strong swear words during both of his appearances on the Friday evening entertainment show, during the Britpop era.
What to expect on TFI Friday Unplugged airing on Channel 4 this week
But which famous faces can viewers expect to see on TFI Friday Unplugged when it airs on Channel 4 this Friday from 11pm, just after First Dates?
The line-up will include Eurovision star Sam Ryder, Shreya Ghoshal, Jack Savoretti, Sindhu Vee, Gemma Arterton, Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo.
Radio Times’ episode synopsis shares: “Chris Evans brings his entertainment show back to Channel 4 in a more intimate format, featuring interviews with the biggest stars and music by the latest bands from the presenter’s studio at Virgin Radio UK.”
Channel 4’s Cimran Shah, commissioning editor for reality entertainment, added: “TFI Friday was doing stripped-back, personality-led chat long before visualised-podcasts were a twinkle in our eyes.
“I’m thrilled that this deal brings TFI back to Channel 4, reimagined in a way that feels fresh, immediate and perfectly suited for a new generation wherever they watch Channel 4.”
In response to a post on Facebook from Virgin Radio UK teasing the revived show, someone commented: “Never has a shows return been more needed!”
One fan wrote: “Thank goodness, it’s about time we got something worth watching on the telly again. I’ll be watching.”
Another put: “So glad this show is back!! This was the start of the weekend before heading out in the 90s.”
This nostalgic viewer also chimed in: “Used to love watching this every Friday before going out on the beer.”
Someone who has been watching TFI Friday Unplugged on YouTube recently posted: “Have really enjoyed the TFI Unplugged on YouTube, this probably explains why there hasn’t been an episode for the past two weeks, ended up watching the original episodes instead.”
A second profile agreed: “Class news been watching it on you tube last few weeks best chat show.”
However, others have argued the 11pm airtime for TFI Friday Unplugged on Channel 4 is “too late”.
This person joked: “11pm is too late for all the people who watched the original.”
One user complained: “Yes I can’t wait I remember watching the show in the 90’s hate that’s it on so late compared to the 90’s was it 7:30.”
Meanwhile, a Facebook account asked: “Why so late?”
Will you be watching TFI Friday Unplugged with Chris Evans on Channel 4 this week? Let us know in the comments below.
