TFI Friday is returning to Channel 4
Chris Evans is bringing his TFI Friday Unplugged revival back to Channel 4.
Chris Evans is bringing TFI Friday Unplugged to Channel 4.
The 60-year-old presenter's iconic 90s show was rebooted earlier this year on YouTube alongside his Virgin Radio programme, and now it's set to return to its original home as a six-part TV series launching on April 17 at 11pm.
Channel 4’s Cimran Shah said: “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.”
Dennie Morris, Director of Audio, News Broadcasting for News UK praised the "genius" of the show's host as it gets a fresh relaunch, which will include fans being able to stream via Channel 4 and Channel 4 YouTube.
Morris added: “TFI Friday is one of those rare formats that never really left the cultural conversation, and we're proud to see this iconic title - and the genius of Chris Evans - find its way back to Channel 4 reimagined through Virgin Radio UK’s TFI Unplugged.
"We look forward to audiences rediscovering what made the show so special, wherever and however they choose to watch."
The first episode of the new series will feature singers Sam Ryder, Jack Savoretti and Shreya Ghoshal alongside actors Gemma Arterton and Cush Jump, Doctor Who legend Peter Capaldi, and comedian Sindhu Lee.
TFI Friday, which originally ran from 1996 to 2000 before a revival in 2015, was known for its chaotic interviews, live music and total unpredictability.
Back in February, after TFI Unplugged launched on Virgin Radio's YouTube Channel, Chris hinted that there was more planned for the future.
Speaking on his radio show at the time, he teased: "We’ve got plenty of road still to run here before we run out of road. That’s what I’m saying to myself.
“Thank you so much for watching it in your tens of thousands on YouTube. 30 years ago today, Channel 4 allowed the TFI gang to play and here we are still 30 years on. Dare I say here’s to the next 30.”
