Channel 4’s Black to Front: The full line-up
James R | On 10, Sep 2021
Mo Gilligan is bringing back The Big Breakfast to Channel 4, as part of a day focused on showcasing Black talent and contributors and championing Black voices and stories.
Planned over a year, and working with numerous production partners, Black to Front is part of Channel 4’s ongoing commitment to improve Black representation on and off screen. From breakfast right through to late nigh, some of Channel 4’s most iconic shows will have Black talent at the forefront offering viewers a new perspective of much-loved programmes. Airing on Friday 10th September, it will include two Channel 4 icons: The Big Breakfast and Countdown.
Presenter AJ Odudu will join comic and presenter Gilligan to host The Big Breakfast, with newsreader Phil Gayle returning to read the news as part of the revival, which will be broadcast live from its original East London location, the Lock Keepers’ Cottages. A staple of the channel’s morning schedule from 1992 to 2002, The Big Breakfast defied the rules when it came to breakfast telly. Retaining plenty of its original anarchic spirit, risqué sense of humour and distinctive energy, the Black to Front special will see the presenters flanked by a mix of famous guests to kick start the day with a bang – including Olympic legend Usain Bolt, music hero Nile Rodgers, smash hit singer-songwriter Eve, acting icon Idris Elba, musicians Krept & Konan and Tokyo 2020 medallists Emily Campbell and Kye White. the two hour special will also see newsreader Phil Gayle return to read the news, Judi Love assuming her position as our On The Bed host, Big Zuu cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and Melvin Odoom pounding the streets of the UK where one viewer will be playing for prizes on their doorstep.
Pop icon Mel B will be giving the behind-the-scenes scoop on what to expect when she takes over the airwaves for Mel B’s Packed Lunch at 12:30pm. The Receipts Podcast trio, Tolly, Audrey and Milena, will be answering a host of dilemmas, Munya Chawawa’s alter ego, Barty Crease, will offer the alternative news and there will be cameo appearances from EastEnders’ own Winston (Ulric Browne) and Love Island’s Toby Aromolaran.
New commissions airing during the day will include scripted comedy Big Age from writer Bolu Babalola and starring Ronke Adékoluẹjo, Racheal Ofori, Michael Workeye and CJ Beckford – topical debate show Unapologetic – presented by Yinka Bokinni & Zeze Millz – and docu-ality show Highlife, featuring a cast of trailblazing British Nigerian and Ghanaians, including DJ Cuppy, Bernicia Boateng and Kiddwaya.
Sir Trevor McDonald, meanwhile, will present a special edition of Channel 4’s longest running show, Countdown. The emininent journalist and broadcaster will be joined in the studio by acclaimed poet and playwright Lemn Sissay OBE who will adjudicate the words from Dictionary Corner and maths prodigy Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE who will bring her arithmetical expertise to the numbers round. The guest joining Lemn in Dictionary Corner will be award-winning journalist and beer sommelier Marverine Cole.
AJ Odudu said: “I absolutely can’t wait to get stuck into The Big Breakfast. It is such an iconic show to be part of and I am buzzing it is finally coming back! I’m so looking forward to working with Mo and I can’t wait to wake up the nation! I’m thrilled to be part of Channel 4’s Black to Front – which quite rightly gives a platform to deserving Black British TV talent across our industry, both on and off-screen. It’s going to be really special. ’
Sir Trevor McDonald said: “I am proud and delighted to be presenting Countdown on this special day; I have always enjoyed watching Countdown, a show that has been around for almost as long as I have! “
Black to Front was conceived by commissioning editors Vivienne Molokwu and Shaminder Nahal. It will be led by Deputy Director of Programmes, Kelly Webb-Lamb with Vivienne and Shaminder working across the whole day with Melissa Cousins as Project Coordinator. Head of Creative Diversity Babita Bahal and Director of Commissioning Operations, Emma Hardy are also part of the core team.
Kelly Webb-Lamb, Channel 4’s Deputy Director of Programmes commented: “From the voices that introduce the shows to the people appearing on screen, across social and All 4, the entire day will be fronted by Black talent and will tell the stories of Black British communities in a demonstration of Black excellence. Behind the camera Channel 4 is working together with our production partners to shape ambitious and meaningful off-screen commitments, making sure that Black to Front lives on beyond one day, accelerating careers and bringing about significant change that will leave a lasting legacy across the UK TV industry.
Here’s the full schedule for the Black to Front day, plus what’s available to catch up with on All 4:
DESMOND’S at 6am
Five back to back episodes of the classic sitcom set in a Peckham barber shop, starring the late, great Norman Beaton. Desmond’s was first shown on Channel 4 in 1989 and ran for six years.
THE BIG BREAKFAST at 8am
BAFTA award-winning comedian Mo Gilligan will be joined by co-host AJ Odudu with original newsreader Phil Gayle, for The Big Breakfast live from its original East London location, the Lock Keepers’ Cottages.
Available on All 4 until: 9th October 2021
BLACKISH at 10am
A selection of episodes from the US series featuring Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Not available on-demand
LIAM BAKES at midday
Liam Charles brings a fresh perspective to baking with recipes that blend pop culture, nostalgia and his Jamaican heritage.
MEL’S PACKED LUNCH at 12.30pm
Former Spice Girl Melanie Brown is making her live presenting debut as she takes the helm of the lunchtime show, Mel’s Packed Lunch.
COUNTDOWN at 2.10pm
Sir Trevor McDonald is joined by acclaimed poet and playwright Lemn Sissay OBE and award-winning journalist & beer sommelier, Marverine Cole in Dictionary Corner and maths prodigy Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE brings her arithmetical expertise to the numbers round.
A PLACE IN THE SUN at 3pm
Presenter, Jean Johansson heads to sunnier shores to help house-hunters find their dream holiday home in this brand-new episode.
THE GREAT HOUSE GIVEAWAY at 4pm
Tayo Oguntonade joins the presenting team to hand offer advice and handy tips to our DIY hopefuls.
COME DINE WITH ME at 5pm
Across the week six Black contestants have battled it out in the ultimate dinner party competition. This iconic British show culminates today in a high stakes double-bill finale.
HOLLYOAKS at 6pm
In this special one-hour edition there’s lot of drama going on in Hollyoaks.
CHANNEL 4 NEWS at 7pm
Ayshah Tull and Keme Nzerem present Channel 4 News.
LOVE IT OR LIST IT at 8pm
Scarlette Douglas and her brother Stuart are stepping into Kirstie & Phil’s shoes for a special version of hit properly show Love it or List it.
GOGGLEBOX at 9pm
A mix of famous friends and Gogglebox families including Mo Gilligan & Babatundé Aléshé, the Plummer brothers, Marcus & Mica and Amira & Amani will take to their sofas ready to share their opinions with the nation on the best and worst television shows of the past week.
HIGHLIFE at 10pm
A group of ambitious, glamourous young British West Africans are all chasing their own idea of success in this four-part docu-ality series.
BIG AGE at 11pm
Big Age written by acclaimed writer Bolu Babalola follows a group of four young Black-British friends who are in the ‘big age’ era of their lives.
UNAPOLOGETIC at 11.30pm
A late-night topical discussion programme hosted by DJ and presenter Yinka Bokinni and social media star and presenter Zeze Millz.
MOONLIGHT at 12.30am
Writer/director Barry Jenkins’ triple Oscar-winning drama tracks the life of an African-American man in Miami struggling with his homosexuality, his mother’s drug addiction, and the verbal, physical and emotional abuse that dogs him as he comes of age.
I AM DANIELLE at 2.30am
Danielle (BAFTA-winning Letitia Wright) is a photographer who’s focused on her career. She meets a model Michael (CJ Beckford) and cautiously starts dating him. Could he be the one?
COME DINE WITH ME from 3.20am to 6am
Strangers compete to host the best dinner party in the same spectacular location, cooking in a kitchen they’ve never cooked in before, to win a £1000 cash prize.
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