Chris Evans' TFI Friday Returns to Screens After Decade-Long Hiatus
The iconic and often controversial celebrity talk show TFI Friday, hosted by Chris Evans, has made a surprising return to television after more than ten years off the air. The programme, which originally launched in 1996 and enjoyed a successful run on Channel 4, has been revived on Virgin Radio UK's YouTube channel under the new name TFI Unplugged. This comeback marks a significant moment in British broadcasting, nearly three decades after the show first captivated audiences with its unfiltered and sometimes contentious approach to celebrity interviews.
Controversial Legacy Resurfaces with Victoria Beckham Incident
The revival has inevitably brought renewed attention to the show's controversial past, particularly a notorious segment from May 1999 involving Spice Girls icon Victoria Beckham. In a clip that has resurfaced and sparked backlash in recent years, Chris Evans, then 59, questioned Beckham about her weight just two months after she gave birth to her eldest son, Brooklyn. Evans asked if her weight was "back to normal" and proceeded to produce a weighing scale from his desk, suggesting they "check."
In a 2022 Vogue interview, Victoria Beckham reflected on the moment, stating, "He made me stand on the scales to be weighed. Can you imagine doing that nowadays?" This incident highlights the shifting cultural sensitivities and media practices over the past decades, making the show's return a topic of both nostalgia and critique.
Other Controversies and Notable Guests from the Original Series
Beyond the Beckham episode, TFI Friday was no stranger to controversy during its initial run. One particularly criticised segment involved a competition where two children were pitted against each other in a staring contest to win a car for their parents, resulting in tears and viewer outcry. Despite these moments, the show also featured an impressive roster of high-profile guests, including actors like Ewan McGregor and Saoirse Ronan, and bands such as U2, cementing its place in 1990s pop culture.
TFI Unplugged Launches with Star-Studded Premiere
The revamped version, TFI Unplugged, premiered on Friday, February 6, 2026, on Virgin Radio UK's YouTube channel. The inaugural episode showcased a mix of talent, with Oscar-nominated actor Delroy Lindo appearing as a guest. Comedian Ross Noble and the band James, fronted by Tim Booth, also made special appearances, signalling a continuation of the show's eclectic and celebrity-focused format.
Chris Evans, who is also known for presenting the rebooted Top Gear, expressed optimism about the show's future during his Virgin Radio breakfast show. He reflected on the longevity of previous guests, noting, "When Rod Stewart came on TFI Friday he was only four years younger than I am now, so it's all going to be fine." Evans added, "Paul McCartney came on TFI again when he was just a few years younger than I am. Now he's 83... we've got plenty of road still to run here before we run out of road."
Future Plans and Broadcasting Details
TFI Friday, in its new Unplugged iteration, is set to air weekly on Virgin Radio UK's YouTube channel every Friday. The show returns with original executive producers Clare Barton and Suzie Aplin, aiming to recapture the spontaneous and sometimes provocative spirit that defined its earlier years. As it navigates modern media landscapes, the revival promises to blend nostalgia with contemporary relevance, though it remains to be seen how audiences will respond to its controversial legacy in today's more sensitive climate.
