A salute to daytime TV’s liveliest show as This Morning hits its 30th birthday
In TV land, a three-decade anniversary is a wonderful achievement, but given This Morning is broadcast live, five days a week, its 30th birthday is an extra special success.
This feature- length documentary has contributions from some you’d expect (Phillip and Holly, Richard, Judy and Fern), plus some you might not (Robbie Williams and Simon Cowell), as it dives into the archives to bring us some magic moments.
These include giggle-inducing on-air gaffes, big-star interviews with everyone from Hugh Jackman to Kate Winslet, and a fitting tribute to the show’s original agony aunt, Denise Robertson, who passed away in 2016.
Hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby are on top form as they cheerily greet TV Times in the green room before telling us about the celebrations in store as ITV’s flagship daytime show turns 30 on 3 October.
Highlights include a one-off documentary narrated by Joanna Lumley, a BAFTA award, and lots of very special guests in the studio.
Here, Phil, 56, and Holly, 37, tell us more…
This Morning’s first outing was on 3 October 1988 from Liverpool’s Albert Dock, hosted then by husband-and-wife team Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.
Were you watching the launch? Phil: Yes, I remember watching This Morning on day one.
I was in this building [Television Centre], getting ready for that week’s episode of BBC1’s Going Live!
It’s wild to think I watched the first show and I’m now presenting its 30th anniversary!
Holly: I was seven years old, so didn’t watch it at the very beginning, but I do remember watching when I was ill and off school.
I was a fan before I was a host. I even tuned in when I was on maternity leave!
It was lovely to watch it as a viewer again – it’s a special show.
You’re celebrating with a special documentary, This Morning – 30 Unforgettable Years, showcasing some of the landmark moments on the programme. Tell us more! Phil: All the people involved in the show are coming back and telling stories for the documentary, including Richard and Judy!
Holly: It’ll be a real nostalgia-fest, with everybody looking back at their favourite moments.
TV Times rating: ****
