TFI FRIDAY RETURNS TO CHANNEL 4 AS BROADCASTER ACQUIRES VIRGIN MEDIA SHOW WITH CHRIS EVANS

Channel 4 today announces it has acquired six episodes of Virgin Radio UK’s YouTube show, TFI Friday Unplugged, fronted by Chris Evans, bringing the iconic entertainment format back to its original home.

The weekly series will make its debut across Channel 4 from 11pm Friday 17th April and will also be available to stream for free on Channel 4 and on Channel 4 YouTube. The first episode to go out on Channel 4 will feature; Sam Ryder, Shreya Ghoshal, Jack Savoretti, Sindhu Vee, Gemma Arterton, Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo.

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, News UK said: “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."

Originally a defining show of 1990s British television, TFI Friday became synonymous with live music, irreverent interviews and unpredictable moments. This new Unplugged version from Virgin Radio retains that DNA while embracing a more intimate, contemporary format.

TFI Friday Unplugged begins across Channel 4 on Friday 17th April.