Chris Evans Revives Controversial TV Show Featuring Victoria Beckham Weigh-in
Chris Evans is set to revive his controversial talk show, TFI Friday, after more than a decade. The series originally aired on Channel 4 starting in 1996 and is now making a comeback on Virgin Radio UK’s YouTube channel.
Controversial Legacy of TFI Friday
The show gained notoriety during its initial run for several contentious moments, particularly an incident involving Victoria Beckham. In May 1999, shortly after the birth of her son, Chris invited her to weigh herself live on the show, which many viewers deemed inappropriate.
Victoria Beckham’s Reflection
Victoria Beckham later spoke about the moment in a July 2022 Vogue interview. She expressed her disbelief at the incident, stating, “Can you imagine doing that nowadays?” In 2025, she further detailed her embarrassment during an interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, emphasizing the societal pressures regarding body image at that time.
Recent Revival of TFI Friday
TFI Friday, rebranded as TFI Unplugged, returned on February 6, nearly 30 years after its initial premiere. The first episode featured Delroy Lindo as a guest, alongside comedian Ross Noble and the band James.
Guest Appearances and Future Plans
- Delroy Lindo was the first guest of the revived series.
- Ross Noble and the band James made special appearances on the inaugural episode.
- The show will be released every Friday on Virgin Radio UK’s YouTube channel.
Chris Evans, who also hosts a breakfast show on Virgin Radio, aims to maintain the series for the long term. He is working with original executive producers Clare Barton and Suzie Aplin to ensure a vibrant future for TFI Friday.
Controversies from The Original Series
Beyond the incident with Beckham, TFI Friday faced other controversies, including:
- A car competition that led to a heartfelt emotional fallout among child participants.
- Happy Mondays’ Shaun Ryder’s outburst during a live performance, resulting in on-air apologies.
Despite its tumultuous history, Chris Evans remains optimistic about the revived series as it seeks to engage a new audience while reigniting discussions about past incidents.
