That’s Life! to be resurrected, says Esther Rantzen
THAT’S LIFE! — the much-loved show that blended hard-headed consumer campaigning with performing dogs — could be making a comeback, according to its presenter Esther Rantzen.
Dame Esther, who presented the show for its entire 21-year run, said there was still a ‘need’ for such a show and revealed that the BBC is in talks to resurrect the popular programme 24 years after it was axed.
The eclectic, magazine-style show, which ran from 1973 to 1994, mixed serious investigative segments — such as those leading to the creation of kids’ telephone helpline Childline — with light-hearted, satirical pieces — such as the weekly Jobsworth slot, which exposed companies’ ridiculous rules and regulations.
And the presenters didn’t fight shy of showcasing ‘talking’ dogs or dressing up to perform the odd song and dance number.
At its peak That’s Life! attracted 20million viewers and, according to the Daily Mirror, the BBC is considering bringing it back as early as next year.
Elsewhere, it has been reported that husband-and-wife team Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford might be in the frame to present the reincarnation.
Dame Esther, 78, told the newspaper: ‘A friend of mine is having a go. We will see. That’s Life! was a very particular programme, which lasted for 21 years.
‘It talked about injustices, washing machines that broke and showed you a talking dog at its funniest.’
Dame Esther suggested the show should never have been cancelled and instead should have taken a break before returning with different presenters.
She said: ‘What I would have done was refresh it cosmetically but keep that content. So maybe that is what is going to happen in January.’
And Dame Esther — who is set to return to the show as a consultant — believes the time is right for That’s Life! to make a comeback, adding: ‘I think there is a need for the programme. I definitely do.’
Author: Anna Thomson
