Zoe Ball and Jamie Theakston Reunite for Live and Kicking 25th Anniversary
TV presenters Zoe Ball and Jamie Theakston celebrated the 25th anniversary of the final episode of the iconic children's show 'Live and Kicking' with a reunion at a 90s-themed bar.
Zoe Ball and Jamie Theakston reunited on Tuesday night to mark 25 years since the last episode of the popular children's television program "Live and Kicking." The pair, who took over hosting duties from original presenters Andi Peters and Emma Forbes in 1996, celebrated the milestone with the show's production crew at Bunga 90, a bar in Covent Garden.
"Live and Kicking" was known for its vibrant, often outlandish segments, and featured the iconic character Mr. Blobby, who originated on the show and became a household name. The bar chosen for the reunion embraced the 90s theme, complete with a Mr. Blobby DJ booth. Ball shared her enjoyment of the nostalgic atmosphere, sipping a cocktail from a mug featuring images of Liam and Noel Gallagher.
Ball, 55, dressed in a tuxedo jacket and tie and sporting a "Live and Kicking" badge, and Theakston, also 55, hosted the show for three years, during which it garnered an audience of 2.5 million viewers. The program concluded in 2001.
Since "Live and Kicking" ended, both presenters have maintained successful broadcasting careers. Theakston co-hosts Heart Radio's Breakfast Show, while Ball recently began a new role on Greatest Hits Radio. Ball admitted in a recent podcast appearance that listener comments can affect her, especially when starting a new job, referencing the anxieties associated with stepping into a new role, particularly following a respected predecessor. She detailed her efforts to avoid reading negative comments to protect her mental well-being.
Ball's move to Greatest Hits Radio began earlier this month, taking over the weekday show from 1-4 p.m. She previously left her BBC Radio 2 show in December, after having stepped down from the coveted Breakfast Show the year prior. The decision to leave the BBC was influenced by personal turmoil, including grieving the loss of her mother to cancer and managing anxiety related to perimenopause, which at times made it difficult to host her shows. This transition allowed her time to grieve and support her daughter through her GCSEs.