Live & Kicking

Get ready to rewind to the golden age of Saturday morning television as 90s Nostalgia takes you deep into the world of Live & Kicking – the show that defined a generation. For millions of British kids in the 1990s, this was more than just a TV program; it was a weekly ritual. From slapstick games to surprise celebrity interviews, Live & Kicking offered three hours of fast-paced, anarchic fun that brought entire families together in front of the telly.

In this episode, we trace the roots of Live & Kicking, beginning with its predecessor Going Live! and following its evolution from the original presenting dream team of Andi Peters, Emma Forbes, and John Barrowman, all the way through the Zoe Ball and Jamie Theakston era. We look at how the show managed to keep kids entertained for hours – no small feat in a pre-YouTube world.

You’ll hear about unforgettable moments like the infamous gunge tank, the puppet chaos of Trevor and Simon, and live performances from the hottest 90s pop acts. We also explore the behind-the-scenes madness of putting together three hours of live content every week – including technical glitches, last-minute script changes, and celebrity surprises.

But it wasn’t just about fun and games. Live & Kicking created a community. It gave kids a sense of participation, whether through live phone-ins, competitions, or studio audience antics. It was children’s television at its most ambitious and accessible, reflecting the optimism and energy of the 90s while giving young viewers a voice.

So whether you were glued to the screen in your pajamas or trying to win a Sega Mega Drive over the phone, this episode will bring the nostalgia flooding back. It's time to remember a time when weekends weren’t complete without cartoons, chaos, and the cry of “It’s Live & Kicking!”. Don’t miss this love letter to one of the most iconic children’s shows in British TV history.

Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.  

New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays.

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Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at jimmy@talk2thehand.co.uk or beth@talk2thehand.co.uk