After nearly 20 years away, The Big Breakfast returned for a one off episode this morning (10 September) – but two key characters were missing from the episode.

The Big Breakfast previously aired from 1992 to 2002 and featured a rolling line-up of hosts including Chris Evans and Gaby Roslin.

Zig and Zag were a popular puppet duo of the show, performed by Ciaran Morrison and Mick O'Hara. The characters are a pair of furry extra-terrestrial twins from the planet Zog.

Mo Gilligan and Blackburn’s AJ Odudu hosted the is morning's live two-hour special which aired as part of Channel 4’s Black to Front project.

33-year-old AJ Odudu provided a humorous explanation as to why the puppets are absent from the episode and it makes a jibe at Priti Patel’s immigration bill.

 

 

Mo Gilligan said: “We need to address the elephant in the room. And it's not my lockdown belly, I know you were looking at it.”

“Sad news,” AJ started. “They all got seriously affected by the great moth pandemic of 2005 and emigrated back to the planet of Zog.”

She joked: “Now Priti Patel won’t let them back in – true story!

Mo added: “No puppet is safe. Sooty and Sweep watch your back!”

“Mr Blobby watch YOUR back,” AJ added.

The episode was jam-packed and saw the return of some familiar faces as well some new.

Newsreader Phil Gayle came back to deliver the morning’s headlines, Melvin Odoom was out on the streets somewhere in the UK where one viewer will be playing for prizes on their doorstep, Judi Love got personal as on the bed interviewer, and Munya Chawawa offered the alternative news as Barty Crease.

AJ was also joined on the show by Loose Women presenter, Judi Love.

The pair will be starring in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing together.

AJ and Judi talked about the upcoming show in a Big Breakfast segment.

AJ said: “Honestly I am so excited.

“I’m glad we get to share the experience together.”

She also explained that she is “not worried” about the so called ‘Strictly cursed’ and said she is “focused”.

After the episode aired, many people took to social media to praise the show with many asking for it to become a permanent Channel 4 fixture.

 

One person said: “I love representation of @AJOdudu and @OfficialMelB on my TV screen.

“Black British women FROM THE NORTH OF ENGLAND hosting nationally broadcasted shows. Great casting.”

Smooth Radio Presenter, Angie Greaves, said: This made my whole day! I haven’t smiled this much before 10am for ages.

“Keep this going @Channel4”.

 

 

“Get it brought back guys,” wrote another “Even if its every Friday, the whole team was a mood today, just what we needed on Friday!!! You all hit different.”

You can watch the full episode of The Big Breakfast over on 4oD. 

 

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