Davina McCall has reflected on her early career, revealing that the show which truly launched her path was not the reality juggernaut Big Brother, but the Channel 4 dating series Streetmate.
Speaking on Wednesday's Good Morning Britain (August 19) with hosts Richard Madeley and Kate Garraway, the 30-year television veteran was asked which single programme she would take to a desert island. While she acknowledged that Big Brother changed her life, McCall credited Streetmate as the catalyst.
Streetmate: The Show That Started It All
Streetmate aired on Channel 4 from 1998 to 2001. In the series, McCall roamed the streets of the UK, matchmaking random people and sending them on impromptu dates. She described it as 'so funny' to be part of, noting that the cast and crew had no script and were unsure if they could find willing participants.
She commented: "It was the craziest programme I have ever presented in my whole life. Then it led onto Big Brother, which was life-changing, but that started it all."
Big Brother's Legacy and Revival
McCall fronted Big Brother on Channel 4 for 10 years before it ended in 2010 and moved to Channel 5. She left when the show changed stations, with Brian Dowling taking over hosting duties in 2011. He was later replaced by Emma Willis, who remained until the show ended in 2018.
In 2022, ITV revived the reality show, with AJ Odudu and Will Best becoming joint presenters. The broadcaster recently confirmed the programme will return for another instalment this year, unveiling the latest eye logo online this month.
Fan Reaction to the New Logo
Reacting to the logo change on social media, one viewer remarked: "Was not expecting this. I kinda like it." Another commented: "I don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't that." A third enthused: "Omggggg best one ever! You have gone back to the roots and OG times. I love it."
Good Morning Britain is available to watch on ITV weekdays from 6am.
