Michael McIntyre Delivers Laughter And Surprises In Big Show Return

Michael McIntyre’s Big Show has made a jubilant return to BBC One, ushering in its ninth series with a star-studded, laughter-filled evening at London’s grand Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Since its inception, the National Television Award-winning show has been a staple of Saturday night family entertainment, and this latest installment, premiering on January 17, 2026, at 6:45 PM, delivered everything fans have come to expect—and then some.

At the heart of the show’s enduring appeal is its unique blend of surprise, nostalgia, and celebrity hijinks, all orchestrated by the ever-charismatic Michael McIntyre. This season’s opener didn’t disappoint, featuring a dazzling lineup of guests and segments that kept both the live audience and viewers at home on their toes.

One of the evening’s most talked-about moments was the Unexpected Star of the Show segment, a fan favorite known for its feel-good surprises and comedic twists. This time, football legend Peter Crouch and model Abbey Clancy joined Michael on stage to help orchestrate the surprise for an unsuspecting member of the public. According to BBC, the segment was as hilarious as ever, with Crouch and Clancy’s chemistry adding to the fun. The duo’s involvement brought an extra layer of excitement, as the audience watched the surprise unfold, their reactions ranging from laughter to genuine awe.

But the surprises didn’t stop there. England rugby player Joe Marler, who recently gained further fame on The Celebrity Traitors, found himself at the center of the Midnight Gameshow segment. This recurring bit is notorious for catching celebrities off guard, and Marler’s reaction didn’t disappoint. As reported by Filmogaz, Michael McIntyre snuck into Marler’s room to wake him up for an impromptu quiz, resulting in comic relief that had everyone in stitches. Marler’s bemused responses and good-natured grumbling only made the segment more memorable, reinforcing why the Midnight Gameshow has become a beloved part of the show’s format.

Perhaps the most poignant—and awkward—moment of the night came during the Remember Me segment, featuring comedian Romesh Ranganathan. In this segment, celebrities are presented with people from their past, challenging their memory and often stirring up nostalgia (and sometimes embarrassment). According to Everything Gossip, Romesh’s experience was especially eventful. He was first reunited with Sonia, his ex-girlfriend from high school, in what quickly became a hilariously uncomfortable exchange.

As Sonia appeared on stage, the words ‘snogged in year 11’ flashed on screen, setting the tone for what was to come. "Hi Romesh, remember me?" Sonia asked. Romesh, visibly shocked, replied, "Yes... I think I do..." Michael McIntyre, ever the mischief-maker, teased, "Let me give you a clue anyway, just to get a bit more of a grasp on the history here. Here’s the clue…" At this, Romesh buried his head in his hands, exclaiming, "This is so bad." The banter continued, with Michael prodding, "So Romesh, do you remember this person?" and Romesh admitting, "I think I do, we went to school together, didn’t we?"

As the story unfolded, Sonia recalled their shared maths class and the fifth year leaver’s party, where Romesh had made his move. Romesh recounted, "Well, so, I suggested to Sonia that we go for a walk. And then, um, when we’re in... there’s no other way to phrase this, but when we’re in the woods, I made my move. Then what followed was sort of, in theory, we were going out, weren’t we, for... for a week?" The exchange culminated in Romesh jokingly asking Sonia, "Do you still think about me?" to which she replied, "No!" The audience erupted in laughter, as did Romesh, who quipped, "I’m not happy about this!"

The surprises kept coming for Romesh, who was next reunited with his best friend from primary school. "Oh my God, I know who you are. Is it Dylan? Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Mate, oh, my God!" he exclaimed, visibly moved. "We used to hang around all the time, oh my God, it’s so good to see you!" This heartfelt moment showcased the emotional range of the Remember Me segment, blending humor with genuine sentiment.

Adding a musical flourish to the night, the iconic Melanie C graced the stage with a performance that delighted fans of all ages. Known for her dynamic presence and vocal prowess, Melanie C’s appearance added yet another layer of star power to the evening. As noted by BBC and Filmogaz, her set was a highlight, rounding out a show already brimming with memorable moments.

The show’s return to the prestigious Theatre Royal Drury Lane underscored its status as a premier entertainment event. The venue, steeped in history and grandeur, provided the perfect backdrop for McIntyre’s signature blend of spectacle and intimacy. The live audience’s enthusiasm was palpable, their laughter and applause echoing through the historic hall and into living rooms across the UK.

Michael McIntyre’s Big Show airs every Saturday night on BBC One at 6:45 PM, offering viewers a weekly escape into a world of surprises, reunions, and performances. The format’s winning combination of celebrity guests, audience participation, and unexpected twists keeps the show fresh, even as it enters its ninth series. As the BBC points out, the show’s ability to balance heartwarming moments with laugh-out-loud comedy is what sets it apart in a crowded entertainment landscape.

For those tuning in for the first time, or returning after previous seasons, the new series promises more of the same infectious energy and unpredictability. Whether it’s the thrill of seeing a celebrity caught off guard, the nostalgia of a heartfelt reunion, or the joy of a show-stopping musical number, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show continues to deliver on all fronts.

In a world where family-friendly entertainment can sometimes feel formulaic, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show stands out as a reminder of television’s power to surprise, delight, and bring people together. With its latest series, the show proves it’s lost none of its magic—and if the opening episode is any indication, viewers are in for a season of unforgettable Saturday nights.