The opening episode of BBC One’s Michael McIntyre’s Big Show returns on Saturday, January 17, at 6.45pm, filmed at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in the heart of London.
The show promises music, celebrity guests, and all-ages entertainment—with plenty of signature surprises and audience participation.
Mr McIntyre said: “There isn’t a day that goes by without someone telling me how much they love this show, although strangely nobody seems to know what it’s called.
“It’s either; ‘The one where you take people’s phones,’ ‘The one where you wake people up in the night,’ ‘The one where the wall falls down,’ or ‘The Big Night In.'”
This week’s episode features former footballer Peter Crouch and model Abbey Clancy, who help to surprise a member of the public in an edition of the ‘Unexpected Star of the Show’.
Also appearing is England rugby star Joe Marler, who gets a rude awakening when he finds himself taking part in the ‘Midnight Gameshow’.
In 2025, the BBC confirmed two more series of Michael McIntyre’s Big Show and The Wheel, cementing the comedian’s status as a staple of Saturday night television.
Mr McIntyre said: “I’m so proud of the success of both The Big Show and The Wheel.
“This will take the Big Show up to its 10th series, which is an amazing achievement for everyone involved.
“The Wheel was a show we made in lockdown while we couldn’t film the Big Show, but it’s become equally beloved.”
He admits, however, that the two programmes seem to confuse some fans.
Mr McIntyre said: “Someone came up to me recently while I was walking the dog and said they ‘loved The Big Wheel’.
“I have no idea whether they meant The Big Show, The Wheel or both shows.
“They may have just come from The London Eye.”
For viewers who struggle to tell the shows apart, The Wheel is a gameshow that sees celebrity ‘experts’ taking their place on a spinning wheel, ready to help members of the public win a potentially life-changing amount of money.
The Big Show, meanwhile, is filmed in front of an audience at London’s prestigious Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and brings music, famous faces and all-round family entertainment.
Saturday’s episode is packed with familiar faces.
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan takes on the ‘Remember Me’ challenge, where he’s reunited with people from his past.
Also appearing is pop star Melanie C—forever known to fans as Sporty Spice—who provides the evening’s musical entertainment.
It’s a formula that viewers continue to enjoy.
In 2025, the BBC confirmed Michael McIntyre’s status as the reigning king of Saturday night TV.
Fans will also see a London-specific gag in the episode, referencing the London Eye—a reminder of McIntyre’s strong connection to the city and its audiences.
The west end setting, high-profile guests, and trademark segments combine to make it an unmissable evening in classic British variety.
Mr McIntyre said: “The Wheel was a show we made in lockdown while we couldn’t film the Big Show, but it’s become equally beloved.”
Michael McIntyre’s Big Show airs Saturday at 6.45pm on BBC One.
