Chris Evans’ iconic talk show, TFI Friday, is making a comeback after over a decade off the air and a legacy that has sparked intense debate. The unfiltered chat show first premiered in 1996 and became a staple on Channel 4 for several years before being taken off the schedule.
The show had a brief revival in 2015, but it wasn’t until now that Chris Evans returned to the TFI Friday sofa. The show made its return on Virgin Radio UK’s YouTube channel last Friday, marking a new chapter for the long-running series.
During its original run, TFI Friday faced backlash in recent years after a resurfaced clip revealed a controversial moment involving Chris Evans and Spice Girls icon Victoria Beckham. The incident occurred in May 1999, just two months after the birth of Victoria and David Beckham’s eldest son, Brooklyn Beckham.
On the show, Chris asked Victoria if her weight was “back to normal,” to which she replied “yes.” He then produced a weighing scale from his desk and suggested they “check” her weight.
In July 2022, Victoria addressed the incident in a Vogue interview, reflecting: “He made me stand on the scales to be weighed. Can you imagine doing that nowadays?”
Later, after the release of her Netflix documentary in October 2025, she discussed the experience on Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast. She said: “I mean, it was so humiliating. David was there. He was in the audience and the camera shifts to him and he looks a little horrified as well. Um, but back in the day those things were acceptable.”
She continued: “We didn’t know as much about food in the 90s – I was terrified to eat any fat. I lost all sense of reality with an eating disorder – consuming, tiring, it takes over.”
The clip has repeatedly resurfaced online, with viewers expressing their shock at the interaction. One TikTok user, Claire, commented: “Terrible. I actually remember watching that and I was dying inside.”
Beyond the Victoria Beckham incident, TFI Friday was not without its controversies. One competition involved two children competing in a staring contest to win a car for their parents, which ended in tears and widespread criticism from viewers.
In addition to Victoria Beckham, the original and second runs of the show featured interviews with notable guests such as Ewan McGregor, U2, and Saoirse Ronan.
On February 6, the revamped version of the star-studded series, TFI Unplugged, launched nearly 30 years after the first episode. Oscar-nominated actor Delroy Lindo appeared on the inaugural episode.
Comedian Ross Noble and the band James, led by Tim Booth, also made special appearances in the first episode.
The TV and radio personality, known for hosting the rebooted Top Gear, is optimistic about the show’s future. He shared his thoughts on his own Virgin Radio breakfast show on Monday, stating: “How much juice do we have left in the tank? Well, hang on a minute.”
He added: “When Rod Stewart came on TFI Friday, he was only four years younger than I am now, so it’s all going to be fine.”
Chris also mentioned Paul McCartney, who appeared on TFI Friday when he was just a few years younger than he is now. “Now he’s 83, Paul McCartney. So listen, we’ve got plenty of road still to run here before we run out of road. That’s what I’m saying to myself.”
TFI Friday will continue to air on Virgin UK Radio’s YouTube channel every Friday.
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