Zoe Ball: from Party Girl to Radio Host
Zoe Ball, now 52, rose to fame as a presenter on Live & Kicking from 1996 to 1999. Afterward, she found success on Strictly Come Dancing and BBC Radio 2. Zoe battled with alcohol but turned her life around after rehab and credits Strictly for helping her "reinvent herself." She tragically lost her boyfriend Billy Yates in 2017, struggling with grief for two years. Today, Zoe hosts The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2.
Jamie Theakston: From Bondage Dungeon Scandal to Heart Radio Presenter
Jamie Theakston was known as the clean-cut presenter on Live & Kicking. However, he made headlines when caught in a scandal involving a "bondage dungeon" and prostitutes. Jamie issued a public apology and managed to bounce back, landing acting roles and hosting various TV shows. Today, at 52 years old, he co-presents Heart Radio's Breakfast show alongside Amanda Holden.
John Barrowman: The Flashing Scandal That Plunged Him Into Turmoil
John Barrowman, one of the original Live & Kicking presenters, had a successful career in showbiz but faced a scandal that left him in a difficult period. He was accused of flashing co-stars on the sets of Doctor Who and Torchwood. Barrowman later apologized, describing his actions as "tomfoolery" he wouldn't do today. The scandal led to him being axed from Dancing on Ice and cancelling his UK tour due to poor ticket sales.
Emma Forbes: The Queen of Saturday Mornings
Emma Forbes was one of the original Live & Kicking presenters and a beloved figure on Saturday mornings. She left the show when she learned she was pregnant. Today, at 57 years old, Emma looks unrecognizable and shares "rant and rave" videos on social media. Notably, she featured in the children's program Peppa Pig as Mummy Hippo.
Trevor Neal and Simon Hickson: Behind the Scenes
Trevor Neal and Simon Hickson were the guitar-wielding duo who hosted Live & Kicking for four years. After fading out of the spotlight, they continued to work behind the scenes in TV, focusing on script-writing for children's shows. They were also major contributors to the classic series My Parents Are Aliens.
Katy Hill: A Freak Accident and New Directions
Katy Hill, who had been a Blue Peter presenter, joined Live & Kicking before enduring personal struggles. In 2001, she divorced her first husband and later married her Live & Kicking co-star. In 2021, she had a brush with death when she tripped and hit her head on a toilet bowl. Luckily, she survived and now works as a keynote speaker and "success coach."
Steve Wilson and Emma Ledden: Success in Writing and Communication
Steve Wilson and Emma Ledden, who left Live & Kicking in 2001, have made successful career transitions. Steve has appeared on shows like Feel the Fear and is now a children's author. He co-owns a personalized gifts company with his wife. Emma has also published books and works in the communications sector. Both have found fulfillment after their time on Live & Kicking.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://thecelebreport.com/television/explosive-emmerdales-super-soap-week-lives-hang-in-the-balance
