They became household names in the 1990s as hosts of the legendary breakfast show “The Big Breakfast”.
And Denise Van Outen, 49, and Johnny Vaughan, 56, who were previously involved in a feud, reunited for their first TV appearance in 20 years at Steph’s Packed Lunch on Tuesday.
The duo shared snaps of their hair and makeup on social media, with Johnny writing, “Getting ready for @packedlunchc4.”
“Just spoke to @vanouten_denise for a bit. The show starts promptly at 12 noon. Please no latecomers.’
Delighted by the snaps, fans asked, “Are Zig And Zag coming back too?”
“Is Zig And Zag Coming Back Too?” Former Big Breakfast hosts Denise Van Outen and Johnny Vaughan reunited on Tuesday for the first time in 20 years for a TV show
Back together: Denise and Johnny, who were previously involved in a public feud, will co-host Steph’s Packed Lunch from noon
Reunited: The couple had a very public falling out over a contract dispute in the ’90s but have since settled their differences
“You guys got me out of bed for school in the 90’s – I loved you guys on Big Brekkie was a laugh, thank you both x.”
“Nice that you two are working together again.” As a teenager, I would spend many nice mornings before school watching The Big Breakfast. Such a positive attitude first of all.”
Denise and Johnny, who were known as presenters of Channel 4’s early morning show from 1998 to 2001, will resume presenting duties together on June 13th.
Denise, a regular on last week’s Packed Lunch, told host Steph McGovern, “Next week me and… Johnny Vaughan will be presenting Steph’s Packed Lunch.”
“We talk all the time and we keep saying we need to do something together and it just feels like the perfect time for us.” I can’t wait, I’m so excited.
“The last time we actually went on screen together, it wasn’t the big breakfast; “We did a game show called Passport to Paradise, and that was 20 years ago.”
Johnny added: “We’ve had Blur, rumors are circulating about the Gallagher Brothers and now we can confirm it’s the big, ’90s reunion you’ve been waiting for… Johnny and Denise, and I can hardly expect.” ‘
Steph said: “I’m so looking forward to it because it’s the reunion we’ve all wanted for about 20 years.”
Most recently, the couple co-hosted the BBC1 Saturday night television entertainment series Passport to Paradise in 2004.
A reunion between the two was first hinted in 2021 after Denise revealed the presenter duo had settled their feud during the Covid pandemic.
Web announced at the time that Channel 4 bosses were considering bringing back the cult show to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
Denise confirmed that she had already discussed ideas with her former co-host, but unfortunately the plan never materialized.
Out of this world: Famous characters Zig and Zag were famous faces on the series – pictured with supermodel Caprice in 1998
Teasing: A reunion between Denise and Johnny was first teased in 2021 after Denise revealed the presenter duo had settled their feud during the Covid pandemic
Speaking exclusively to Web at the time, Denise said: “We’ve started to have talks.” It would be nice to do something to mark the 30th anniversary.
“The original house has so many great memories and it would be great if we could go back and film there even though it has been renovated.”
“We want all the old faces to come back and play some of the old games too.” I’m sure fans would love it and consider it a real nostalgia trip.
“It would be so much fun to work with Johnny again on the show, which means so much to both of us.”
When she discussed her relationship with radio
“It’s weird because we never had a big argument or a fight, we just behave like sloppy teenagers around each other.” We’re probably quite alike in many ways, and there can be a clash of personalities at times.
“But actually I love Johnny very much and I’m sure he feels the same about our friendship.”
The Big Breakfast, which aired between 1992 and 2002, was seen by two million viewers in its prime and attracted some of the biggest names in show business as guests.
A comeback: “The Big Breakfast,” which aired between 1992 and 2002, was seen by two million viewers in its heyday and attracted some of the biggest names in show business as guests
Hosts: Johnny and Denise were arguably the show’s most popular host duo, alongside original hosts (LR) Chris Evans and Gaby Roslin. Pictured with Mark Lamarr (right) in 1992
Johnny and Denise were arguably the show’s most popular host duo, alongside original hosts Chris Evans and Gaby Roslin, who helmed it between 1992 and 1994.
Channel 4 brought The Big Breakfast back in 2021 with a one-off special as part of Black Takeover Day, hosted by comedian Mo Gilligan.
During the interview, she admitted that both she and Johnny got away with edgier content than today and also claimed that the outfits she wore on the morning show were “inappropriate”.
Denise explained: “Looking back, I think how free it was. We had no script, no autocue, and often got away with saying things that probably wouldn’t be acceptable today.
“I’m sure I was dressed very improperly at 7am. I dressed like I just got out of a nightclub. It was all part of it.’
Denise’s relationship with Johnny ended in a contractual dispute, which led to her deciding to leave the show in January 1999.
The pair reunited briefly in September the following year for Johnny’s last four months as presenter and again in 2008 when Denise co-hosted Capital FM’s breakfast show alongside her old co-host, but they found it difficult to reestablish their original chemistry .