Melvin Odoom has called for greater representation in the television industry ahead of the launch of The Big Breakfast’s diverse reboot.
The iconic 90’s show has been revamped with AJ Odudu and Mo Gilligan at the helm after the pair hosted a one-off special as part of Channel 4’s Black To Front project last year.
Former Strictly star Melvin, 42, appeared in the special and will also appear in the new series, a move he praised for promoting racial diversity on screen.
Speaking of which, ahead of the launch of The Big Breakfast’s diverse reboot, Melvin Odoom has called for greater representation in the TV industry
When asked how it felt to be part of the Black to Front initiative, which saw Channel 4’s entire schedule for a day led by black talent on and off screen, he said: “We made history.
“To put it that way, growing up, I remember telling my mother I wanted to be a presenter and it was hard for her to process because there weren’t many examples of black talent on television.
“They probably had Lenny Henry and Trevor McDonald – two guys! Look at the wealth of talent we have in the world right now.
Guess who’s back: The 90’s show has been revamped with AJ Odudu and Mo Gilligan at the helm after they hosted a one-off special for Channel 4’s Black To Front project last year
He continued, “At the time there were two black men on TV that my mother could relate to, so she couldn’t see me becoming a TV presenter. That’s why representation is so important.
“Never in my life have I seen a breakfast show with so much amazing black talent in one place.
“They have a great black host or two on other channels at breakfast, but to have a show with so much black talent on TV? you name me one You will fight and it shouldn’t be a fight. What we did that day was make history.”
Melvin said, “Growing up, I remember telling my mother that I wanted to be a presenter, and that was hard for her to process because there weren’t many examples of black talent on television.”
Speaking about how the television industry has fared on representation since then, Melvin added, “I think it’s been an eye-opener for them because if I’m being completely honest, people are scared.
“People are scared because we live in a world where people don’t really like change. Change is scary and it’s all about money, numbers and audience.
“So if you’re driven by viewership and other numbers, you’re going to stick with what you know — you’re going to go with the formats and presenters, which are the fail-safe ways.”
“But really, there is so much talent. I’m not just saying it’s black — there are Asians, people with disabilities, and people from the LGBTQ+ community, all of whom are able to get a job. My rule has always been to find the best person for the job.
“It doesn’t matter what they look like or where they’re from, just get the best person for the job. The Black to Front initiative opened everyone’s eyes to realize that they can drastically change things and it can still work. Stop being afraid.’
Coming up: The makeover will again see Judi Love grilling guests in the On The Bed interview
Exciting: Harriet Rose will be taking to the streets playing Hot Sausage with members of the public and Big Breakfast news anchor Phil Gayle is returning to cover the headlines
Meanwhile, presenter Mo told The Guardian: “It reflects the changing face of our society.
“Of course there will be some people who are still stuck – ‘Two black presenters? They take over!” – but there are also people who really want to see other faces and voices on television.”
Co-host AJ added: “People should be seen and represented, that’s very important to me. We have this diversity in the show now, we have a range of characters.
The makeover will see Judi Love once again grilling guests in the On The Bed interview, Melvin and Harriet Rose will hit the streets of Britain playing Hot Sausage with members of the public, and Big Breakfast news anchor Phil Gayle returns to deliver the morning headlines.
In addition to features and games, Mo and AJ will be joined by Oscar and Bafta winner Daniel Kaluuya, singer Rita Ora, big breakfast legend Denise Van Outen, comedian Joel Dommett, rap sensation Aitch and chef Big Has other guest names are announced.
Prior to the Black To Front special, The Big Breakfast last aired in 2001 with Denise Van Outen, 47, and Johnny Vaughan, 55, as hosts.
The Big Breakfast will air on Channel 4 and All 4 on Saturdays from 13 August at 10am
Blast from the Past: The Morning Show last aired on January 12, 2001, with Denise Van Outen, 47, and Johnny Vaughan, 55, as presenters