Quick Read
- Michael McIntyre’s Big Show returned on Saturdays from January 17 on BBC One.
- Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy featured in the “Unexpected Star of the Show” segment.
- Other guests included Joe Marler, Romesh Ranganathan, and Melanie C.
- Abbey Clancy recently celebrated her 40th birthday in Paris.
- The model recounted a “serious injury” (broken nail) during a recent podcast episode.
Michael McIntyre’s National Television Award-winning ‘Big Show’ has made a highly anticipated return to BBC One, promising evenings filled with laughter and star-studded entertainment. The latest episode, which premiered on Saturdays from January 17, featured an array of celebrity guests, most notably model and television personality Abbey Clancy alongside her husband, former Liverpool FC striker Peter Crouch. The couple delighted audiences in the popular ‘Unexpected Star of the Show’ segment, contributing to the show’s reputation for comedic surprises and heartwarming moments, while Clancy’s recent personal anecdotes, including a rather unusual ‘serious injury’ and her 40th birthday celebrations, have also captured public attention.
A Grand Return to Family Entertainment
The ‘Big Show’ is back in full swing, broadcast from London’s prestigious Theatre Royal Drury Lane, known for its opulent setting and historic significance. Michael McIntyre, celebrated for his observational comedy and engaging presenting style, once again hosts an evening designed for broad family appeal. The show’s format, which blends stand-up comedy with unique celebrity interactions and unexpected public participation, has consistently earned it critical acclaim and a loyal viewership.
Beyond the Crouches’ appearance, the episode also featured other prominent figures. England rugby player Joe Marler, known for his role in ‘The Celebrity Traitors,’ provided comic relief during the ‘Midnight Gameshow’ segment, where McIntyre famously wakes up unsuspecting celebrities for a spontaneous quiz. Marler’s less-than-impressed reaction added a humorous twist, keeping the audience thoroughly entertained. Comedian Romesh Ranganathan also appeared in the ‘Remember Me’ segment, a touching reunion designed to evoke fond memories and showcase Ranganathan’s distinctive comedic style as he reconnected with individuals from his past. The episode was further enriched by a vibrant musical performance from the iconic Melanie C, adding a dynamic musical element to the blend of comedy and celebrity antics.
Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch: From Pitch to Podcast to Prime Time
The appearance of Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch on ‘Michael McIntyre’s Big Show’ was a highlight, with the couple participating in the ‘Unexpected Star of the Show’ segment. This feature typically involves a celebrity helping to surprise an unsuspecting member of the public, often leading to genuinely hilarious and touching moments. Their joint presence on one of the UK’s most beloved entertainment shows underscores their enduring popularity as a celebrity couple, known for their relatable banter and candid insights into family life.
Their journey to becoming a household name began long before their podcast success or their ‘Big Show’ appearance. Abbey Clancy, originally from Woolton, Liverpool, first rose to prominence in 2006 as a finalist on ‘Britain’s Next Top Model,’ where she finished as runner-up. This early success launched her into a thriving modelling career, securing shoots for numerous newspapers and magazines. Notably, she featured in ‘Sports Illustrated’ magazine in 2010, famously photographed in body paint to resemble an England shirt, a playful nod to her relationship with then-footballer Peter Crouch. She also participated in an Umbro sportswear campaign alongside other footballers’ wives and girlfriends.
Abbey Clancy’s Journey: From Model to Media Personality
Clancy’s television career blossomed further in 2013 when she triumphed on the eleventh series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ with her professional partner, Aljaz Skorjanec. Despite having no formal dance training, her confidence and skill grew throughout the competition, captivating judges and audiences alike. Her memorable performances, including a waltz to Des’ree’s ‘Kissing You’ and a showdance to Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine,’ culminated in her becoming the first Scouse contestant to lift the coveted Glitterball trophy. Following her ‘Strictly’ victory, Clancy returned to her roots, taking on the role of host for ‘Britain’s Next Top Model,’ nine years after her own journey on the reality show began. More recently, in June 2023, ITV commissioned a series featuring Clancy visiting celebrity homes, where she explored her passion for interior design with other successful British women.
Her relationship with Peter Crouch began in Liverpool in 2005. Clancy has often recounted their cheeky first encounter on ‘Good Morning Britain,’ explaining how Crouch ‘begged’ for her number, only for her to find him talking to another girl shortly after. Despite this initial ‘bump in the road,’ their relationship blossomed, leading to Crouch proposing in 2009. The couple married in a lavish ceremony in June 2011 and are now proud parents to four children: daughters Sophia Ruby and Liberty Rose, and sons Johnny and Jack. They reside in a ‘magical’ Surrey mansion, complete with a cinema room and expansive garden, having moved there in 2016. Clancy has often attributed the success of their marriage to their differing interests, particularly her confessed dislike for football, which Crouch believes helps keep their home life balanced and distinct from his professional career.
The Therapy Crouch and a “Serious Injury”
Two years ago, Abbey and Peter launched their highly successful podcast, ‘The Therapy Crouch,’ which has resonated with audiences due to its relatable content and candid discussions. On the podcast, they respond to listener dilemmas and include a ‘Weekly Whine’ segment, where they share frustrations from their week. The couple is also known for sharing hilarious anecdotes and insights into their home life, providing listeners with an authentic glimpse into their relationship.
A recent episode garnered significant attention when Abbey recounted a rather extraordinary ‘serious injury’ she sustained while the family was celebrating New Year’s in Dubai. What initially sounds trivial—a broken nail—quickly escalated into a painful ordeal that landed her in the hospital. Clancy described the embarrassment of seeking medical attention for what seemed like a minor injury, only to reveal that her entire nail came off, causing immense pain that radiated down her arm and neck. She detailed a lengthy process of waiting for a doctor, being unable to get over-the-counter painkillers, and eventually receiving a painkiller drip. Despite the ‘ridiculous’ nature of the injury, as she herself admitted, the pain was severe enough to keep her awake for hours, crying and trying various home remedies. Peter Crouch humorously recounted his golf plans being disrupted and the disbelief of his friends when he explained the reason for their absence: ‘She’s broken a nail.’ This anecdote, delivered with their characteristic blend of self-deprecating humor and honesty, is precisely the kind of content that has made ‘The Therapy Crouch’ such a hit and exemplifies the relatable, often chaotic, reality of their family life.
The return of ‘Michael McIntyre’s Big Show’ with guests like Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch highlights the enduring appeal of combining mainstream entertainment with intimate celebrity revelations. By featuring couples who are willing to share both their glamorous lives and their everyday mishaps, the show not only provides star-studded fun but also fosters a sense of connection, reminding audiences that even celebrities experience the relatable, and sometimes absurd, challenges of daily life, making their stories all the more engaging.