Cracker-back!

Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes tell us about hosting the return of classic kids’ show Crackerjack!

- Ian MacEwan

For many of us, hearing the words, ‘It’s Friday, it’s five to five…’ can only mean one thing: ‘It’s Crackerjack!’ And if that catchphrase is familiar to you, then you no doubt grew up with the long-running BBC children’s TV show, watched it with your kids – or both!

A riotous mix of comedy, music, and games, the hit kids’ variety show ran from 1955 to 1984, with Eamonn Andrews, Leslie Crowther, Michael Aspel, Ed Stewart and Stu Francis all hosting during its long history, plus The Krankies, Basil Brush, Peter Glaze, and Don Maclean among the showbiz legends entertaining children and adults alike.

Now the show is back, this time on CBBC, with Sam Nixon, 33, and Mark Rhodes, 38 – AKA Sam and Mark – as the new presenters.

TV Times caught up with the likeable duo on set in Manchester to find out more…

Presumably you are both far too young to remember the original Crackerjack!?