Denise Van Outen Reveals How Lockdown Helped Heal Johnny Vaughan Rift

The presenter has also addressed speculation she and Johnny are set to reunite on a Big Breakfast reunion.
LOADINGERROR LOADING

Denise Van Outen has opened up about how lockdown helped heal her rift with former Big Breakfast co-presenter Johnny Vaughan.

The pair have been back in contact in recent months after first falling out when Denise discovered Johnny was renegotiating his contract without telling her.

They were briefly reunited on Capital FM’s breakfast show in 2008, but Denise left after only six months.

Johnny and Denise on The Big Breakfast in 1997
Johnny and Denise on The Big Breakfast in 1997
Ken McKay/Shutterstock

Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, Denise revealed how the pandemic led to a reconciliation, telling hosts Susanna Reid and Alistair Campbell: “Lockdown did a lot of things for a lot of friendships and people reconnecting and some people, their relationship went to dust.

“We were that lucky partnership that got back in touch.

“I would love to work with him again, we both said we’d like to do something… we have started conversations.”

Susanna also asked Denise about the rumours of The Big Breakfast returning for a reunion for its 30th anniversary and Denise said: “It is just that, it’s a rumour. I think this has come from me reconnecting with Johnny over the last year – we’ve been doing a lot of chatting.

“We never really had a major fall out, our careers went on different paths, we’ve reconnected. I’ve got a lot of love for Johnny, always have and we’ve got a very similar humour.”

Denise appeared on Wednesday's Good Morning Britain
Denise appeared on Wednesday's Good Morning Britain
Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

While Denise did say chatter about a Big Breakfast reunion were just “rumours”, she might have had something to do with starting them.

Last month, she told MailOnline that it “would be nice to do something to mark the 30th anniversary”, revealing there had been “conversations”.

She continued: “The original house has so many great memories and it would be amazing if we could return and film there, even though it’s been renovated.

“We’d want to see all the old faces return and play some of the old games too. I’m sure the fans would love it and see it as a real nostalgia trip.”

The pair hosted The Big Breakfast together for four years
The pair hosted The Big Breakfast together for four years
Ken McKay/Shutterstock

She added: “It would be so much fun working with Johnny again on a show which means so much to us both.”

The pair presented Channel 4’s hit weekday morning show together on and off between 1997 and 2001.

Mo Gilligan is set to revive The Big Breakfast for a one-off special later this year, as part of Channel 4’s Black Takeover Day.

The show was presented by a number of hosts during its 10-year run, including Chris Evans, Gabby Roslin, Zoe Ball and Kelly Brook.

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.

Close

What's Hot