ITV Brings Back Name That Tune with Alison Hammond as Host – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Television viewers who grew up humming along to familiar melodies on screen now have a chance to relive those moments. ITV revealed plans to bring back the enduring music quiz Name That Tune, placing Alison Hammond in the host’s chair for its return to British airwaves.[1][2] The announcement arrives amid Hammond’s packed schedule, signaling a fresh wave of family-friendly entertainment designed for play-along participation at home.
A Timeless Format Finds New Life
The original Name That Tune captivated UK audiences from 1976 to 1987 on ITV, where hosts Tom O’Connor and later Lionel Blair guided contestants through tune-guessing battles.[1] Channel 5 attempted a brief revival in the late 1990s with Jools Holland at the helm, but the show had not returned in nearly 28 years until this commissioning.[2] Rooted in a U.S. format created by Harry Salter in the 1950s, it has endured across networks like NBC, CBS, and Fox, with the current American edition thriving since its 2020 reboot.
ITV executives highlighted the show’s lasting appeal during the reveal. Katie Rawcliffe, the network’s director of entertainment, reality, and daytime, described it as an “iconic brand” perfect for a modern refresh.[1] The series will broadcast on ITV1 and STV in Scotland, with streaming available on ITVX and STV Player, ensuring wide accessibility.[3]
High-Stakes Melody Challenges Await
Contestants will face off in rapid-fire rounds, bidding on the minimum number of notes needed to identify songs from snippets of riffs, melodies, or lyrics. Tracks will span genres and generations, testing encyclopedic music knowledge under studio lights.[4] Winners stand to claim substantial cash prizes, drawing competitors who possess quick reflexes and a deep passion for playlists.
The format emphasizes not just trivia but personality, seeking out vinyl enthusiasts, pop aficionados, and melody-spotting experts with competitive fire. Viewers at home can join in, turning living rooms into impromptu game zones and fostering shared excitement across age groups.[1]
Hammond Brings Her Signature Energy
Alison Hammond, a fixture on ITV’s This Morning and co-host of Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off, steps into this role fresh from launching her own music series, Your Song.[1] Her enthusiasm bubbled over in an official statement, where she admitted the hosting gig presents a personal test. “As a massive music lover, my biggest challenge as a host will be trying not to grab the mic and start singing along,” she shared.[2]
Hammond recalled her childhood fandom for the original series, calling the opportunity a “full-circle moment.” She teased an amplified production, complete with a live band known for backing stars like Adele and the Spice Girls. “Bigger, louder, and more feel-good than ever – this is going to be EPIC!”[2]
Global Collaboration Powers the Show
Bright Entertainment, an ITV Studios label behind hits like The Chase Around the World, partners with Dublin’s BiggerStage, producers of The Floor, on this venture.[3] Prestige Entertainment Group owns the format, while Fox Entertainment Global brokered the deal, buoyed by their U.S. version’s five-season run hosted by Jane Krakowski.[1]
Prentiss Fraser, president of Fox Entertainment Global, expressed delight at the UK expansion. The involvement of the American band’s seasoned musicians promises an “electric style” to the performances, elevating the studio atmosphere.[1]
Opportunity Knocks for Aspiring Contestants
ITV has opened casting for series one, urging music trivia masters to apply online. Auditions run through April, May, and June 2026, targeting those 18 and older who can name anthems in mere notes.[4] The callout paints a vivid picture: shouters at the radio, holders of “useless” facts ready to shine.
Successful applicants will bring big personalities to high-pressure showdowns. This revival not only revives a staple but invites everyday music lovers into the spotlight, potentially launching new fan favorites.
As preparations ramp up, Name That Tune stands poised to recapture its place in British living rooms. Hammond’s infectious vibe, paired with the format’s proven thrill, could make evenings pulse with song once more, bridging generations through shared rhythms and rivalries.
