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Adrian Mills (born 16 July 1956) is a British television presenter and actor. He appeared on That's Life! with Esther Rantzen for seven years until 1994. The programme regularly attracted 20 million viewers. Since then, he has presented talk show Central Weekend Live, reported for BBC viewer feedback programme Bite Back and appeared as a location reporter on the TV series Surprise, Surprise. He was later a host on TV Travel Shop and Sky Travel, having become the new face of the BBC's daytime schedule, hosting Daytime UK and People today. He is currently the consumer expert on Talk TV.

Key Information

Adrian Mills
Born	(1956-07-16) 16 July 1956 (age 69) Oakham, Rutland, England
Occupation	Television presenter

Mills attended the National Youth Theatre for four years and graduated from The Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama in 1977. In 1982, he played the villainous Aris in the highly acclaimed Doctor Who serial Kinda with Peter Davison. He has appeared on various television programmes such as Minder, Brookside, Play for Today, Waiting for God and the ITV detective series Vera.

In 2019, Mills appeared in the West End as the narrator of the musical 'Call me Diana' based on the life of the Princess. In 2022 he hosted ‘Sunday at the Musicals’ in London, Eastbourne and Windsor as well as being reunited with Dame Esther Rantzen presenting a successful series of podcasts entitled That's After Life.

Mills is the co-owner of Thai Tho, a chain of Thai restaurants located in London; which included a site in Ealing, which was damaged in the 2011 England riots.^[1] He is a patron of The Holly Lodge Centre in Richmond Park and Chairman of The Wimbledon Village Business Association.^{[citation needed]}

References

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^ "BBC Radio London News / Empassioned call from Adrian Mills, whose wife's restaurant was attacked in Ealing last night. Talking to Jeni Barnett #LondonRiots". Archived from the original on 10 April 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2011.

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Adrian Mills (born 16 July 1956) is an English television presenter, actor, and broadcaster, renowned for his engaging on-screen presence and long association with consumer affairs programming.^[1] Best known for co-presenting the BBC's flagship consumer rights show That's Life! alongside Esther Rantzen from 1985 to 1994, Mills contributed to the programme's mix of investigations, viewer stories, and humorous segments, which drew audiences of up to 20 million viewers at its peak.^[2]^[3] He joined the cast during the show's established run, bringing a personable style that complemented the investigative format and helped address public complaints on topics ranging from faulty products to medical negligence.^[4] Prior to his prominence on That's Life!, Mills began his media career in the late 1970s, transitioning from acting pursuits to broadcasting.^[5] In addition to his presenting work, Mills has pursued acting, notably portraying the character Aris in the 1982 Doctor Who serial "Kinda," a story exploring psychological themes on an alien planet.^[6] His television credits extend to other productions, including more recent films like Lords of Chaos (2018).^[7] Mills's career reflects a blend of entertainment and public service, with his That's Life! tenure highlighting everyday consumer issues that influenced policy and public awareness during the 1980s and early 1990s.^[8] In 2021, Mills revived his partnership with Rantzen through the podcast That's After Life!, a 13-episode series launched in March that year, where the duo discussed current events, listener queries, and light-hearted commentary in a format echoing their original show's spirit.^[9]^[10] Produced by Captive Minds, the podcast blended nostalgia with contemporary topics. More recently, as of 2025, Mills continues his broadcasting career as a consumer expert and contributor on LBC radio and TalkTV.^[11]^[12]

Early life and education

Early life

Adrian Mills was born on 16 July 1956 in Oakham, Rutland, England.^[7] His transition to structured programs began with participation in the National Youth Theatre.^[13]

Education

Mills commenced his formal drama training through a four-year involvement with the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, participating in workshops and productions that emphasized ensemble acting, collaborative performance, and foundational theatre skills.^[13]^[14] He subsequently enrolled in the three-year acting diploma course at the Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama, studying from 1974 to 1977 and graduating in 1977.^[13]^[15] The curriculum at Rose Bruford during the 1970s, which included practical training in speech, movement, improvisation, and stage production, provided Mills with comprehensive vocational preparation for professional acting and presentation.^[16]^[17]^[18] This educational foundation honed his abilities in performance and communication, directly contributing to his versatility in television and theatre.^[19]

Career

Television presenting

Adrian Mills began his prominent television presenting career as a co-presenter on the BBC's long-running consumer affairs programme That's Life!, alongside Esther Rantzen, from 1985 to 1994. The show blended investigative journalism, consumer advocacy, and light-hearted segments, addressing issues such as product safety, public health, and child protection, often through on-location reports and viewer complaints.^[20] Mills contributed to the investigative elements by leading segments that exposed faulty goods and corporate misconduct, helping the programme achieve peak audiences of more than 20 million viewers weekly.^[21] Following That's Life!, Mills expanded into a variety of presenting roles across broadcasters. He hosted the ITV talk show Central Weekend Live, engaging audiences with discussions on current events and entertainment.^[13] On the BBC, he reported for three years on the viewer feedback programme Bite Back, amplifying public concerns about television content and broadcasting standards.^[22] He also served as a location reporter on Surprise! Surprise!, contributing to the show's surprise reunions and celebrity segments in a 1997 episode. Mills became a key figure in BBC daytime programming, hosting Daytime UK and People Today, where he delivered over 1,000 hours of live content focused on lifestyle, news, and consumer advice. Later, he transitioned to travel-focused presenting, hosting TV Travel Shop and Sky Travel, promoting holiday packages and destinations through teleshopping formats.^[6] In recent years, Mills has established himself as a consumer expert on TalkTV, providing advice on financial scams, banking practices, and everyday protections in segments aired through 2024.^[23] His contributions include demonstrations on cash usage to counter bank fees and critiques of business cost pressures, often appearing alongside hosts like Jeremy Kyle.^[24] This role marks a return to consumer advocacy roots while adapting to contemporary talk formats. Mills' presenting style evolved from the rigorous, on-the-ground investigations of That's Life! and Bite Back to more engaging, audience-interactive formats in entertainment and daytime shows, and ultimately to specialized travel and expert commentary, reflecting his versatility in broadcast media.^[25]

Acting

Adrian Mills began his acting career in theatre shortly after graduating from the Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama in 1977, where he honed skills in performance and voice through a three-year acting diploma program.^[13] His early stage work included repertory theatre productions and pantomime performances, providing foundational experience in ensemble and character-driven roles before transitioning to television.^[26] Mills made his television debut in the BBC anthology series Play for Today, appearing as Bernard's Son in the 1981 episode "The Muscle Market," a drama written by Alan Bleasdale exploring labor struggles in Liverpool's boxing scene.^[27] The following year, he gained prominence in science fiction with his role as Aris in the Doctor Who serial "Kinda," the second story of the Fifth Doctor's era, broadcast in four parts from January to February 1982.^[28] Aris, a mute male member of the nomadic Kinda tribe on the planet Deva Loka, communicates telepathically and becomes possessed by the malevolent entity known as the Mara, serving as a pivotal figure in the story's themes of colonialism, illusion, and inner demons; the production, directed by Peter Moffatt and written by Christopher Bailey, was filmed in Wiltshire and featured innovative use of mime and psychological horror elements.^[29] Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Mills took on supporting roles in popular British television series, including Stanley in the Minder episode "Dreamhouse" (1982), a light-hearted crime drama involving a pop star's troubles.^[30] He portrayed Eddie Cunningham in an episode of the soap opera Brookside (1984), contributing to the show's gritty depictions of working-class life in Liverpool. Later, in 1992, he appeared as Dave Preston, a television presenter character, in the Waiting for God episode "The Estate Agent," a comedy series centered on retirement home residents.^[31] In more recent years, Mills continued acting in both television and film, marking a shift toward guest spots in established dramas. He played Rick Kelsall in the 2023 ITV Christmas special episode of Vera titled "The Rising Tide," a festive installment of the crime series investigating a suspicious death in Northumberland.^[32] On film, he had a supporting role as an English Male Newscaster in Lords of Chaos (2018), a biographical drama directed by Jonas Åkerlund about the Norwegian black metal scene of the 1990s. Additionally, Mills took on lead roles in smaller productions, such as the titular character in the short film Manners, his first foray into leading a TV film narrative.^[22]

Other media work

In 2019, Adrian Mills served as the narrator in the West End musical Call Me Diana, a production centered on the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, which premiered with two sold-out showcase performances at the Leicester Square Theatre on September 19.^[33] The show, developed over a decade by composer David Smart and lyricist Brian Watson, received positive reviews for balancing Diana's royal challenges, tragic death, and personal humanity, with Mills' narration praised for effectively guiding the audience through the narrative.^[33] Mills hosted the charity concert series Sunday at the Musicals in 2022, performing in multiple venues including London, Eastbourne, and Windsor to raise funds for organizations such as Acting For Others and the RNLI.^[34]^[35] These events featured West End singers performing popular musical numbers, with Mills' hosting contributing to their success in supporting charitable causes.^[34] On radio, Mills has presented programs for London's LBC station, including segments on The Travel Clinic.^[22] He has appeared on LBC, offering consumer expertise and commentary tied to his broadcasting background.^[22] Mills co-hosts the podcast That's After Life! with Dame Esther Rantzen, launched in 2021 as a successor to their time on the television series That's Life!.^[36] Released weekly, the podcast features discussions on current news, listener emails, personal stories, and interviews with guests such as Barry Humphries and Natalie Dormer, blending humor, reflection, and public engagement.^[11]^[37] In October 2024, Mills delivered a talk titled "From Liverpool to Wimbledon via the BBC" for the Wimbledon National Trust Association, recounting his journey from early acting roles to television presenting and his connections to Wimbledon.^[38] Mills has also appeared in commercials, notably portraying the grandfather in a 2022 worldwide advertisement for Nintendo Sports.^[13]

Personal life

Business ventures

Adrian Mills serves as co-owner, alongside his wife Nicky Thanyarat Santichatsak, of the Thai Tho restaurant chain in London, which operates under the broader Thai Restaurant Group founded by Santichatsak. The group originated around 2005 with the opening of the first Fat Boys Thai location in Chiswick, evolving into a collection of Thai eateries emphasizing authentic cuisine in casual settings.^[39] Thai Tho specifically features modern decor and traditional dishes, with key sites including the longstanding Wimbledon Village outlet on High Street, established over two decades ago, and the Soho location on Rupert Street, catering to theatergoers and business diners.^[40]^[41] The Ealing Broadway branch at 57 New Broadway, opened in the mid-2000s after a revamp of an existing venue, expanded the chain's presence in west London but faced severe setbacks during the 2011 England riots. On August 9, 2011, rioters smashed windows and looted the premises—then operating as Fat Boys Thai Restaurant—forcing staff to flee amid the violence. Mills described the incident as a "dreadful night," with the site left boarded up and requiring significant repairs. Local media covered the damage extensively, highlighting the broader impact on Ealing's commercial strip.^[42]^[43] Recovery efforts benefited from robust community support, including visits from loyal customers and neighboring traders who dined on-site despite the disruptions, fostering new business connections for Mills and Santichatsak. The restaurant reopened shortly thereafter, resuming operations under the Thai Tho branding, though the location ultimately closed around 2020 amid evolving market conditions. This resilience underscored the chain's adaptability, with no long-term cessation of the overall business.^[43]^[44] By 2025, the chain maintains two active London outlets in Wimbledon and Soho, with Mills actively involved in management despite periodic challenges like post-pandemic customer caution. Expansions have focused on refining existing sites rather than new openings, prioritizing quality and community ties to sustain operations.^[45]^[46]

Community involvement

Adrian Mills serves as a patron of the Holly Lodge Centre in Richmond Park, an educational charity established in 1994 that provides hands-on encounters with the park's wildlife and heritage to approximately 8,500 visitors each year.^[47] In this role, he has supported key events, including hosting the centre's annual Christmas Carol Concert in December 2025, which features musical performances, an interval with mince pies and wine, and sales of handcrafted Christmas wreaths, with all proceeds benefiting the organization.^[48]^[49] He joined fellow patrons, including Sir David Attenborough, in celebrating the centre's 30th anniversary in October 2024, highlighting its mission to foster appreciation for Richmond Park's natural environment.^[50] As Chairman of the Wimbledon Village Business Association, Mills has led efforts to enhance community vitality through local promotions and events, drawing on his long-term residency in the area.^[51] Under his guidance, the association has organized initiatives such as themed shop window displays during the Wimbledon tennis championships, which in 2021 helped local businesses rebound from pandemic restrictions by attracting visitors and boosting trade.^[52] He has also advocated for economic support during major events, noting in 2022 how the championships generate significant rental income for homeowners accommodating tennis fans, contributing to the village's prosperity.^[53] Additionally, Mills served as a guest speaker at the Wimbledon Society's 2023 Annual General Meeting, discussing ongoing developments and business challenges in the village.^[54] Mills has made charitable appearances tied to his public profile, including attending a 2017 concert at Wimbledon Village Stables that raised £1,950 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity through performances and community sponsorships.^[55] In 2020, he acted as an ambassador for the Time & Leisure Hero Awards, recognizing local community heroes and promoting civic engagement in southwest London.^[56]

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