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Sam & Mark
Sam & Mark
from Wikipedia

Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes, known collectively as Sam & Mark, are an English popular music and television presenting duo. They previously competed on the second series of Pop Idol in 2003, in which they finished third and second, respectively, behind winner Michelle McManus. Since then, Sam & Mark have had a successful career in radio and television in the UK.

Key Information

Music career

[edit]

Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes competed on the second series of Pop Idol in 2003. Nixon finished third, while Rhodes came second behind winner Michelle McManus. After Pop Idol, they decided to form a duo, and signed with manager Simon Fuller. Sam & Mark released a cover of The Beatles' "With a Little Help from My Friends" as a single on Fuller's label S. The song entered the UK Singles Chart at No. 1.

However, their follow-up single, "The Sun Has Come Your Way", released by UMTV, reached only number 19. Consequently, the pair, while working for CBBC, were informed that they were no longer allowed to release music, as Sam and Mark had signed a deal with Fearne Cotton for a period of two years to perform both live and pre-recorded shows. This resulted in Fuller signing the duo out of their label and contracts, as they were concentrating on children's shows on CBBC.[1]

Broadcasting career

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Radio hosts

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In January 2003, Sam & Mark started a career in radio presenting. First, they hosted Saturdays 10am–1pm and Sundays 11am–3pm on Gem, before moving to weekdays 9am–1pm on 6 June 2005, with the chance to interview the biggest stars on their show. They left Gem on 2 June 2006. On 11 March 2007, they began hosting Smash Hits on Sunday at breakfast, from 7–11am. On 31 December 2007, they hosted a whole night of DJ sets on BBC Radio 1 to see in the new year from 6pm–5am. Their last Sunday Smash Hits Breakfast show was on 26 December 2010.

Sam & Mark were due to return to Gem on 1 January 2011 to host Saturday Night Gem Anthems; however, three hours before they were due on air, they could not host it. On 5 August 2011, Sam & Mark were told that they could not host any more radio shows.[citation needed]

Starting in 2009 and ending in 2015, the duo presented a radio show, which can be heard on Free Radio across Coventry and Warwickshire on Sunday mornings, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm.[2]

Nixon also did cover work for BBC Radio Leeds.

Television hosts

[edit]

Sam & Mark have subsequently had a successful career as children's TV presenters, hosting various BBC programmes, such as TMi, Top of the Pops Reloaded, Copycats, Sam and Mark's Guide to Dodging Disaster, Sam & Mark's Big Friday Wind-Up, Junior Bake Off, and Crackerjack! on CBBC.

Sam & Mark hosted CBBC's weekday morning breakfast show Level Up for four months, from 3 April to 1 September 2006.[3] On 16 September 2006, they hosted the first episode of TMi, a new Saturday morning TV show for the BBC on BBC Two and the CBBC Channel, alongside presenter Caroline Flack. The third series of the show ended in December 2008, and the BBC confirmed a fourth series of the Saturday morning series for CBBC.

In 2007, Sam & Mark presented a show for CBBC, Do Something Different. Beginning on 3 January 2009, Sam and Mark's Who Wants to be a Superhero? began to air, in which children competed to be a new superhero for Stan Lee. They were also asked to perform on Children in Need in 2007.

In January 2010, they began a new show, Jump Nation, which is similar to Skate Nation, another programme they presented.[4] They were also on a celebrity special of Total Wipeout.[5] Neither won, losing to glamour model Danielle Lloyd. In Sam and Mark's Guide to Dodging Disaster for CBBC, they were in non-speaking roles, with a voice over by Hugh Dennis.[6] They have also presented the competition segment of This Morning on ITV1. On 28 April 2010, Sam and Mark presented an On the Box segment for This Morning, in which they reviewed the latest TV shows, DVDs and movies. They then appeared on a CBBC series, Copycats.[3] A show similar to the TMi series, but called Sam and Mark's TMi Friday, began in September 2010, and finished in December; it was then cancelled.[3]

For Red Nose Day 2011, the two presented a series called Comic Relief does Glee Club, which had five 45-minute episodes, four of which were live, on BBC One. In 2012, this continued with Sport Relief does Glee Club, which had eight 30-minute episodes on CBBC and two live episodes on BBC One and CBBC. In 2013, a new series of Comic Relief does Glee Club, hosted by Naomi Wilkinson, aired. Sam and Mark joined Naomi for the last five of the 45-minute heats.

From 2011, the duo had their own series called Sam & Mark's Big Friday Wind-Up. Similar to a prank show, the programme featured celebrity guests each week.[7]

In 2012, Sam and Mark competed against each other in ITV's Dancing on Ice, which also included Rosemary Conley, Charlene Tilton, Jennifer Ellison and Chico; Mark was third to leave, while Sam left in week 9.[8]

In 2013, Sam and Mark co-hosted a Channel 5 special, The Great Christmas Toy Giveaway, alongside Myleene Klass.[9] The two-hour show featured guests, toy reviews, music and videos previewing the toys and games available for Christmas; it also included a competition to win more than £10,000 worth of toys.

In 2020, the BBC's revival of Crackerjack! was presented by the duo.[10]

They presented series 3 and 4 of BBC1's Junior Bake Off in 2015 and 2016.[11]

Sam and Mark: On the Road Show (2017)

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Sam and Mark began a tour of Butlins holiday camps from February 2017, performing a new game show similar to their TV shows, such as Sam and Mark's Big Friday Wind Up, TMi and Copycats.[12] The tour ended on 3 September the same year.

Discography

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Singles

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Title Year Peak chart positions Album
UK
[13]
IRL
[14]
"With a Little Help from My Friends"[A] 2004 1 22 Non-album singles
"The Sun Has Come Your Way"[B] 19

Books

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  • The Adventures of Long Arm (2 August 2015)
  • The Adventures of Long Arm 2: Long Arm vs The Evil Supply Teacher (3 March 2016)

See also

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Notes

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References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Sam Nixon (born 21 March 1986 in , ) and Mark Rhodes (born 11 September 1981 in , West Midlands), known collectively as Sam & Mark, are an English pop duo and television presenting duo who rose to fame as contestants on the second series of the ITV Pop Idol in 2003, where Rhodes placed second and Nixon placed third. Following their Pop Idol appearances, Nixon and Rhodes were paired by Simon Cowell to form a duo, releasing their debut single, a cover of the Beatles' "With a Little Help from My Friends", in February 2004; the track debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart and spent one week at the top position while charting for a total of 14 weeks. Their follow-up singles, including "I'm Your Man" and "Supafly", also charted in the UK top 20, though their music career was relatively short-lived as they pivoted to television presenting. In 2004, Sam & Mark began their broadcasting careers, initially co-hosting music programmes such as Top of the Pops Reloaded and TMi on CBBC, before gaining widespread recognition for children's entertainment shows like Sam & Mark's TMi Friday (2008–2010) and Sam & Mark's Big Friday Wind-Up (2011–2019), the latter of which ran for eight series. For their work on Big Friday Wind-Up, they won multiple BAFTA Children's Awards, including Best Presenter in 2013 and 2015, and Best Entertainment in 2016. The duo has since hosted other CBBC series, including the revived Crackerjack! (2020–2021) and Copycats (2016), and made guest appearances on adult-oriented programmes such as This Morning, Sunday Brunch, Celebrity Juice, and reality competitions like Dancing on Ice (2006) and Celebrity MasterChef (2017). Beyond television, Sam & Mark have engaged in live performances, including their On the Road touring show at UK festivals like and holiday camps, and authored two children's books in the Adventures of Long Arm series in 2015. They are also involved in charity work as patrons of Whizz-Kidz, with Rhodes additionally supporting Kicks Count, a premature baby care initiative. As of 2025, the duo continues to perform live and make occasional television appearances, maintaining their status as a staple in British children's .

Background and formation

Early lives and Pop Idol appearance

Samuel Nixon was born on 21 March 1986 in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England. At the age of 17, he auditioned for the second series of the British talent show Pop Idol in 2003, demonstrating his vocal abilities during the open auditions held across the UK. Mark Rhodes was born on 11 September 1981 in Darlaston, Walsall, England. He developed an early interest in performing arts, starting to sing in a school band and later performing individual gigs around the Midlands before auditioning for Pop Idol series 2 at age 21. The second series of Pop Idol, which aired on ITV from September to December 2003, featured a multi-stage selection process beginning with regional auditions, followed by bootcamp and theatre rounds where judges Simon Cowell, Neil Fox, , and evaluated contestants' potential. Nixon and Rhodes both advanced through these stages, impressing the panel with their talent; Cowell described Nixon as "one of the most naturally talented " the judges had seen. In the live shows, which began in October 2003, both contestants delivered standout performances that garnered positive judges' feedback and public support. Rhodes performed "Have You Met Miss Jones?" during Week, earning praise for his smooth delivery, while Nixon sang "Mr. Bojangles?" in the same round, showcasing his emotional range. The public reception was strong for both, with Nixon emerging as a favorite due to his youthful appeal and consistent high placements, though the judges occasionally noted areas for vocal control. Rhodes, meanwhile, was commended for his charisma and versatility across genres. The competition intensified in the finals, with eliminations occurring weekly based on public votes. Rhodes and Nixon reached the final three alongside Michelle McManus, but Nixon was eliminated on 13 December 2003 in a shock result, as he had been the bookmakers' odds-on favorite. Rhodes advanced to the grand final on 20 December, finishing as runner-up behind winner McManus, whose victory surprised many given the judges' predictions favoring Rhodes. The eliminations highlighted the unpredictable public reception, with over 10 million votes cast in the finale, reflecting widespread viewer engagement. Nixon expressed disappointment but optimism about his future, while the duo's on-show camaraderie laid the groundwork for their later collaboration.

Duo formation and initial success

Following the conclusion of Pop Idol series 2 on December 20, 2003, where finished as runner-up and placed third, the pair were paired together as a duo by the show's creator, . This decision capitalized on their on-screen chemistry and individual popularity from the competition, leading to their signing with Fuller's label in a partnership styled after the successful reality TV duo . In late 2003 and early 2004, Nixon and Rhodes began joint promotional activities, including media interviews and appearances at events to build anticipation for their music career. They quickly entered recording sessions for their debut single, a cover of ' "With A Little Help from My Friends," produced under and set for release on February 9, 2004. These early efforts focused on establishing their sound as a harmonious pop act, drawing from their performances. The duo concept received positive initial reception from the public and industry, viewed as a strategic extension of reality TV success stories like , who had similarly transitioned from a to chart-topping releases. described the partnership as "the best New Year present," highlighting their growing friendship, while Nixon expressed gratitude for the opportunity amid strong fan support from the show. Industry observers noted the pairing's potential to sustain Pop Idol's momentum, with early buzz emphasizing their youthful energy and vocal synergy over solo pursuits.

Music career

Debut single and chart performance

Sam & Mark's debut single, a cover of the Beatles' 1967 track "With a Little Help from My Friends" from the album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, was produced by Steve Mac and featured guitar work by Calum MacColl and Stephen Wright, with engineering and mixing by Heff Moraes. The single, backed with an original track "Measure of a Man", was released in February 2004 through 19 Recordings Ltd. The song debuted at number 1 on the UK Singles Chart on 21 February 2004, marking the duo's entry into the music industry following their formation on , and held the top spot for one week with first-week sales of 42,776 copies. It spent a total of 14 weeks on the chart, including two weeks in the top 10, and contributed to 94,000 sales by the end of 2004. In Ireland, the single entered the charts on 12 February 2004 at number 22, its peak position, and charted for four weeks. Promotions for the release included television appearances on Top of the Pops and BBC Radio 1, alongside a major advertising campaign sponsored by Nestlé's Kit Kat brand, which helped drive its commercial success despite lower initial sales compared to prior Pop Idol releases. The CD single format also incorporated an enhanced music video component for viewers. Critically, the track received mixed reviews; it was described as a straightforward pop-rock arrangement with a basic beat and string elements, earning a 4/10 rating as the least offensive of several contemporary covers but lacking innovation. The single did not secure any major awards but highlighted the duo's immediate market appeal.

Follow-up releases and career shift

Following the success of their debut single "With a Little Help from My Friends", which topped the charts, Sam & Mark released their second single, "The Sun Has Come Your Way", on 31 May 2004. This track was written by Peter Agren and Tobias Karlsson. It peaked at No. 19 on the UK Singles Chart but failed to enter the . The single received promotion through live performances on television programs and radio airplay, yet its performance was hampered by the saturated pop market in the wake of numerous Pop Idol-related releases. Following the disappointing chart position, the duo were dropped by their record label, . Despite these efforts, the underwhelming chart result led to the cancellation of plans for a debut album, curtailing their music output to just two singles. In 2006, the duo signed contracts with , transitioning their focus to television presenting and effectively ending their music career. This shift was influenced by the stability offered by opportunities, leaving behind unfulfilled music plans in favor of a long-term path in . Their brief music legacy thus concluded, with presenting emerging as the sustainable foundation for their joint endeavors.

Broadcasting career

Radio presenting

Sam and Mark began their radio presenting in the early , starting with weekend shows on Gem 106 from 2003, initially Saturdays 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.–3 p.m., before moving to the weekday breakfast show from 2005 to 2006. The program featured mixes, interviews, and their playful duo banter, targeting audiences with energetic content that often incorporated contemporary pop tracks, including occasional plays of their own singles from their . In 2007, they expanded their radio presence by hosting the Sunday breakfast show on from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., running until 2010. This youth-oriented format emphasized fun interactions, chart hits, and listener engagement, building on their fame to attract a young demographic. The same year, they presented a special New Year's Eve broadcast on BBC Radio 1, DJing a full night of music from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. on December 31. From 2009 to 2015, the duo hosted a morning show on Free Radio in the , broadcasting live across the West Midlands with a focus on music, humor, and participation. Their banter-driven style and selection of popular tracks appealed to families and younger listeners, with the show running every . In 2012, they were noted as weekend presenters for Orion Media, the parent company of Free Radio and Gem 106. Post-2015, the duo shifted focus primarily to television and live entertainment, with no further joint radio hosting documented. Mark Rhodes continued his radio career individually on BBC Radio WM, presenting a Saturday morning show from 10 a.m. that includes , , and build-up, a role he began in September 2024 and continues as of 2025.

Television presenting

Sam and Mark began their television presenting careers in 2005, co-hosting the BBC's (formerly ), a children's music programme featuring celebrity interviews, performances, and games, which aired until 2006. Their on-air chemistry, honed from radio presenting, quickly established them as a dynamic duo in youth entertainment. In 2006, they transitioned to CBBC with TMi, a Saturday morning magazine show that replaced Dick & Dom in da Bungalow, running until 2010 and featuring music videos, games, and live sketches with guests like and . The programme, later branded as Sam & Mark's TMi Friday from around 2008, shifted to Friday evenings on the CBBC Channel, emphasizing interactive segments and celebrity appearances. They continued their CBBC tenure with Copycats from 2009 to 2016, a family involving mime, drawing, and music-based Chinese whispers challenges, where two teams competed for a trophy through rounds like Quick on the Draw and the Copycats Challenge (including a revival in 2016 after a brief hiatus). This was followed by Sam & Mark's Big Friday Wind-Up (2011–2017), a high-energy Friday night variety show with pranks, games, music performances, and surprise guests, which became one of CBBC's flagship programmes and earned them three BAFTA Children's Awards: Best Entertainment in 2013, and Best Presenter in 2013 and 2015. Their energetic, playful hosting style—characterized by banter, physical comedy, and audience interaction—revitalized children's television by blending scripted sketches with unscripted wind-ups, influencing subsequent CBBC formats. Beyond core CBBC roles, Sam and Mark hosted Comic Relief Does Glee Club in 2011, a five-part singing competition on BBC One where youth glee clubs performed for charity, judged by experts like Carrie and David Grant. They also presented segments on ITV's This Morning, including the "On the Box" TV review feature in 2010. In 2012, they competed as contestants on Dancing on Ice series 7, skating individually with partners Nina Ulanova (Sam) and Frankie Poultney (Mark), reaching week five and seven respectively before elimination. Their CBBC commitments extended to Junior Bake Off series 3 and 4 (2015–2016), where they hosted baking challenges for children aged 9–12, judged by chefs Allegra McEvedy and Graham Hornigold, focusing on creative bakes like technical pastry tasks. In 2020–2021, Sam and Mark revived the classic children's series Crackerjack! on after a 35-year hiatus, hosting sketches, variety acts, and games like Double or Drop across two series (series 1 in 2020 and series 2 in 2021), with guests including and RoadTrip, maintaining the show's legacy of fast-paced fun. Up to 2020, they made guest appearances on programmes like and , often leveraging their comedic timing in cameo roles. As of , no major new television presenting roles are documented beyond occasional guest spots.

Live entertainment

Sam and Mark: On the Road Show

The Sam & Mark: On the Road Show was a live stage production launched by the duo at holiday camps in 2017, building on their established television personas from shows like Big Friday Wind-Up, Copycats, and . The format emphasized high-energy, interactive entertainment designed to engage audiences of through a mix of games and performances, reflecting their energetic presenting style honed on . This tour marked their transition to live stage work, leveraging their broadcasting background in live hosting to create an engaging, on-site experience at holiday resorts. The show continued with performances at in 2021 and other touring dates in subsequent years. The show toured across three UK seaside locations—, , and —running from February through September 2017 as part of the resort's seasonal entertainment program. Performances were held on selected dates during family breaks, with original content tailored to the holiday camp setting, including audience participation elements that echoed the duo's TV game show roots. Production incorporated their signature humor and charisma, without noted guest stars, focusing instead on the pair's chemistry to deliver fun-filled sessions in venues like Centre Stage at and Studio 36. Reception was positive within the family holiday context, promoted as a highlight of 2017 lineup for its promise of wholesome, energetic entertainment that sustained the duo's appeal to young audiences following their peak years. The tour contributed to their ongoing visibility in live entertainment, drawing on their TV success to attract holidaymakers and reinforcing their status as family-friendly performers.

Other stage and live work

Following their debut single release, Sam & Mark undertook promotional live activities , including at the held at in on 20 June. This appearance showcased their early -focused stage presence to large audiences, aligning with the promotion of "With a Little Help from My Friends." In subsequent years, the duo made guest appearances at family-oriented events, such as in 2019 (25–28 July, , Dorset) and 2021 (29 July–1 August, , Dorset), where they performed sets blending to engage younger fans. These spots extended their reach into settings beyond formal tours, fostering continued interaction with audiences familiar with their origins. Additionally, they briefly reunited for segment at the British Summer Time in Hyde Park, London, on 28 June 2015, highlighting their enduring duo chemistry. Mark Rhodes has pursued individual stage work in , contributing to the duo's legacy through family entertainment formats. In the 2024–2025 season, he starred as Larry Trott in at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, a production that won a Pantomime Association Award for Best Sound. For the 2025–2026 season, Rhodes returns to the same venue as Hilarious in , reuniting with recurring cast members to deliver comedic, interactive performances aimed at holiday crowds. These roles emphasize and audience participation, drawing on the duo's established rapport with children. No major joint cameos or full revivals occurred between 2023 and , but their festival guest spots and Rhodes's engagements have sustained fan engagement by evoking the playful energy of their early collaborations. This evolution reflects a broader shift from concert-style music promotions to interactive stage work, modeled after the variety format of their 2017 On the Road Show.

Books and other media

Children's book series

Sam & Mark co-authored the Long Arm children's , published by Scholastic, which consists of two humorous novels aimed at young readers. The first installment, The Adventures of Long Arm, was released on 2 July 2015, introducing the protagonist Ricky Mitre, a mischievous schoolboy who gains arm-length abilities after an accident in a toilet. The sequel, The Adventures of Long Arm 2: Long Arm vs the Evil Supply Teacher, followed on 3 March 2016, continuing Ricky's escapades as he battles a villainous threatening his . The series features lighthearted, laugh-out-loud stories blending antics with school-based mysteries and elements, such as uncovering secrets and thwarting everyday villains. and handled the writing, drawing on their comedic timing to craft engaging narratives filled with humor and relatable childhood scenarios. The books were illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff, whose whimsical artwork complements the duo's playful prose, enhancing the visual appeal for juvenile audiences. Targeted at children aged 8–12, the series encourages independent reading through its accessible language and fast-paced plots. Their broadcasting success on provided the platform for this book deal, allowing them to extend their family-friendly entertainment style from television to . The books received positive reception for their humor and relatability, with Goodreads ratings averaging 3.9 for the first volume and 4.2 for the second based on reader feedback. While specific figures are not publicly detailed, the series benefited from promotional events including launches, activity sheet distributions via Scholastic, and live tours at holiday camps like to engage young fans.

Individual publications and projects

In 2025, Sam Nixon announced his debut solo cookbook, Autumn: Recipes from the Heart, for a Heartwarming Season, published by Meze Publishing and scheduled for release in 2026. The book features over 90 recipes centered on autumnal, family-oriented dishes, including warming soups, stews, pies, and desserts that emphasize seasonal ingredients. Nixon promoted the cookbook extensively on , sharing previews like his Parkin recipe and generating significant pre-order interest within the first week of announcement. Nixon's earlier involvement in co-authored children's books with served as a precursor to his individual writing endeavors. Nixon has also fronted the indie pop band Mason, which performed its debut gig in 2007 but has remained inactive since. has expanded his live performance work through roles, including a return as a lead in at Stafford's Gatehouse Theatre for the 2025/2026 season, alongside regulars David Phipps-Davis and Samantha Spragg. Since 2020, Rhodes has served as an ambassador for the Wolves Foundation, the charitable arm of , where he has volunteered on various community projects as a lifelong fan of the club. As of 2025, Nixon and have pursued separate professional paths without joint projects since 2020, though they occasionally reference their duo legacy in personal promotions.

References

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