Sorry I Didn’t Know’s Chizzy Akudolu on hosting the new series and what it means to be released outside of Black History Month

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While many recognize Chizzy Akudolu from her acting work on Holby City, she’s now taking center stage in the latest season of ITV’s Sorry I Didn’t Know.

The show, now ITV’s longest-running program created by a Black-led production company, has always included Akudolu as one of its consistently funny team captains. This season, however, she’s taking on a new role – hosting the show after Jimmy Akingbola.

Now in its sixth season, “Sorry I Didn’t Know” first aired on ITV in 2020 as part of their Black History Month programming. Over the past five years, the show has become increasingly popular, successfully combining humor with education about Black British and worldwide history, often sharing stories viewers hadn’t heard before.

For season 6, Akudolu will be joined by new team captain Richard Blackwood and Eddie Kadi. Each week will also feature a variety of guest panelists, including Susan Wokoma, Angellica Bell, Shazia Mirza, JB Gill, and many others.

It’s been a really interesting change for me, going from being a team captain on the show to now hosting it! As I’ve realized, it’s such an honour to not only get to try my hand at hosting, but also to be involved with a program that’s genuinely making a difference in terms of representation – it means a lot to me.

You’ve been a team captain on ‘Sorry I Didn’t Know’ since the very beginning – how amazing has it been to watch the show grow and connect with audiences since it started in 2020?

When we started working on the show in 2020, I honestly expected it to last for maybe two seasons. It’s been incredible and really moving to see it reach season six and continue to improve. We always believed in the show’s quality, and it’s been fantastic to see audiences connect with it.

You’re hosting the show this season – how did that come about, and were you nervous about taking on the role?

Fraser and Minnie from TriForce Productions called me and asked if I’d host their show. I was so excited! I immediately asked about Jimmy, and they explained he was busy filming in Bel Air. After hearing that, I got even more thrilled. Hosting has always been a dream of mine, and I couldn’t possibly say no to this opportunity.

How is hosting different from being a team captain? And did you enjoy hosting more?

I definitely enjoy being the host. It’s great knowing all the answers and being in charge. It’s a really fun and lively role, and I like having control.

The show initially started as part of ITV’s programming for Black History Month, and Jimmy has explained it wasn’t intended to be limited to that time. What lasting impact does he hope ‘Sorry I Didn’t Know’ will have on viewers?

I’m thrilled the show is now available year-round, not just during Black History Month. There are countless stories and a rich history that deserve to be shared with everyone, and I’m excited we can finally do that.

With many TV shows falling short on their diversity promises since 2020, what are your thoughts on the continued success of ITV’s ‘Sorry I Didn’t Know,’ which openly focuses on Black British history?

I’m incredibly thankful to the team at ITV, especially Gemma John-Lewis and Kevin Lygo, for believing in this show. I initially worried it might be a short-lived trend, but its success proves it’s something special. It’s exciting to see it continue to resonate with audiences and break new ground.

What does being part of Sorry I Didn’t Know mean to you?

I’m truly humbled. This show isn’t just about history, it’s making history as it does so.

You know, working on this film, I stumbled upon some fascinating historical details. There was one fact in particular that really stuck with me – it completely changed how I understood the period we were depicting. It wasn’t just a date or a name, but a real insight into the lives of people back then, and it’s something I’ve continued to think about even after wrapping up filming.

One of my favorite historical figures is John Blanke. He was a trumpeter who served both King Henry VII and Henry VIII. Remarkably, he actually asked the king for a raise – and got it! You wouldn’t expect such a kind response from a king back then, but Henry granted his request. What’s even cooler is that there’s a tapestry depicting him!

Could you share some information about this year’s team captains and guests? What unique skills or perspectives do Eddie Kadi and Richard Blackwood offer this season? And are there any past guests you’d especially like to see return to the show?

What has been some of the positive feedback that’s most stuck out to you since doing the show?

We received a lovely message from a teacher who plans to share the program with her class, which meant a lot to us. We’re so grateful for all the wonderful feedback we get, and it’s great to know the show connects with so many different people.

You’ve had a lot of great roles throughout your career. What’s one that really stands out to you, and what made it so memorable?

Working on Holby City was the best job I’ve had. I really miss it and the incredible team – we were like a family. I especially loved playing a doctor; it made me feel smart and capable.

Outside of hosting this series of Sorry I Didn’t Know, what’s next on the cards for you?

I’m currently working on a show called Tommy and Tuppence, where I play a detective. I’ve also finished filming two other projects that haven’t been publicly announced yet. On top of that, I’ve written a film script and two sitcoms that I’m hoping to get produced.

You’ve worked in this field for quite a while now. What’s your perspective on how diverse and inclusive the industry currently is?

In 2020, we saw a significant increase in representation of actors of colour, which was a welcome change that had been needed for a long time. However, that progress seems to have stalled recently, which is disappointing considering the gains we were making both on screen and in the creative teams behind the scenes.

What changes would you like to see in terms of representation on screen – who gets cast in roles, the types of roles you’d like to play, and the stories that are being told?

I really enjoy shows like Bridgerton that cast actors of all ethnicities. I’d love to see more period dramas do the same – people of colour have always been a part of history! I’d even love to be in one, wearing the costumes! I also dream of being in a Marvel movie. When you’re a superhero, skin colour simply doesn’t matter.

What are your aspirations for the future of ‘Sorry I Didn’t Know’? Are you interested in continuing to host this show, or are you open to hosting other shows as well?

Look, I really enjoyed my time hosting, and honestly, I’m hoping Jimmy stays super busy – that would open the door for me to get back behind the desk again! I genuinely love hosting; it’s something I’m really good at and I do often. In fact, I’ve even filmed a pilot for my own game show, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it gets picked up. It’d be a dream come true!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career to date and who was it from?

A director on the show Holby once gave me three pieces of advice: be punctual, know your lines, and be kind. It’s surprisingly straightforward when you consider it.

And finally, in your own words, why are representation and diversity within TV so important?

Think about how happy a child would be to see someone who looks like them on TV or in a movie. Or how empowering it would be for someone with a disability to finally see themselves represented. It sends a powerful message: anything is achievable, and everyone deserves to be seen and valued.

Sorry I Didn’t Know season 6 premieres on ITV1 and ITVX at 10:35pm.

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2025-11-16 13:36