Art Attack icon returns to TV after 14 years as fans are concerned about one thing

Art Attack icon Neil Buchanan has returned to TV for the first time in 14 years for a major campaign – and fans are all saying one thing about his appearance

Neil Buchanan, the beloved host of Art Attack, has made a triumphant return to television after 14 years, leaving fans in awe of his youthful appearance.

The children’s TV legend, known for his impressive large-scale art projects and handy tips with pencils and paintbrushes during the 90s and early noughties, is back with a fresh project.

At 69, Neil is supporting the comeback of another 90s classic – the rhubarb crumble Muller Corner yoghurt – set to grace supermarket shelves once again this year.

His last TV appearance was on an episode of Celebrity Juice back in 2012. The colossal artwork, created in partnership with LADBible, harks back to Neil’s heyday, incorporating everyday items like cassette tapes and school lunchboxes.

Neil expressed: “It’s been nearly two decades since I last took on a project like this, but when I heard the Müller Corner Originals Rhubarb Crumble-inspired yoghurt was coming back, I had to get involved.”

“It’s actually my favourite flavour! It’s been nearly 30 years since it first launched, so bringing it back with my iconic ‘Big Art’ just felt like the perfect masterpiece.”

The campaign has sparked a massive response. One thrilled fan exclaimed: “It’s Neil Buchanan from Art Attack!! am I stuck in a time loop?! I swear last time I saw him was 20 years ago and looked exactly like this!!”

Another commented: “He looks the same he always seemed such a top guy.”

A third quipped: “Has he been cryogenically frozen for all these years? He’s the same age! He even has the same haircut!”

A fourth chimed in: “Get a new series. Back on. I promise wherever I am, I will run my fastest to make it back home on time. The memories x.”

Neil’s artistic talent can be traced back to his childhood.As a lad, he was “always drawing or making things out of scraps of rubbish.”

On his website, he shares: “My dad noticed I had a flair for art and he’d sit and draw with me for hours.”

Neil attended Liverpool Institute High School for Boys, which later became the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts in 1996, owned by fellow Liverpudlian, Sir Paul McCartney.

Some of Neil’s most impressive – and literally largest – artwork was created on Art Attack as unique installations of grand scale. These included a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II made from £250,000 in £10 notes and a massive tropical fish crafted from items found in a pet food shop.

Since leaving the show, he has continued to create artwork and photography.Beyond art, Neil harbours a deep love for music. After the show concluded, he revamped his image and reformed his heavy rock band, Marseilles, which he first joined in 1976. He swapped his short hair and red jumpers for fitted waistcoats, rugged stubble and long salt and pepper locks when he returned to the stage.

Marseille have released four albums and six singles together, and have supported bands like Judas Priest, Nazareth, Whitesnake and UFO on tour.

Neil is also a massive Disney fan. He has described the brand’s creator, Walt Disney, as “the greatest ideas man that ever lived”. According to his biography, he was commissioned to design an attraction at Disneyland Paris, though he’s kept quiet about which one.

In September 2020, speculation emerged suggesting Neil might be the elusive street artist Banksy. The mysterious artist’s true identity has remained closely guarded for decades, with endless speculation about who lies behind the name.

The theory gained traction due to Neil’s artistic flair, his passion for music and his knack for creating large-scale art installations, predominantly in public spaces.

One social media user on X claimed it was “rumoured” that Neil was responsible for iconic pieces such as Balloon Girl and Love is in the Bin. However, a statement published on his website firmly dismissed the claims, stating there was “no truth in the rumour whatsoever.”

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