Distinct Nostalgia - podcast cover

Distinct Nostalgia

Exclusive interviews and reunions celebrating some of the biggest names in TV and film. A TV enthusiast’s paradise. There's also special shows and series and a regular Distinct Nostalgia Mind of the Month Quiz. Plus every now and then some original fresh comedy and drama. This is pure entertainment and fun. Enjoy! Definitely ‘more than a podcast’.
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Episodes

Andy Peebles Last Interview - Ashley chats to the legendary former Radio 1 DJ who was the last to interview John Lennon

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Ashley had the pleasure of interviewing the legendary Andy Peebles just weeks before he died for a programme about Steve Strange. Though the interview was about Steve, the conversation included many anecdotes related to Andy's long career overall including his famous interview with John Lennon. Here we play most of the interview in tribute to Andy and his memory. Enjoy and RIP Andy! S...

Apr 12, 202535 min

40 Years of EastEnders - In conversation with former Albert Square storyliner David Payne

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message In the fourth episode of Distinct Nostalgia's EastEnders at 40 series, Ashley sits down with former Albert Square storyliner David Payne. David, who worked on the show from 2015 to 2017, offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind some of EastEnders' most gripping storylines. From the homophobic murder of Paul Coker to Stacey Fowler's postpartum psychosis, David shar...

Feb 23, 20251 hr

40 Years of EastEnders - back to the early 2000s when Dame Sheila Hancock played Steve Owen's disturbed mum Barbara

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Join us for the third episode of Distinct Nostalgia's special series celebrating EastEnders at 40. In this episode, Dame Sheila Hancock, who brought the unforgettable Barbara Owen to life in 2000 and 2001, sits down with Ashley to discuss her time on the show. Barbara, a complex character with a troubled relationship with her children, especially her son Steve, left a lasting impact o...

Feb 21, 202529 min

40 Years of EastEnders - in conversation with the show's longest serving writer Rob Gittins

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message In the second episode of Distinct Nostalgia celebrating EastEnders' 40th birthday, Ashley sits down with Rob Gittins, the show's longest-serving writer. Rob has been a pivotal figure in the EastEnders writing team since its early days, contributing to over 300 episodes. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the show's characters and storylines have made him an invaluable ...

Feb 19, 20251 hr 4 min

40 Years of EastEnders - back to 2006 as we meet Sophie Thompson who played evil Stella

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message In celebration of EastEnders' 40th birthday, Distinct Nostalgia kicks off with an exclusive interview featuring Sophie Thompson, who portrayed the infamous Stella Crawford. Sophie sits down with Ashley to reminisce about her time on the show and her character's dramatic storyline. Stella, introduced as Phil Mitchell's new lawyer, quickly became one of the soap's most memorable villain...

Feb 18, 202539 min

Original Christmas Comedy - Florrie and Dotty are back as ‘Winter Drawers On’ - the very latest from our 60 something northern gossips

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Original Christmas Comedy In Winter Drawers On Starring Lindsay Eavis and Janice Fryett The ladies talk about surviving another winter, debate the merits of AI, beards and board games and ponder a cashless society. Florrie: Lindsay Eavis Dotty: Janice Fryett Written by Janice Fryett A Spinney Media Production for Distinct Nostalgia. A Distinct Comedy Presentation Distinct is part of M...

Dec 22, 202410 min

Memories of You and Me with Francis Wright who played Dibs in the long running chidren's show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Here Ashley meets one half of Cosmo and Dibs who were the characters that graced the long running kids series You and Me in the 1980s. Francis Wright tells us how he landed the role as puppeter and voice as well as charting the history of You and Me which dates back to the early 1970s. The show was tremendously popular with several generations of children growing up in the 70s, 80s an...

Nov 28, 20241 hr 6 min

To mark The Bill's 40th birthday - An interview with Mark Wingett who played DC Jim Carver for more than two decades.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message An interview that should have aired some time ago but we've been waiting to use it to mark the 40th anniversary of The Bill bursting on to our screens. It all began in 1983 but the actual full run series, later serial, began on the 16th October 1984. Here Mark Wingett - who played DC Jim Carver for nearly a quarter of a century - discusses the show's origins and his own early years on...

Oct 12, 20241 hr 8 min

Tribute to Prolific film and tv star Kenneth Cope - In Conversation About Corrie, Carry Ons, Randall and Hopkirk Deceased, That Was The Week That Was and much more

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Sadly we've lost another tv and film great. Kenneth Cope has died at the age of 93. And here we have an interview he did with Ashley a few years ago. Much of this has never been broadcast before. Ken talks about being one of the early stars of Coronation Street. working with David Frost on That Was the Week That Was, his time in the Carry Ons, Randall and Hopkirk Deceased and his huge...

Sep 14, 202452 min

In Tribute to The Legendary actor, writer and journalist Brian Trueman (Chorlton and the Wheelies, Jamie and the Magic Torch, Dangermouse, Cockleshell Bay etc) - A never before broadcast interview with the man himself recorded at his home a few years ago.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message We're sad to hear the news that Brian Trueman has died at the aged of 92. Brian provided the soundtrack to so many characters of our childhoods, whether as a writer or actor. His work with Cosgrove Hall Films included Chorlton and the Wheelies, Dangermouse, Cockleshell Bay and Jamie and the Magic Torch. But he had a career before helping to bring to life these animation classics - in ...

Sep 04, 20241 hr 7 min

ROCK - drama by Tim Fountain..... in tribute to the veteran actor Bette Bourne. He plays the notorious Hollywood agent Henry Wilson who manufactured Rock Hudson. Distinct Nostalgia producer MIM won a BBC best online drama award for Rock. Enjoy!

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message A special re-issuing of Rock, by Tim Fountain in tribute to the veteran actor Bette Bourne who has died at the age of 84. An excellent performance in this drama produced by DN producers' Made in Manchester as Bette plays Henry Wilson, Hollywood actor Rock Hudson's notorious agent. Bette has played lots of legendary characters over the years including Quentin Crisp in Tim's other play ...

Aug 25, 202448 min

A Chat with Mr Roy who was Basil Brush's sidekick in the early to mid 70s. But will Basil surprise his old TV partner?

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Ashley's catching up with Roy North who was the actor who became Basil Brush's sidekick in the early to mid 70s on The Basil Brush Show. The show hosted by the wily old fox lasted from the late 60s til the early 80s and became a favourite of several generations of kids, parents and grandparents. Now Basil entertains the big kids often in theatres around the UK. Ever popular, most peop...

Aug 17, 20241 hr 4 min

A real celebration of all things Zippy and George from Rainbow with Ronnie Le Drew, Zippy. George and a special guest appearance!

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message We’ve been planning this for a while - and here they are by popular demand. Ronnie Le Drew with Zippy and George from the legendary kids tv series Rainbow. Ronnie chats to Ashley about the early years of Rainbow which started in 1972, how he became a firm fixture of the team and the enduring appeal of these wonderful characters from one of the UK’s favourite shows. Ashley also chats t...

Jul 28, 20241 hr 58 min

We meet prolific TV actor George Layton - Doctor in the House, It Aint Half Hot Mum, The Likely Lads, Dr Who, Z Cars, Minder - and More!

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message George Layton is prolific - he's done the lot - and he's still working in his early 80s. Both an actor and screenwriter, his career stretches from the early 50s and Children's Hour and working with Violet Carson (who played Ena Sharples in Coronation Street), through years as a star on shows like Doctor in the House and It Aint Half Hot Mum, via cameos on The Likely Lads and semi regu...

May 14, 202455 min

A Life in Television: An Exclusive Interview with Former LWT, ITV, Channel 4 & BBC boss Michael Grade

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message A very special interview here with Lord Grade (Michael Grade) whose fingerprints are all over British TV - from the days when his uncle Lew ran ATV to his own stewardship of LWT, BBC, Channel 4 and Later ITV again. Michael has launched (and axed) some of Britain's most popular TV shows. Here he takes Ashley through a whistle stop potted history of his career, stopping off to reminisce...

Apr 17, 20241 hr 5 min

Little House on the Prairie at 50 - Karen Grassle talks to Ashley about family life on the farm

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Karen Grassle who played Caroline celebrates 50 years since the launch in 1974 of Little House on The Prairie. The then new show from America would pull in huge audiences all around the world including in the UK where it had a prime time slot. Here Ashley talks to Karen about working with Michael Landon (which was fraught for a time), her child co stars who grew up during the course o...

Apr 12, 202443 min

Love it or Loathe It, Why Don't You!? was part of all our childhoods. Ashley meets up with Phil Noble from the Liverpool gang

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Why Don't You?! played to millions of kids in the school holidays on BBC1. It began in 1973 and lasted until 1995, meaning the show touched several generations over nearly a quarter of a century. Among the presenters Ant from Ant and Dec, among the producers - Russell T Davies but there were dozens more who cut their tv teeth on this show presented by children. Here Ashley meets one o...

Mar 23, 20241 hr 5 min

A real 70s Kids TV Exclusive as we meet the voice behind The Flumps

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message She was the voice behind one of the most well loved kids series of the 70s. Gay Soper was the person who brought to life the world of The Flumps. Pootle, Perkin, Posie, Ma and Pa Flump and Grandpa Flump all became real characters thanks to her tremendously talented acting. But though kids of the 70s remember the Flumps fondly, there was actually only 13 episodes in total. Here Gay tel...

Feb 18, 202430 min

On the Inside: We meet the legendary Val Lehman who played the iconic Bea Smith - one of the original stars of the cult Aussie Drama Prisoner Cell Block H

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message A special interview and another real treat here for all fans of cult Australian drama series Prisoner Cell Block H. The show first aired twice a week down under in 1979 and quickly began pulling in huge figures. The big star from the start was the legendary Val Lehman who played the iconic Bea Smith. The character quickly became known as top dog or 'Queen Bea' for the way she ruled th...

Feb 09, 202446 min

TV Icons Behind the Scenes - At Home With Legendary British TV Director Royston Mayoh - Part Two

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Royston Mayoh was - and by reputation remains - one of the biggest names in British TV production. A writer and prolific director, Royston was involved with a plethora of top shows - This is Your Life, Opportunity Knocks, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Kenny Everett to name but a few. He started his career at ABC Television in Manchester and later worked or was associated with the legendar...

Jan 28, 202456 min

TV Icons Behind the Scenes - At Home With Legendary British TV Director Royston Mayoh - Part One

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Royston Mayoh was - and by reputation remains - one of the biggest names in British TV production. A writer and prolific director, Royston was involved with a plethora of top shows - This is Your Life, Opportunity Knocks, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Kenny Everett to name but a few. He started his career at ABC Television in Manchester and later worked or was associated with the legendar...

Jan 20, 20241 hr 14 min

On the Inside: We meet Collette Mann who played Doreen - one of the original stars of the iconic Aussie Drama Prisoner Cell Block H

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message A special interview and a real treat here for all fans of iconic Australian drama series Prisoner Cell Block H. The show first aired twice a week down under in 1979 and quickly began pulling in huge figures. One of the early stars was Collette Mann who played Doreen. Collette was in her late 20s at the time and it was the first big show she'd done. Within weeks she was a household nam...

Jan 08, 202455 min

New Year Week Exclusive as We Meet Worzel Gummidge's little friend John from the Legendary ITV series

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message It was a legendary series and a character which Jon Pertwee made his own. Worzel Gummidge was loved by a generation of kids (and adults) in the late 70s and early 80s - and here we meet Jeremy Austin who played John - one of Worzel's little friends. John takes us back nearly half a century to the magical world he inhabited as a child for several summers with his co-star Charlotte Cole...

Jan 01, 20241 hr 9 min

An Original 20 Minute Thriller for New Year’s Eve - You Had Me At Hello! by David Payne

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message You Had At Me Hello! by David Payne On an evening shift in her deadly dull call centre job, Natalie connects with a caller who turns her life upside down. Cast: Natalie: Sarah Sinnott Jane: Gerry Johnson. Sound Editor: John Fryett Producer:Janice Fryett. Written by David Payne A Spinney Media Production for Made in Manchester Productions and Distinct Nostalgia Distinct Nostalgia costs...

Dec 30, 202319 min

Back to Shelley: Belinda Sinclair remembers playing Fran in the hit 70s/80s ITV sitcom

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message He was everyone’s loveable layabout. Shelley played by Hywell Bennett was huge, pulling in massive viewing figures in the 70s and 80s. Very much of its time, when unemployment soared in the early years of Thatcher’s government, Shelley (produced by Thames Television) kicked back against authority and with his sardonic wit captivated millions going through the same situation. But amazi...

Dec 28, 202349 min

Remembering a Sitcom Icon: The Life and Death of 60s, 70s and 80s TV heart-throb Barry Evans

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Barry Evans was a huge star in the 60s, 70s and 80s. One of the heart-throbs of his day, he was recognisable to millions for his roles in several big ITV sitcoms like Doctor in the House and later as the teacher Mr Brown in the London Weekend hit Mind Your Language. But Barry kept himself to himself and was a very private figure. Little has ever really been said or written about him u...

Dec 26, 20231 hr 24 min

A star studded series of shows Coming Soon from Distinct Nostalgia

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message A preview of some of the interviews and reunions lined up on Distinct Nostalgia for Christmas, New Year and early 2024. All this plus new comedy, new drama and the Distinct Nostalgia Mind of the Month Quiz ...all back by popular demand. Stay subscribed and you won't miss anything when it lands. You can also follow the latest news on our releases on X at @distinctbyMIM And please do dr...

Dec 24, 20235 min

ORIGINAL NEW COMEDY: Florrie and Dotty Sitcom Special - Re-inventing Christmas

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Christmas Sitcom Special: 'Re-inventing Christmas' The girls are preparing for Christmas and ponder what would happen if Jesus was born in the UK today, while side-swiping at modern inventions that they see as old hat. Lindsay Eavis as Florrie Janice Fryett as Dotty Written by Janice Fryett. Editor: John Fryett. A Spinney Audio Production for Distinct Nostalgia. This year Lindsay has ...

Dec 22, 202312 min

ORIGINAL NEW COMEDY - New Series: Florrie and Dotty are back - Episode 3: Buckets of Dates

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message New Series - Florrie and Dotty The girls are back, giving it large in 2023. They side-swipe at anything from cancel culture to cat-calling, dating to dancing and bungee-exercise to burlesque - and they don't hold back. Written by Janice Fryett, with Lindsay Eavis as Florrie, and Janice Fryett as Dotty Episode 3 - Buckets of Dates A Spinney Audio Production for Distinct Nostalgia. Sinc...

Nov 05, 20237 min

ORIGINAL NEW COMEDY - New Series: Florrie and Dotty are back - Episode 2: Cancel and Continue

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message New Series - Florrie and Dotty The girls are back, giving it large in 2023. They side-swipe at anything from cancel culture to cat-calling, dating to dancing and bungee-exercise to burlesque - and they don't hold back. Written by Janice Fryett, with Lindsay Eavis as Florrie, and Janice Fryett as Dotty Episode 2 - Cancel and Continue A Spinney Media Production for Distinct Nostalgia. S...

Oct 28, 20236 min
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