Deborah Moggach joins Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles. The novelist and screenwriter talks about relationships, why it’s never too late to have adventures and the forthcoming play based on her novel These Foolish Things. The first adaptation resulted in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel film. Listener Nick Bunker was listening to Saturday Live a few weeks ago when the writer Lesley Pearse told us how she’d been reunited with the son she’d given up for adoption. He was moved to write to us – as he was ...
Aug 27, 2022•1 hr 24 min
Val McDermid joins Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles. The award-winning crime writer was inspired to write after reading Agatha Christie as a child. After attending Oxford University, Val started her career as a journalist and has drawn on these experiences in her latest thriller 1989. Kristin Mcilquham’s father suffered from a serious brain injury (three aneurysms) when she was child which changed her dad’s personality. Now an actor, she is performing her one-woman show Headcase about the impact thi...
Aug 20, 2022•1 hr 24 min
Dave Gorman joins Nikki Bedi and Adil Ray ahead of his latest tour. The comedian gave up a bright future in maths to become a stand-up. He first found fame asking Are You Dave Gorman and, aided by a powerpoint, has been on a mission to prove Modern Life Is Goodish. He’s also recently become a crossword setter. Sanjar Qiam is a master kite-maker from Kabul. To mark the anniversary of the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, Sanjar is launching a kite-flying festival across the UK to celebrate Afghan ...
Aug 13, 2022•1 hr 24 min
Actor James Purefoy joins Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles to talk about Fisherman's Friends One and All. From Mark Antony in Rome to The Black Prince in A Knight's Tale, James talks about his long and wide-ranging career. The Singh Twins are visual artists whose colourful and acclaimed work draws on traditional Indian techniques, Western medieval illuminated manuscripts and contemporary Western culture. They talk about their close bond and identifying as 'twindividuals'. Adeline Vining found a vint...
Aug 06, 2022•1 hr 24 min
Doon Mackichan joins Nikki Bedi and Rev Richard Coles. The actor, writer and comedian – and double Emmy winner - talks about her latest comedy role set in a suburban street in Glasgow, how she did impressions to avoid the school bullies and her love of wild swimming. Loree Draude is one of the first women to fly combat jets in the U.S. Navy. She switched to start-ups in Silicon Valley, rediscovered her love of theatre and now has a one-woman show. Matt Rowland Hill grew up the son of a minister ...
Jul 30, 2022•1 hr 25 min
Robert Peston joins Nikki Bedi and Peter Curran. Whilst keeping very busy as ITV News' Political Editor, Robert Peston has written his debut novel. He talks about the memories it triggered, career highlights and passions outside work. Listener Gerry Wright got in touch to talk about the significance of sailing for her family, and a particularly poignant bedside trip with her mother. Ben Aldridge used to suffer from severe anxiety until he used the ancient Greek philosophy of stoicism to get outs...
Jul 23, 2022•1 hr 25 min
Nikki Bedi and Adil Ray are joined by Delia Smith CH CBE, first known for teaching cookery skills on TV and in her books in a no-nonsense style. 50 years worth of recipes later, she is now sharing her thoughts on spirituality. Liv Thorne wanted a baby, but she was single. Instead of hanging around waiting for Mr Right, she took things into her own hands and bought some sperm, having her son in 2018. Keen to reduce stigma surrounding such choices, she documented her experience and found that revi...
Jul 16, 2022•1 hr 24 min
Eddie Hearn joins Nikki Bedi and Rev. Richard Coles. One of the biggest boxing promoters in the world, Eddie represents some of the biggest names in the sport, including Anthony Joshua and Katie Taylor. He talks about what drives him to succeed and the biggest challenges he’s faced. This weekend is the Llangollen Eisteddfod, an international music and dance festival in North Wales, which has been running since 1949. In 1956, when she was 15, Myron Lloyd entered the Welsh singing competition in a...
Jul 09, 2022•1 hr 24 min
Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles meet Baroness Floella Benjamin - who became a household name in the mid 70s and 80s as the host of Playschool. She came to the UK as part of the Windrush generation from Trinidad and as well as TV presenting, she is a successful actor, writer and producer, a working peer and advocate for the welfare and education of Children, she is also a Dame and an OBE. We also have Aled Haydn Jones - the current head of radio 1 - who has spoken out about his rollercoaster journey...
Jul 02, 2022•1 hr 25 min
Barbara Charone joins Nikki Bedi and Rev. Richard Coles. Barbara has been called the UK’s most powerful music PR and has launched the careers of artists including Madonna. She talks about growing up in Chicago, her role in the music industry and also finding time for football. Listener and writer Isabel Wolff got in touch to talk about the day her family saved Harold Wilson from drowning. Labi Siffre shares his Inheritance Tracks: Sail Away by Randy Newman and Il Canto sung by Luciano Pavarotti....
Jun 25, 2022•1 hr 25 min
Gyles Brandreth joins Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles. The writer, broadcaster and former MP talks about his life, varied career and why he’s still trying to please his parents. Felicity Cloake shares her experiences of cycling around the UK sampling breakfasts. Actor James Nesbitt chooses his Inheritance Tracks: Stardust by Nat King Cole and Star of the County Down by Van Morrison and The Chieftains. Ronnie Archer-Morgan discovered a love of objects when he was a boy; his passions helped him when ...
Jun 18, 2022•1 hr 25 min
Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles are joined by actor Minnie Driver who talks about her life, career and the lesson’s she’s learnt from her life so far. We also have Pearl Lowe, the former singer, ex-party girl and recovered addict on her regrets and living in the moment. Actor, director and writer Denis Lawson is perhaps best known for his appearances in classic films such the original “Star Wars” trilogy, but he has years of experience in the West End as a musical theatre actor, winning an Olivier ...
Jun 11, 2022•1 hr 24 min
Nikki Bedi and Adil Ray are joined by actor and comedian Ardal O'Hanlon. After finding fame playing dimwitted Father Dougal in Father Ted, Ardal went on to star in many more successful series including My Hero and Death in Paradise. Meanwhile he found time to write a critically acclaimed novel while continuing to tour his stand up comedy. Now he has written a new novel, Brouhaha, set in a small border town in Ireland. With the Jubilee weekend celebrations well underway, Shabnam Russo talks to Ni...
Jun 04, 2022•1 hr 24 min
Nikki Bedi and Mobeen Azhar are joined by DJ Fat Tony, who first found fame in the 80s and has played for everyone from Prince and Madonna to Royalty. After 28 years of hedonism, Tony found himself homeless and dying from addiction but he’s now over 15 years sober, in demand as a DJ and working to help others. We also have Angela Hartnett MBE, the Michelin starred chef who's written cookbooks, judged on BBC’s Best Home Cook and a has passion for good, honest food with the best ingredients possib...
May 28, 2022•1 hr 24 min
Tom Felton joins Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles. After acting in a local theatre group aged 6, Tom gained worldwide fame as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series and has recently made his West End stage debut. After surviving cancer and a stroke, listener Briony Maclean got in touch to talk about how she became a model, gaining a new lease of life and a confidence boost. Wynne Evans’ childhood was the focus of the film Save the Cinema, starring Tom Felton. He’s a professional opera singer w...
May 21, 2022•1 hr 24 min
Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles are joined by comedian Geoff Norcott who has appeared on Live at the Apollo, Mash Report, Mock the Week and Question Time, had sell-out Edinburgh runs and two national tours. He is also a rare breed in comedy – a “right wing comedian”. We also have singer and actor Marisha Wallace who is a Broadway and West End sensation. Born and raised in a small town in North Carolina, Marisha has done it all, from tap dancing at the Tonys to nannying for Philip Seymour Hoffman to...
May 14, 2022•1 hr 25 min
Kate Nash joins Richard Coles and Nikki Bedi. The singer and actress talks about why going back on tour is so important, the steps taken to achieve longevity in the music industry, the 15th anniversary of her debut album Made of Bricks and life in LA. Anna Kilpatrick's life changed dramatically after her husband had a stroke age 38. She's now an advocate for making the best of what you have, and living well with less. Matt Whyman has trouble saying no. When asked to be an agony uncle, he said ye...
May 07, 2022•1 hr 24 min
Sara Davies MBE joins Richard Coles and Nikki Bedi. The Dragons' Den investor started her multi-million pound business as a student and topped the leaderboard during her time on Strictly Come Dancing. Sara talks about her path to success and passion for crafting. Five years ago Jonny Cotsen decided to explore his deaf identity, after a life of adapting to be part of the hearing world. A qualified graphic designer and teacher, Jonny also changed careers to pursue his childhood ambition of perform...
Apr 30, 2022•1 hr 25 min
Will Young joins Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles. The singer, writer and podcaster shot to fame 20 years ago after winning the first series of Pop Idol. Seven albums, four Number One’s, 10 million record sales and two Brit Awards later, he is now a leading voice in mental health awareness, particularly in the LGBTQ community. Steve Thompson MBE is a 2003 World Cup winner and has been England’s most capped hooker in the sport of rugby union. He was recently diagnosed with early-onset dementia. Harri...
Apr 23, 2022•1 hr 25 min
Paul Sinha joins Nikki Bedi and Huw Stephens. The former doctor turned stand-up comedian is also a star quizzer on The Chase. He talks about his life, career and recent Parkinson’s diagnosis. Listener Cheryl Underhill got in touch to tell us about discovering a box of her parents’ wartime love letters soon after her mother died in 2013, and why it took her seven years to look at them. Hannah Bourne-Taylor let a bronze-winged mannikin finch nest in her hair for 84 days. The process of caring for ...
Apr 16, 2022•1 hr 25 min
Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles are joined by Al Murray, best known as The Pub Landlord, he’s also a history buff with a super successful World War II podcast, and he plays the drums. Alexandra Heminsley found life shifted following a difficult pregnancy, sexual assault and her partner telling her she was going to transition. She joins us. We also have Saturday Live listener, Doris Remnant, who was seven years old when her family were forced to flee Cairo in 1957 during the Suez conflict. They arri...
Apr 09, 2022•1 hr 25 min
Patrick Kielty joins Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles. The award winning stand-up and broadcaster talks about growing up in Northern Ireland, his path to comedy and making his screen acting debut. Bestselling novelist Amy Bloom turns to memoir as she recounts the journey she and her husband took to the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland after his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Pioneering priest Reverend Doctor Ellen Clark-King will talk about learning to sing, after decades of being ashamed of her voice. Cra...
Apr 02, 2022•1 hr 25 min
Suzy Klein and Huw Stephens are joined by actor, comedian and entertainer Les Dennis as he hosts a tribute to his friend Barry Cryer. Kat Farmer left a lucrative city job after she had kids and was unsure what to do next. She rediscovered a love of fashion and it’s ability to reinvent, and embraced the digital age, starting a blog, "Does my bum look 40 in this?" and becoming an online influencer. She now works as a stylist, for personal clients and on TV. She joins us. Saturday Live listener Mar...
Mar 26, 2022•1 hr 25 min
Siobhán McSweeney joins Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles. The actor talks Derry Girls, the significance of going back to West Cork for her latest role and manifesting her Great British Pottery Throwdown gig. Gary Stevenson became a very successful City trader but he explains why he left to become an inequality economist. Listener Stefan Jennings got in touch and shares how finding his chef father’s journal revealed a dad he never knew. Andrew Garfield chooses his Inheritance Tracks: Just a Gigolo by...
Mar 19, 2022•1 hr 24 min
Richard Coles and Andrea Catherwood are joined by comedian Paul Merton: stalwart on Have I got News for You and Just a Minute, he's an impro pro. We hear one woman’s story of how building a toilet - using a chainsaw - helped her find herself. Siri Heller joins us. Guest Patrick Foster estimates that he placed a total of £4million on bets over the course of 12 years. The former professional cricketer turned teacher hid his gambling addiction until everything unravelled in 2018. Adventurer Elise W...
Mar 12, 2022•1 hr 25 min
Marcus Wareing joins Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles. The award-winning chef, food writer, restauranteur and judge on MasterChef: The Professionals is now learning new skills as he produces food on his small holding in East Sussex. Ellie Pacey is a former British Tractor Pulling champion who has recently taken part in BBC 3’s The Fast and the Farmer-ish. She’s also a Formula 1 apprentice test technician and has been a Miss England finalist. Tulsi Vagjiani survived a plane crash which killed her par...
Mar 05, 2022•1 hr 24 min
Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles are joined by Anoushka Shankar who started playing the Sitar when she was 9, secured a recording contract aged sixteen and has been nominated for 7 Grammy awards. She is the musical successor to her father the world renowned musician Ravi Shankar, and is celebrating his life and achievements. Harry Parker's life changed overnight when he lost his legs to an IED in Afghanistan. He talks rebuilding his life, identity and the impact of technology. Maddy Lucy Dann is a j...
Feb 26, 2022•1 hr 25 min
Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles are joined by Rose Matafeo, comedian and star of BBC Three’s romantic comedy, Starstruck, who grew up in New Zealand and did her first stand up gig as a teenager. Magnus Hanson-Heine will be telling us what it was like growing up in a house with a model shark on its roof in Oxford. Nathaniel Hall kept a secret from his family for fifteen years – that he was HIV positive, after his first sexual experience. And boxer Nicola Barke, aka The Burmese Python, on overcoming ...
Feb 19, 2022•1 hr 25 min
Nikki Bedi and Richard Coles start your weekend with: DJ and producer Naughty Boy whose Deal or No Deal win funded his music career, and now he numbers Beyonce, Ed Sheeran and Emeli Sande among his collaborators. Photographer and meat-free living advocate Mary McCartney who found fame as a baby when she appeared on the cover of her dad Paul McCartney's first solo album, and since then has become an acclaimed photographer as well as the co-founder of Meat Free Mondays. Elise Christie, world champ...
Feb 12, 2022•1 hr 24 min
Nikki Bedi and Shaun Keaveny are joined by Keith Brymer Jones, master potter, judge on the Throw Down, who used to be in a band called the Wigs, gets emotional about ceramics and has helped to revive the profile of clay. Cleo Sylvestre was the first black actor in a leading role at the National Theatre but not before she had had the Rolling Stones backing her on a track. She joins us. Kevin Quinn was a marathon runner before he realised that he had four holes in his heart. He had an operation an...
Feb 05, 2022•1 hr 24 min
