Lord Michael Cashman on going from Albert Square to Parliament Square

It's the last-ever It's Friday so Jim White and co-hosts Jaci Stephen, Adrian Thrills and Claudia Connell muse on their favourite movie and TV endings (and look back over a year of the podcast). Plus, Jim White interviews Lord Michael Cashman on THAT kiss on Eastenders - and why all politicians nee…

Kiki Dee on still sounding good in your 70s (and why she always kills Elton John's Christmas presents)

Soul singer Kiki Dee gives Jim White the lowdown on her duets with Elton John and why she still sounds good after a career spanning six decades. Plus, as Ant and Dec return to our screens, Jim White, Adrian Thrills and Claudia Connell debate the thorny topic of who is the greatest double act of all…

Thriller king Mark Billingham on his 20th novel (and his band the Fun Loving Crime Writers)

Jim White talks to thriller writer Mark Billingham on taking his detective back to the 90s for his latest novel, and the surprising success of the band he formed with crime writers including Val McDermid and Chris Brookmyre. Plus, Jim, Jaci Stephens and Brian Viner discuss some long-delayed (and we…

Comedian Ian Stone on how The Jam electrified a generation

Jim White talks to comedian Ian Stone about his book, To Be Someone, which takes a sideways look at growing up in '70s Britain and listening to The Jam. Plus, Claudia Connell, Jaci Stephen and Adrian Thrills chew over this week's best music, film and TV.

Queen of crime Val McDermid on how lockdown inspired her next novel

As Ronan Keating returns with a new album, Jim White, Claudia Connell and Brian Viner discuss the time Claudia met him (and was very disappointed). Jim speaks to crime queen Val McDermid, who has sold 16 million novels and inspired TV series such as Wire in the Blood, about writing in lockdown (and…

Nigel Planer on how lockdown has devastated Britain's theatre industry

Jim White talks to actor Nigel Planer about how lockdown has destroyed the lives of self-employed actors, and about his early days in comedy clubs where people didn't boo... they threw ashtrays. Plus, Brian Viner, Claudia Connell and Jaci Stephen chew over this week's best film and TV releases (and…

Peter James on why he follows Hemingway’s advice: ‘Write drunk, edit sober’

Jim White talks to crime author Peter James about his ‘back to front’ writing technique where he sits down to write at 6pm with a vodka martini. Plus, as Robbie Williams and Liam Gallagher finally bury the hatchet, Brian Viner, Adrian Thrills and Claudia Connell pick their favourite showbiz feuds o…

Jenny Eclair on her new book on surviving the menopause (and why life is better in your 60s)

As cinemas reopen (minus the pick 'n' mix), Jim White, Claudia Connell and Brian Viner look at the entertainment on offer and wonder whether it will be enough to tempt Britain back away from the sofa. Plus Jim White talks to Jenni Eclair about her new book - a comedy guide to surviving the menopaus…

Thriller maestro Harlan Coben on suddenly having three hit Netflix series at once

With no Glastonbury this year, Arian Thrills, Claudia Connell and Jim White revisit some of the best (and most excruciating) moments from Glastonbury past. Jim White interviews thriller king Harlan Coben, who has 70 million books in print, on his sudden rash of Netflix hits including The Stranger (…

Historian Bettany Hughes on losing her pants overboard while filming her new series in Greece

As Britain bids farewell to music icon Vera Lynn, Jim White and Daily Mail music reviewer Adrian Thrills explore why the singer's popularity endured for nine decades. Plus, the ultimate summer films to stream as the weather (hopefully) warms up, and Jim White talks to historian Bettany Hughes about…