Best Stuart Maconies Podcasts (2025)

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Neil Hannon & The Divine Comedy, Mark Gatiss, Kate Fox, AA Dhand, Edith Bowman 35:59

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4d ago35:59

35:59

Edith Bowman is your host for a special Loose Ends live at the BBC's Contains Strong Language Festival in Bradford. Guests include the celebrated actor - from Sherlock to Mission Impossible - and writer - from Dr Who to Bookish - Mark Gatiss. He's at the festival starring in a Radio 4 comedy drama written by his League of Gentlemen colleague Jeremy…

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Moira Buffini, Josh Jones, George Egg, Urielle Klein-Mekongo, Black Country, New Road 36:13

11d ago36:13

36:13

Stuart Maconie's guests in Salford include comedian Josh Jones on his new tour 'I Haven't Won The Lottery So here's Another Show'. We find out what happens if he wins the lottery mid-run. Actor and writer Moira Buffini has just won the YA Book Prize for her debut novel Songlight. George Egg is the Snack Hacker, brining us goodies from his kitchen a…

1
Robert Webb, Cecelia Ahern, Patrick Marber, Curtis Stigers, Nova Twins 36:18

18d ago36:18

36:18

Clive Anderson is joined by the multi-platinum selling American Jazz singer Curtis Stigers, Rob Webb on Mitchell & Webb Are Not Helping, best-selling Irish novelist Cecila Ahern, author of P.S I Love you, on her new book Paper Heart, director Patrick Marber discusses his spin on Mel Brook's musical The Producers and Mercury prize shortlisted rock d…

1
Mark Radcliffe, Andi Osho, Adele Parks, Amy Webber, The 7:45s 36:36

25d ago36:36

36:36

Stuart Maconie is joined by his 6Music weekend breakfast co-host Mark Radcliffe who's here to talk about his new book Et Tu, Cavapoo - all about Mark’s springtime sojourn to Rome alongside his dog Arlo. Andi Osho is taking on the role of Tedra in the RSC's production of the Pulitzer Prize winning play Fat Ham and prolific novelist Adele Parks is wi…

1
Jon Culshaw, Harriet Dyer, Jon Watts, Nadia Reid, Yazmin Lacey 36:46

1M ago36:46

36:46

Stuart is joined by Jon Culshaw, the star of the much loved comedy series Dead Ringers, which is about to hit the road for its 25th anniversary tour. Harriet Dyer is Easily Distra.... so let's hope she doesn't wander off halfway through the show. Jon Watts discovered his love of cooking in custody. After being taken under the wing of Jamie Oliver h…

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Peter Doggett on Peter Doggett 57:02

1M ago57:02

57:02

I'm joined by Peter Doggett for this special episode as we look back over his entire career. Peter began writing for Record Collector magazine in 1980 and was also engaged in work for Beatles Monthly, meaning he was soon in the sphere of many Beatle adjacent people. By the late 1990's he had become a renowned author and his books 'The Art and Music…

1
Ruth Jones, Jordan Gray, Jamie MacDonald, Dylan Adler, Hot Mess, James Emmanuel 35:46

1M ago35:46

35:46

Clive Anderson hosts a Loose Ends party with some of the many musicians, comedians, writers and stars of the stage lighting up the Edinburgh Festivals. Ruth Jones’ latest book By Your Side is partly set in Scotland, and she’ll be in the capital sharing some of her pet peeves that have found their way on to its pages. Comedian and actor Jordan Gray …

1
Tom Rosenthal, Thanyia Moore, Karine Polwart, Michael Elsener, Niall Moorjani, Couplet 35:50

2M ago35:50

35:50

Clive Anderson hosts a Loose Ends party with some of the many musicians, comedians, writers and stars of the stage lighting up the Edinburgh Festivals. Tom Rosenthal is a comedian best known as Jonny on Friday Night Dinner, though I suppose you can describe him however you’d like as his new show is Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am. Thanyi…

1
Bertie Carvel; Jo Wood; Lost Chimes; Tori Allen-Martin; Rajiv Karia; RIYA 36:02

2M ago36:02

36:02

Listen up as Nihal unfolds the Beyoncé/Destiny's Child theme he's spotted in this weeks' Loose Ends. He's humming "Irreplaceable" for the heroine of author Jo Wood’s debut novel - The Resurrection of Flo - who's left her cheating husband Max (“To the left, to the left”). It's "I'm a Survivor" for the actor Bertie Carvel who is playing King Leontes …

1
Tiff Stevenson, Sam Palladio, Ella Al-Shamahi, Chris Grace, The Miki Berenyi Trio 35:37

2M ago35:37

35:37

Clive Anderson is joined in Salford by a Post-Coital (that's the name of her new show) Tiff Stevenson and by Sam Palladio is finally acting in his own accent in 'The Couple Next Door' after playing Texan Gunnar Scott in 'Nashville' for six seasons. Ella Al-Shamahi has been in search of what makes us 'Human' for her new BBC Two series. American acto…

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Simon Armitage, Paula Hawkins, Ria Lina, Bill Ryder Jones, Stuart Maconie 34:41

2M ago34:41

34:41

Loose Ends is the guest of Durham Brass Festival this week, providing flugelhorns, euphoniums and an enthusiastic audience at the newly refurbished 110 year old Redhills Miners Hall, once known as "the Pitman's Parliament". Far from brassed off to be with him is the poet laureate Simon Armitage who finds exactly the right words to describe the magi…

1
Richard Mills - 'The Beatles and Black Music' 33:58

2M ago33:58

33:58

I'm welcoming Richard Mills back to the pod today, this time to talk about his book 'The Beatles ad Black Music'. Beginning with the grand narrative of British colonial history pre-Beatles, Richard's book covers the influence of Black music and culture on the Beatles' teenage years in the 1950s, their association with Lord Woodbine, their love of A…

1
Tim Key, Lucy Porter, Leonie Elliott, Shabaz Ali, Billy Nomates, Bruno Berle 37:03

2M ago37:03

37:03

This week Stuart is joined by comedian and poet Tim Key who takes us to LA Baby in his new book, Lucy Porter who is learning to let go in her new stand up show, and Shabaz Ali: the Tik Tok sensation with his takedowns of the super-rich. Eastenders and Call the Midwife star Leonie Elliott is starring in a new play, Liberation. There's music from Bil…

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Mel Giedroyc, Debbie Wiseman, Mike Gayle, Rachel Parris, Clive Anderson 38:27

3M ago38:27

38:27

It's mostly lollipops, ribbons and cakes for Clive Anderson this week as he meets Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc, Jane Austen improviser Rachel Parris and Romantic Novelist Mike Gayle (the only man to win the Romantic Writers Association's top award). But not all.... Mel Giedroyc's new podcast - and she emphasises it's a comedy one - is taking over fro…

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Dawn French, Fern Britton, Edward Rowe, Gwenno 35:56

3M ago35:56

35:56

This week Loose Ends is coming from the Homecoming festival at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. Clive Anderson is joined by comedian, actor and writer Dawn French, who moved to Cornwall to give her more space to write and Fern Britton, who has written eleven novels set in Cornwall, and has lived here on and off since starting her career in …

1
Jenny Colgan, Douglas Maxwell, Zara Gladman, Michael Mullen, James Yorkston, Rachel Newton 35:57

3M ago35:57

35:57

It's 20 years since Jenny Colgan became a published author and since then her books have been translated across the globe, from Brazil to Bulgaria. Her latest novel is Meet Me at the Seaside Cottages. Playwright Douglas Maxwell is back at the Tron in Glasgow, a theatre that kickstarted his professional career 25 years ago. His one-man show Man’s Be…

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Ore Oduba, Amy Macdonald, Kim Blythe, Tom Newlands, Rose Room 36:30

3M ago36:30

36:30

Ore Oduba switched broadcasting for the stage after his 2016 Strictly win. His latest production is the adaptation of Peter James’ Picture You Dead book which is on tour across the country. Tom Newlands' debut novel Only Here, Only set in a fictional Fife town has received many plaudits in the UK and beyond. It's coming out in paperback later in Ju…

1
Stuart Maconie - 'With A Little Help From Their Friends' 45:13

3M ago45:13

45:13

My guest for this episode is the brilliant Stuart Maconie who is here to discuss his book 'With A Little Help From Their Friends'. Stuart's book tells the story of 100 fascinating members of The Beatles' supporting cast - people they encountered during their career either in a major or minor way. Split into 3 sections, Before The Beatles, With the …

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Adam Buxton, Tanita Tikaram, Jimi Famurewa, Kiran Landa and Honeyglaze 34:41

4M ago34:41

34:41

This week Clive Anderson is talking playing with toys, settling scores and saying goodbyes with OG podcaster Adam Buxton. Tanita Tikaram has finally recorded the follow up to her multi-millions selling 1988 album 'Ancient Heart', called 'LIAR' Jimi Famurewa tells us how you go from stuffing mashed potato in your pocket to appearing on Masterchef. K…

1
Patrick Grant, Jason Donovan, Sophie McCartney, The Young'Uns, Mychelle, Stuart Maconie 38:55

4M ago38:55

38:55

Jason Donovan won the hearts of millions alongside Kylie Minogue in the Australian soap Neighbours; then his debut album was the biggest seller of 1989 and he topped the UK singles chart 4 times. In the 1990s he reinvented himself in musical theatre with acclaimed roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Priscilla Queen of the Desert …

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Paloma Faith, Mike Bubbins, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Helen Carr, Euros Childs, Kizzy Crawford 36:17

4M ago36:17

36:17

Clive Anderson brings us Loose Ends from the Hay Festival. Joining Clive in front of a Hay audience are singer Paloma Faith who last year released her most personal album 'The Glorification of Sadness'. She also published her first book 'MILF' (no, not that one), a rousing call to arms for women to take up space, based on her experiences in the mus…

1
Jess Gillam, Stevie Martin, Georgia Ruth, Emma Jane Unsworth, Ben Aitken, Stuart Maconie 35:29

4M ago35:29

35:29

The comedian and podcaster Stevie Martin is currently battling it out in the latest series of Channel 4’s award winning show Taskmaster - you might have enjoyed her "most snooty possession" which was a portrait of her pet tortoise in military uniform. She'll be here to tell us all about getting "the call" and her favourite games...sorry... tasks. I…

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Jonathan Gould - 'Can't Buy Me Love' 53:26

4M ago53:26

53:26

My guest today is Jonathan Gould who joins me to discuss his 2007 book 'Can't Buy Me Love'. More than just a group biography, 'Can't Buy Me Love' tells the social history of Britain and America in the 1960's and provides a sharp musical analysis of The Beatles songs. He also tells us about his new book on Talking Heads, 'Burning Down The House' whi…

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Gruff Rhys, Phina Oruche, Kate Mossman, Divina De Campo, Joe Kent-Walters 38:45

5M ago38:45

38:45

Joining Stuart Maconie in the Salford studio are the actress Phina Oruche who began her career modelling in America. She's best known for playing Liberty Baker in Footballers Wives. Phina is currently on stage at the Liverpool Everyman in Nathan Powell's new play 'Takeaway', where she stars as Carol, the matriach behind Hyltons Caribbean takeaway. …

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Alex Horne and The Horne Section, Susie Dent, Anoushka Shankar, Kate Wiliams, Callum Scott Howells, Clive Anderson 37:14

5M ago37:14

37:14

Taskmaster star, comic and sitcom actor Alex Horne joins Clive Anderson to talk about season two of his sitcom, to introduce his comedic band The Horne Section and tell us why he's never running out of taskmaster tasks. The lexicographer and broadcaster Susie Dent is now a mystery thriller writer too, she'll be with us to talk about twisty word clu…

1
Rachel Joyce, Matilda Mann, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Levison Wood, Maya Delilah, Stuart Maconie 36:34

5M ago36:34

36:34

Rachel Joyce’s debut novel The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry was a bestseller in 30 languages, became a much-loved film with Jim Broadbent and is about to become a stage musical. She's also got a new novel, a sun-soaked family drama called The Homemade God which has already been hailed by one critic as "the perfect holiday read". Levison Wood h…

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Kieran Hodgson, Julie Lin, Lewis Gribben, Selali Fiamanya, Skerryvore, Mike McKenzie 35:16

5M ago35:16

35:16

Clive Anderson will be joined by comedian and star of Two Doors Down Kieran Hodgson ahead of his upcoming show Voice Of America. Chef Julie Lin's cookery book Sama Sama celebrates all parts of her Malaysian, Chinese and Scottish identity and mixes tradition with innovation. Lewis Gribben stars in the new series of Charlie Brooker's multi award-winn…

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Robert Rodriguez - 'Ribbons of Rust' 40:14

5M ago40:14

40:14

My guest for this episode is Robert Rodriguez who joins me to discuss the book he co- wrote with Jerry Hammack, 'Ribbons of Rust - The Beatles' Recording History in Context: Volume 1 - July 1954 - January 1963. Robert and Jerry's book tells The Beatles thrilling early story in context, describing the sights and sounds of that time creating an effec…

1
Karen Dunbar, Mollie Hughes, Rosco McClelland, Kirsty MacLaren, NATI., Lewis McLaughlin 34:13

5M ago34:13

34:13

Stuart Maconie will be joined by comedian Karen Dunbar, star of sketch comedy show Chewin’ The Fat, ahead of her nationwide tour. Restless Natives: The Musical is the new stage adaptation of the Scottish cult classic. Actor Kirsty MacLaren stars in the show which brings some of Big Country's greatest hits to life. Rosco McClelland celebrates his re…

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Billy Porter, Deborah Frances White, Anna Chancellor, Lapsley, Anthony Joseph 34:50

6M ago34:50

34:50

Joining Clive Anderson in the Loose Ends studio are the Emmy award-winning actor Billy Porter, currently hanging out in the Kit-Kat club where he is starring as Emcee. Comedian and 'Guilty Feminist' podcaster Deborah Frances White has just published a new book 'Six Conversations We're Scared to Have', about how to ask difficult questions and change…

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John Harris - 'Maybe I'm Amazed' 27:46

6M ago27:46

27:46

I'm welcoming the journalist and writer John Harris back to the pod today, this time for a special bonus episode on his book 'Maybe I'm Amazed - A Story of Love and Connection in Ten Songs'. When John's son James was born, and three years later diagnosed with autism, music became a source of precious connection and endless wonder for both of them. …

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Michael Rosen, Barbara Flynn, Dylan Jones, Kemah Bob, Grace Petrie, Brad Kella, Stuart Maconie 35:46

6M ago35:46

35:46

Loose Ends this week is all about finding the light. Poet, performer and broadcaster Michael Rosen is touring a one man show making sense of some of the darker moments of his life. Dylan Jones was the editor of era-defining magazines like i-D, Arena and British GQ in the 1990s and noughties. Now his memoir, These Foolish Things - tells how he left …

1
Bridget Christie, Adam Frost, Louise Young, Richard Dawson, Abel Selaocoe 33:25

6M ago33:25

33:25

Clive Anderson's guests in Salford include Bridget Christie who returns with series two of The Change. Gardener's World expert Adam Frost who is on the road with his 'Lessons from the Garden' tour and up and coming stand up Louise Young. Music is from Richard Dawson who has just released a new album 'End of the Middle' and cellist and singer Abel S…

1
Ian Leslie - 'John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs' 40:43

6M ago40:43

40:43

My guest for todays episode is Ian Leslie, who joins me to discuss his brilliant book on John and Paul - 'A Love Story in Songs'. Ian's book traces the twists and turns of their relationship through the music it produced and offers rich insights into the nature of creativity, collaboration and human connection.…

1
Declan Lawn, Naoise Dolan, John Meagher, Emer Maguire, Ryan McMullan, Chubby Cat 36:42

6M ago36:42

36:42

Stuart Maconie and guests come together with mighty laughs, big stories, and altogether good craic from Lisburn, Northern Ireland. Declan Lawn is a screenwriter of multiple TV series alongside his creative partner Adam Patterson, including the successful Blue Lights as well as the BBC miniseries The Salisbury Poisonings. Series three of Blue Lights…

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Michael Ball; Hollie McNish; Pearl Mackie; Sam Lee; Pierre Novellie; Clive Anderson 34:44

7M ago34:44

34:44

Clive hosts Loose Ends with an audience in London this week with a set of guests with a serious work ethic and willingness to try new things in the name of entertainment. The chart topping superstar and award winning actor Michael Ball is now also a best selling novelist. Can life backstage really be as chaotic as this page-turner set in theatrelan…

1
Dave Gorman, Angela Barnes, Simon Barnes, HotWax, Ni Maxine 34:24

7M ago34:24

34:24

Stuart Maconie is looking on the bright side this week with Dave Gorman who thinks that 'Modern Life is Goodish'. In the latest installment of his TV series, Dave Gorman is back with his trusty powerpoint as he falls down rabbit holes but always with a smile on his face -ish. And just to balance out all that positivity we've got natural worrier Ang…

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Stewart Lee, Barb Jungr, Philippa Dunne, Biig Piig, Aysha Kala 35:36

7M ago35:36

35:36

Stuart Maconie is joined by the 41st best stand up ever to talk about his new tour 'Stewart Lee Vs The Man-Wulf', and by Philippa Dunne who plays Anne in the school gates sitcom 'Motherland'. Anne is back in the spinoff series 'Amandaland', focusing on Anne's glamorous best friend Amanda. Aysha Kala tells us how she nailed the accent to play Saima …

1
Hue and Cry, Larry Dean, Kirsty Logan, Jack Docherty, Su-a Lee 35:03

7M ago35:03

35:03

Jack Docherty has entertained audiences in eight series of BBC Scotland’s mockumentary police show Scot Squad, as Chief Commissioner Cameron Miekelson. He returns to our screens in new spin-off The Chief. Writer Kirsty Logan has written on witches, mermaids, and motherhood. Her latest collection of dark tales of love and desire is No & Other Love S…

1
Allison Bumsted - 'TeenSet, Teen Fan Magazines, and Rock Journalism: Don't Let the Name Fool You' 40:49

7M ago40:49

40:49

My guest for todays episode is Allison Bumstead who is here to to discuss her brilliant book on Teen fan magazines. She focuses mainly on Teenset which under the stewardship of the remarkable Judith Sims was one of the most forward thinking and exciting pop publications of the 60's. We talk about how The Beatles were portrayed in these magazines an…

1
Kevin Clifton, Liz Lochhead, The Hebridean Baker, Wild Rose, Mama Terra 34:29

8M ago34:29

34:29

Kevin Clifton entertained the nation for years on Strictly, now he can often be found treading the boards instead – and is currently starring in Chicago as it tours the country. Poet and former Scots Makar Liz Lochhead talks about her collection of poems A Handsel ahead of her appearance at the Winter Words Festival in Pitlochry. Coinneach MacLeod,…

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Mhairi Black, Gordon Buchanan, EMEL, Cal MacAninch, Michael Pedersen, LÉDA 34:35

8M ago34:35

34:35

Natural history presenter and cameraman Gordon Buchanan’s new book In The Hide is a look back at some of his greatest adventures across the world, from Mumbai to Mongolia. In 2015 Mhairi Black became the youngest MP elected to the House of Commons since the 1800s. After stepping down at the 2024 General Election, she turned her mind to her tell-all…

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Susie McCabe, Peat and Diesel, Carina Contini, Meredith Brook, Paul Malgrati 35:50

8M ago35:50

35:50

Clive Anderson celebrates Scotland’s Bard with a special Loose Ends Burns Supper. Comedian Susie McCabe is back with her new show Best Behaviour. The Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow award-winner and host of the smash-hit podcast Here Comes The Guillotine is headed for Glasgow Comedy Festival. Meredith Brook stars in new BBC ALBA drama An t-Eilean …

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Deacon Blue, Paul McKenna, Rachel Sermanni, Julie Wilson Nimmo, Jon Muq 35:28

8M ago35:28

35:28

This year the Scottish pop rock band Deacon Blue celebrates 40 years together. Not only is the band going strong – so is the marriage bringing together its lead vocalists Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh. They both join Nihal Arthanayake to reflect on four decades of music-making. Paul McKenna’s career has taken him from radio DJ to stage hypnotist…

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Seth Rogovoy - 'Within You Without You' 44:03

8M ago44:03

44:03

My guest today is Seth Rogovoy who is here to discuss his book 'Within You Without You - Listening to George Harrison' Seth's book is a highly personal exploration of George's essential contributions to the Beatles and his solo work, as well as his significant role as a Western proponent of Indian music and beliefs.…

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Joanne Harris, Richard Blackwood, Dr Rangan Chatterjee, Nina Gilligan, Clive Anderson, The Deep Blue, John Bramwell 35:47

9M ago35:47

35:47

Loose Ends is in Hebden Bridge this week, a town made famous by the BBC drama Happy Valley, but you might also recognise the place and its glorious scenery from Last Tango in Halifax, Gentleman Jack or The Gallow's Pole. Clive will talk to local resident and bestselling novelist Joanne Harris, maybe best known for Chocolat which was adapted into an…

1
Blossoms, Rowetta, Graham Fellows and Miranda Sawyer 32:05

9M ago32:05

32:05

Loose Ends is kicking off the year with a special recording at the Salford Lad's Club. If your New Year's resolution is to listen to music we've got you covered as Stuart Maconie will be joined by Stockport's finest, Blossoms, performing songs from their fourth UK number one album 'Gary'. We also have the powerhouse vocals of Rowetta, who will also…

1
Wayne Sleep, Ben Miller, Rosalind Eleazar, Lou Conran, The Lottery Winners, Stuart Maconie 36:07

9M ago36:07

36:07

Wayne Sleep, Ben Miller, Rosalind Eleazar and Lou Conran join Stuart Maconie for this week's Loose Ends, with music from The Lottery Winners. Dance icon Wayne Sleep waltzes in to tell us stories of his life - all detailed in his new autobiography, Just Different. Tales of his friendships with Princess Diana, Freddie Mercury, David Hockney and fello…

1
Toyah Willcox, Adam Riches, John Kearns, Grace Dent, 30 years of Stay Another Day, Georgia Cecile, Clive Anderson 34:32

9M ago34:32

34:32

It's a glorious fusion of nostalgia, tinsel and song this week in a show recorded with an audience at the BBC Radio Theatre. Clive talks to punk princess Toyah Willcox about her Xmas Party tour with King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp and a blistering year that's seen her perform at Glastonbury, take part in Strictly Come Dancing and join the cast …

1
Richard Hawley, Cariad Lloyd, Tim Clare, Seema Pankhania 36:41

9M ago36:41

36:41

Stuart Maconie is joined in the Salford studio by Sheffield's finest, Richard Hawley, playing tracks from his latest album 'In This City They Call You Love', and by comedian and podcaster Cariad Lloyd on her Christmas book for children, The Christmas Wish-tastrophe. Seema Pankhania is on a quest to cook the national dish from every country around t…