Previous Episodes
As our series of 'Funny Women of Great British Sitcom' continues, Andy Hoyle chats to Judy Cornwell about her long career. Judy starred as Daisy in Keeping Up Appearances alongside Geoffrey Hughes as Onslow during the 1990s.
Anna Karen played one of the most popular characters of 70s sitcom in Britain - the hilarious accident prone but sex mad 'Olive' in On the Buses. The series began in 1969 and became a favourite throughout the next decade with more than 70 episodes plus 3 feature films - On The Buses, Mutiny On the Buses and Holiday On The Buses. Here Anna remembers how she created Olive and recalls working with a cast which included Reg Varney, Doris Hare, Bob Grant and Stephen Lewis. She also talks about playing the caustic Aunt Sal, Peggy's sister in EastEnders.
It's back to the 1970s for the first in a special series of three programmes meeting some of the Queens of British Sitcom. Here Ashley speaks to Sally Thomsett who played Jo in the runaway ITV comedy Man About The House which starred Richard O'Sullivan, Paula Wilcox, Yootha Joyce and Brian Murphy. The show would go on to spawn two other big hits - George and Mildred (starring Brian and Yootha) and Robin's Nest (starring Richard). Sally speaks candidly about her time as one of the most famous faces in Britain and what the show did for her and her co-stars lives and careers.
It was multi-Oscar nominated and its creator walked away with best screenplay. The Crying Game also won Best British Film at the Baftas. And it was ground breaking, tackling as it did race, gender, sexuality and nationality all with a background of the troubles in Northern Ireland. Full of surprises, it was an enthralling and exciting film which broke many taboos. And it had a fabulous soundtrack too. Ashley Byrne has been talking to prolific Irish film maker Neil Jordan about how it all happened nearly 30 years ago.
Florrie and Dotty are mixing again following the lifting of Covid restrictions. They're enjoying a cuppa in Dotty's kitchen but will they be hugging? Men are under scrutiny as usual and there's a surprise on the way.
We’re usually celebrating the iconic shows of the past with the people who were there but very, very occasionally DistinctNostalgia will focus in on something contemporary we feel deserves some real attention and this is one of those rare occasions.
David Renwick is one of the real British comedy writing legends. He created the iconic Victor Meldrew. Over two parts Ashley talks to David about his early years and the plethora of comedies he's written. In this second programme David talks about his inspiration for Victor and how and why One Foot in the Grave endured for so long.
David Renwick is one of the real British comedy writing legends. He created the iconic Victor Meldrew. Over two parts Ashley talks to David about his early years and the plethora of comedies he's written. In this first programme David talks about penning sketches for The Two Ronnies and working with David Jason long before Open All Hours and Only Fools and Horses. In Part 2 the discussion turns to David's big sitcom and casting Richard Wilson and Annette Crosbie for One Foot in The Grave.
About Florrie & Dotty are two ladies in their sixties who blend past and present with their unique sense of humour and way with words. They love a cuppa (and something stronger), a nice sweet fancy and will have a sideswipe at anything from the neighbours to social issues, sexuality and social media. They live in neat stone built terraces houses in a (northern) street near you.
About Florrie & Dotty are two ladies in their sixties who blend past and present with their unique sense of humour and way with words. They love a cuppa (and something stronger), a nice sweet fancy and will have a sideswipe at anything from the neighbours to social issues, sexuality and social media. They live in neat stone built terraces houses in a (northern) street near you.
Back by popular demand, we've a new series of original sitcom shorts from northern gossips' Florrie and Dotty this Easter. Janice Fryett and Lindsay Eavis star as they get to grips with everything from 'permitted exercise', bending 'the rules' Bridgerton-inspired sexual experimentation, Mother's Day and misogyny.
He played Sinbad in Brookside for 16 years. 21 years after quitting as the loveable rogue, he’s still Sinbad to generations. Michael Starke takes questions from Ashley and NHS worker William Coughlin in a special soap edition of DistinctNostalgia. Enjoy!
Casualty and Heartbeat star Jonathan Kerrigan sits down for a fun chat with Ashley Byrne. The conversation ventures into his early years, his time on two of Britain's biggest drama series, being described as a heartthrob, working in the States and his musical talents. Jonathan remains one of the UK's most talented drama actors but is it time for him to try his hand at a bit of comedy?
Alyson Spiro was no stranger to soap when she took on the role of Sarah Sugden in Emmerdale in 1994. She'd previously starred for a year in Brookside. But the role of Sarah was a special one for Alyson and here she tells Ashley all about the ups and downs of starring in a major UK tv serial. After listening to Alyson, why not catch up with other former Emmerdale actors?! - Ian Sharrock, Jean Rogers, Freddie Pyne, Deena Payne and Roberta Kerr can all be found chatting about their time in the Dales on Distinct Nostalgia.
Roberta Kerr has starred in most of the soaps - Corrie as Wendy Crozier, Brookside, EastEnders, The Archers - and of course as Jan Glover in Emmerdale. Roberta really enjoyed her time in the Dales because it gave her a character to really get her teeth into and explore all Jan's nuances. She's been remembering those four years in the mid 90s with Ashley. This episode of Distinct Nostalgia is part of an Emmerdale weekend double bill with our interview with Alyson Spiro being released on Sunday, Feb 28th 2021.
June Brown turned 94 on February 16th. So to mark her birthday we're re-releasing our special drama 'Missing You' starring June Brown and Sam Barnard. And we're adding a bonus interview with the writer Richard Vergette after the show. Missing You was written specifically for June and Sam - and based on Richard's own personal experience of having a son with Down's Syndrome.
Annette Badland is a prolific character actor with an eclectic mix of fabulous credits to her name over many decades but she's probably best known (certainly in recent years) for her role as Aunt Babe in EastEnders. Here she tells Ashley about the challenges of playing such a manipulative character. Banished by the Carter family for her evil deeds but could Aunt Babe return one day to seek revenge in Albert Square?
And don't forget there's loads of other comedy interviews on Distinct Nostalgia including Wendy Craig on Butterflies, Doreen Mantle on playing Mrs Warboys in One Foot in the Grave, Jeffrey Holland on his time in Hi-De-Hi, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph on Birds of a Feather and Christopher Strauli on his role as Norman in Only When I Laugh. Not to mention our Comedy Writing Legends series which so far includes Jan Etherington wrote Second Thoughts and Marks and Gran who penned, among others things, Goodnight Sweetheart, Birds of a Feather, Shine on Harvey Moon and The New Statesman with Rik Mayall.
Ian Sharrock played Jackie Merrick - Emmerdale Farm's early heartthrob and poster boy. He joined the cast in 1980, eight years into the show's run. Having some young blood in the show was something of a revolution and he quickly became popular with both fellow cast members and the public at large. In a special two part interview, Ian reflects on his Emmerdale days and working with some great actors including his close friend Stan Richards who played Seth. Across the two programmes we also touch on the rest of his career including working with the likes of Danny Kaye, Jodie Foster and David Niven among others.
Ian Sharrock played Jackie Merrick - Emmerdale Farm's early heartthrob and poster boy. He joined the cast in 1980, eight years into the show's run. Having some young blood in the show was something of a revolution and he quickly became popular with both fellow cast members and the public at large. In a special two part interview, Ian reflects on his Emmerdale days and working with some great actors including his close friend Stan Richards who played Seth. Across the two programmes we also touch on the rest of his career including working with the likes of Danny Kaye, Jodie Foster and David Niven among others.
He's one half of an enduring double act which made people laugh for decades. Here Syd Little speaks to Caroline Heywood about his partnership with the late, great Eddie Large who died from Covid-19 complications back in April. Over two parts, Syd takes their story from the early days doing the clubs through to their heady days of tv and variety stardom. Little Remembers Large begins an occasional series in which Caroline Heywood talks candidly and in depth with legendary British comedians. This is Part 2. You can find Part 1 by scrolling through the Distinct Nostalgia feed.
In part 2 of the second programme in our series 'Comedy Writing Legends' Jan Etherington talks candidly about her sitcoms hit Second Thoughts, Faith in the Future and Next of Kin. She also chats to Ashley about working with Lynda Bellingham, Penelope Keith, Richard Wilson and Joanna Lumley who stars in her latest comedy 'Conversations from a Long Marriage' on Radio 4.
She's one of Emmerdale's longest serving stars. But she was written out in a rather lacklustre way. Deena Payne played the iconic Viv Windsor (later Viv Hope) for 18 years. Here Deena tells Ashley about how she made the character her own - and in real life made Yorkshire her home! The interview covers some hilarious tales of her time in the Dales and a candid account of her feelings about how her character was killed off.
In the second programme in our series 'Comedy Writing Legends' Jan Etherington talks candidly about her huge sitcom hit Second Thoughts which ran for five series on ITV in the 90s. Second Thoughts starred the late Lynda Bellingham, James Bolam, Belinda Lang, Julia Sawalha and Mark Denham. Here Jan chats to Ashley about how she created the series with her husband and fellow writer Gavin Petrie.
In our final 'Corrie at 60' series, we meet 3 of the very early stars of the Street. It's back to December 9th 1960 with Alan Rothwell who played David Barlow and Patricia Shakesby who played Susan Cunningham, Ken Barlow's first girlfriend. Both have great stories from the first days of Coronation Street. Then we're meeting Kenneth Cope who played Minnie Caldwell's lodger Sunny Jim (Jed Stone) from 1961 onwards. All these actors did other things, so expect one or two tangents along the way. Enjoy!
Dave Dutton has been appearing in Coronation Street since 1985. He's had 11 roles over that time and been involved in some of the show's most interesting storylines. Here, Dave who has just published his autobiography 'The Thirty Bob Kid', speaks candidly about his relationship with Corrie as well as his starring role in 1980s comedy 'Watching', writing for Ken Dodd and The Two Ronnies - and becoming Rik Mayall's co-star. It's a fun, entertaining interview to kick off the New Year. Enjoy!
He's one half of an enduring double act which made people laugh for decades. Here Syd Little speaks to Caroline Heywood about his partnership with the late, great Eddie Large who died from Covid-19 complications back in April. Over two parts, Syd takes their story from the early days doing the clubs through to their heady days of tv and variety stardom. Little Remembers Large begins an occasional series in which Caroline Heywood talks candidly and in depth with legendary British comedians.
Christmas continues on Distinct Nostalgia as we return to our Corrie at 60 specials. This time Ashley has been dipping into his own archives for some anecdotes from Betty Driver and Jean Alexander. He chatted to Betty in her dressing room at Granada about 11 years ago and to Jean at her home in Southport about 8 years ago. Enjoy!
We've a special Christmas treat for you now as we showcase some new northern comedy. Written by Janice Fryett we have the pleasure in introducing you to Florrie and Dotty.
Listen here to 5 sitcom shorts and become embroiled in the world of these two northern 21st Century gossips.
We kick off our Comedy Writing Legends series with two programmes celebrating the work of Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran. The pair started working together from a very young age and have had decades of success penning some classic British shows including Birds of a Feather, Shine on Harvey Moon and Roll Over Beethoven.
Here in Part 2 they tell Distinct Nostalgia about working with Rik Mayall and creating 'The New Statesman' as well as their long running, often repeated time travelling comedy hit Goodnight Sweetheart.
We kick off our Comedy Writing Legends series with two programmes celebrating the work of Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran. The pair started working together from a very young age and have had decades of success penning some classic British sitcoms - from Birds of a Feather to Goodnight Sweetheart via The New Statesman. In this first part of their chat with Ashley they talk about their very early years and how the hit comedy drama Shine on Harvey Moon helped to spawn their most enduring success, Birds of a Feather.
He's now very much part of Emmerdale but years before he landed his role in the Yorkshire soap, Chris Bisson played Vikram in Coronation Street. He's been giving a short interview to Distinct Nostalgia as part our chats with past cast members to mark the Street's 60th birthday month. You can also hear Chris, at length, discussing is hilarious role in the hit Brit Flick East is East by scrolling through the Distinct Nostalgia player or wherever you get your podcasts.
She was in Coronation Street on and off for several decades, playing Alma who eventually married Mike Baldwin. Here national treasure Amanda Barrie remembers her days on the cobbles with some great stories about some of the grand dames of the show - Doris Speed, Pat Phoenix, Lynne Perrie and Eileen Derbyshire. She also chats to Ashley about the Carry Ons and one or two other things as well.
Bruce Jones played Les Battersby for just over 10 years. He and his family caused something of a revolution in the Street. They'd never seen anything like it! Les annoyed the fictional residents of Weatherfield and fans alike when he first moved in but over time Les, Janice, Leanne and Toyah won the affection of Corrie viewers. Here Bruce remembers the early years and some of the contrasting funny and very serious storylines - from winding up Ken to Les's suicide attempt.
So we've reached the big final. Test your own Corrie knowledge as Dave from Glasgow representing Corriepedia and Michael from Southampton representing Conversation Street battle it out for the Distinct Nostalgia Mind of the Month Corrie Superfan title and the coveted Distinct Nostalgia Mind of the Month mug. Michael scored 32.5 points on Pat Phelan in the first round while Dave got 34 points on Ken Barlow. Now they must test their general Corrie knowledge going back 60 years. Listen Now and Enjoy!
Simon May composed the EastEnders theme tune as well as Julia's Theme and Peggy's Theme which was used when Barbara Windsor's character left Albert Square. Here he pays tribute to Dame Barbara who has died at the age of 83 after a long battle with dementia.
Bond girl, Carry On and Hammer horror star Valerie Leon worked with Barbara Windsor on several Carry On films including Carry On Girls and Carry On Camping. Here she pays tribute to Babs who has sadly died at the age of 83 after a long battle with dementia.
Former EastEnders actor Andrew Lynford (who played Simon In the Late 90s) delivers a special tribute to Barbara who has sadly passed away at the age of 83 after a battle with dementia.
She played Hayley Cropper for 16 years and being in Corrie changed her life in lots of different ways. Here, on Corrie's special day, Julie Hesmondhalgh reflects on what Coronation Street means to her - from watching it as a little girl in the 70s, landing a role in the world's longest running drama serial, playing one of the show's most iconic characters - and even finding love on the cobbles (in both fact and fiction). An extra special interview on an extra special day.
Tina Hobley played the new barmaid in the Rovers in 1996 - taken on by Jack behind Vera's back! The Duckworths were looking to put their stamp on the pub and Samantha was part of the new look. Here nearly 25 years on Tina reminisces with Ashley about those heady days when she found herself in Britain's most popular TV show. Happy Birthday Corrie!
She became the character fans of Ken and Deirdre loved to hate. Wendy 'flamin' Crozier came into Ken's life in the late 80s when he was editing the Weatherfield Recorder. Roberta Kerr brought her to life and has been telling Ashley about how the character was created and evolved - from meeting Ken when she worked at the local council to secret meetings and visits to 'the Wendy house', leaving Weatherfield and turning up like a bad penny to Deirdre's disgust many years later. Enjoy this special interview as part of Distinct Nostalgia's celebrations to mark Corrie's 60th birthday.
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We continue celebrating 21 years since the brilliant and ground breaking East is East burst into our cinemas. The classic BAFTA Award Winning Brit Flick was an hilarious movie with serious undertones - tackling both racism and domestic violence. Here Chris Bisson who now stars as Jai in Emmerdale, talks about playing Saleem Khan who had one of the funniest storylines and scenes in the film.
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We're continuing celebrating 21 years since the brilliant and ground breaking East is East burst into our cinemas. The classic BAFTA Award Winning Brit Flick was an hilarious movie with serious undertones - tackling both racism and domestic violence. Here Lesley Nicol talks about playing Auntie Annie, Ella Khan's best friend who helps to bring some great comedy to the film which is set in 1970s Salford. This interview will be followed by a third chat with Chris Bisson who played Ella's son Saleem.
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We're celebrating 21 years since the brilliant and ground breaking East is East burst into our cinemas. The classic BAFTA Award Winning Brit Flick was an hilarious movie with serious undertones - tackling both racism and domestic violence. Here the film's female lead Linda Bassett (Ella Khan) talks about the inspiration for the movie and the challenges the cast and crew faced in bringing Ayub Khan Din's original play (produced by Tamasha Theatre Company at the Royal Court) to the big screen. Linda's interview will be followed by chats with Lesley Nicol who played Auntie Annie and Chris Bisson who played Ella's son Saleem.
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Distinct Drama presents...
MISSING YOU by Richard Vergette
Starring June Brown MBE and Sam Barnard
Produced by Ashley Byrne, Iain Mackness and James Brown
An MIM Production for Distinct Nostalgia - More than a Podcast!
This 30 minute drama kicks off ‘Generation Games’, a new series of occasional monologues and duologues exploring relationships, friendships and connections across the generational divide.
June plays Margey, who against advice, refused to give her son up for adoption when she was told he had Down's syndrome. She has protected William fiercely throughout his life, even when William has preferred not to be protected. Despite the tensions that arose when William demanded his independence, both mother and son remain devoted to each other. Now they can’t see each-other due to the pandemic and the enforced separation causes each of them to reflect on their shared past.
He back flipped his way into Weatherfield at the height of the disco days in December 1978. And he - and Coronation Street, would never be the same again. Chris Quinten was just 21 and here he was suddenly catapulted into the world's longest running drama serial - and Britain's biggest TV show! In this specially extended exclusive interview Chris gives us an insight into the magical world of Coronation Street in the 1970s. He was Corrie's first real male sex symbol. But what was it really like to work so closely with Lynne Perrie (Ivy) and Helen Worth (Gail) in those early years? Plenty of great stories as he reminisces with Ashley.
Tupele Dorgu played Kelly Crabtree, one of the factory girls in the mid 2000s. She was a fun Corrie character from start to finish and had her fair share of scrapes in the show - most of them with hilarious consequences! She was loud both in voice and clothes and could always be assured to brighten up even the most serious of storylines. Tupele has happy memories of her time on the street.
Butterflies was one of the surprise success stories of 1978 for BBC2. Tucked away on the minority channel, it wasn't really expected to do so well but within days of its first airing, it was recording great figures and rave reviews in the press. It helped to make household names of Wendy Craig, Geoffrey Palmer and Nicholas Lyndhurst. Written by legendary writer Carla Lane it told the story of Ria, a bored middle class 70s housewife desperate for some excitement in her life. In an interview recorded shortly before the sad death of Geoffrey Palmer, Wendy Craig recalls her Butterflies days to Ashley.
Martin Hancock became one of the Street's most iconic characters of the 1990s. He played Spider, the eco-warrior nephew of Corrie stalwart Emily (played by Eileen Derbyshire). Here he reveals what it's really like to work with one of the show's most private stars - Eileen is often referred to as the Greta Garbo of British TV and rarely if ever gives interviews. In a light hearted interview, Martin talks candidly to Ashley about his spell in the world's longest running TV drama serial.
Frederick Pyne was there right at the beginning on October 13th 1972 when Yorkshire Television gave birth to a brand new daytime serial called Emmerdale Farm. He would play Matt Skilbeck for 17 years and his onscreen marriage to Dolly (Jean Rogers) would become one of the most celebrated in British soap. Here Freddy talks to Ashley about the roots of Emmerdale, clinching the role, learning to be a farmer, working with greats like Sheila Mercier, Frazer Hines, Arthur Pentelow, Ronald Magill and Toke Townley, the impact of fame and how he didn't approve of the big plane crash storyline.
It's a quarter of a century since Hollyoaks began on Channel 4. And to mark its 25 years we're meeting some of the show's original stars. We've heard from Yasmin Bannerman who played Maddie Parker - and here we're re-releasing our interview with the lovely Lisa Williamson who played Hollyoaks original character Dawn Cunningham in the soap. Lisa was at Hollyoaks from 1995 to 1997 until her character was dramatically written out. She's been chatting to Ashley Byrne. Please note: There is a brief dose of strong language in this recording so please be vigilant if playing around children.
Yasmin Bannerman was one of the original cast of Hollyoaks when Phil Redmond's creation began in October 1995. Maddie Parker was only in the show occasionally at first but she quickly became one of the main characters. It was a heady and exciting time for all the young actors who were thrust together in Liverpool for this brand new teen soap. Yasmin was also one of the few black actors in soap in Britain in the 90s - and that brought her press flak and 'role model' responsibility. A quarter of a century on she's been reminiscing with Ashley Byrne.
He was one of the most popular presenters of legendary kids magazine show Blue Peter. Tim Vincent became a household name in the 90s. Over the years he's impressed as a versatile host of shows as diverse as The Clothes Show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire in the States and Miss World. He's also an actor who had starring roles in Dangerfield, Emmerdale and Children's Ward. More recently Tim has gained a reputation as a popular interviewer of the stars stateside on 'Access Hollywood'. Now he's about to embark on a new 8 part series called 'The Likely Dads' for BBC Radio 4. The show is produced by Distinct Nostalgia producer MIM Productions and is just one of the array topics Ashley has been to chatting to Tim about.
She was Max Branning's long suffering wife. She loved him, he loved her but he just couldn't help himself cheating. Jo Joyner joined EastEnders in 2006 - and the chemistry between Jo and Jake as Max and Tanya was instantly electric. They quickly became one of the most popular couples in British soap and it felt like they and their kids had always been in Albert Square. Here Ashley Byrne is joined by our own Soapy Simon to take Jo through her turbulent times as Tanya.
He’s starred in several great British sitcoms but playing Spike in Hi-De-Hi is his most famous part. Here Ashley Byrne talks about the birth of one of our best loved sitcoms with Jeffrey Holland. Jeffrey also chats about his connections to Are You Being Served, Dads Army and of course You Rang M’Lord and Oh Dr Beeching. Oh and also his one play about comedy legend Stan Laurel.
After a hiatus due to our main host Ashley Byrne going down with Covid-19, we're pleased to announce he's on the way to recovering and Distinct Nostalgia will be back in action from next week. Here's a teaser of just some of the film, soap, comedy and other tv nostalgia interviews, reunions, quiz shows AND new drama in store over the autumn and winter months. Have a Listen now
And don't forget to tell your friends to subscribe to Distinct Nostalgia wherever you get your podcasts.
Today we’re marking the 35th anniversary of the death of Hollywood legend Rock Hudson with an award winning drama about how the superstar was manufactured by notorious agent Henry Willson. Bette Bourne plays Willson with Michael Xavier as Rock. It’s not all drama though, Tim Fountain’s wonderful writing and the actors’ performances mean the story is delivered with a degree of comedy throughout. Paul Kendrick plays Dale the publicist with Iain Mackness as Phyllis. Matthew Ganley is the newsreader.
Peter Dean played Ian's dad and Kathy's husband Pete Beale for 8 years. He was one of the original EastEnders cast until his character was killed off in the early 1990s. Here he has a fascinating chat with Ashley about some of the original roots of EastEnders. He's has fond memories of his co-stars including Adam Woodyatt and the late Wendy Richard. And he recalls his time in another British soap.
Sylvia sheds light on the little explored divide in the family at the heart of the suffragette movement in Britain in the early part of the 20th Century. It charts Sylvia Pankhurst’s split with her own family over the issue of class involvement in the struggle for women to get the vote - her belief that the suffrage movement should include working women was put into practice when she founded a toy factory in the East End of London. Here, she employed only women but paid them a man’s wage. Written by Lesley Strachan and directed by Colin Guthrie, Sylvia is a powerful exploration of the relationship between Sylvia, Emmeline and Christabel.
All Creatures Great and Small is currently enjoying something of a revival on Channel 5 but what was it like to work on the original iconic series? Carol Drinkwater played Helen, James Herriot's wife alongside Christopher Timothy, Robert Hardy and Peter Davidson. The show became a huge hit around the world and together with other shows like Emmerdale Farm and Last of the Summer Wine, helped to put the beautiful county of Yorkshire on the world map. Carol's been reminiscing with Ashley and telling him what she makes of the successful Channel 5/PBS re-boot which is made by production company Playground Entertainment.
Jean Rogers became a regular in Emmerdale Farm exactly 40 years ago this year as the second person to play Dolly, the wife of Matt Skilbeck played by Emmerdale original actor Frederick Pyne. The audience took to Jean's portrayal of Dolly very quickly and she soon became a household name. In this interview with Ashley she takes an affectionate trip down memory lane and compares the Emmerdale she joined in 1980 with the one she left a decade or so later.
He's one of Britain's big success stories. From This Life to Hollywood, Jack Davenport has had a fabulous acting career. Here he gives an exclusive and very candid interview to Ashley for Distinct Nostalgia. Known for Pirates of the Caribbean films to sitcom Coupling, Jack reserves a particularly special place in his heart for two projects - playing Miles in seminal BBC 2 drama 'This Life' (which launched his career) and his role in the classic Anthony Minghella movie thriller 'The Talented Mr Ripley' which also starred Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow. He pays special tribute to the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman.
Chloe Newsome played Vicky in Coronation Street. She was Alec Gilroy's grandaughter who eventually went out with Steve McDonald. Chloe first landed the part as a teenager, working immediately with some larger than life characters both on and off screen. 25 years after first leaving the show, she's been reminiscing about her Corrie days with Ashley and Simon for Distinct Nostalgia.
Juliet Bravo burst onto our screens on a Saturday night exactly 40 years ago. It was an almost instant success with its tales of policing in the northern fictional town of Hartley. Late last year we brought together Inspectors Darbley and Longton (aka Stephanie Turner and Anna Carteret) for a fabulous hour of memories about the ground-breaking show. As it's the big anniversary month, we thought we put it out again. Enjoy!
It was one of the most successful British films of the 1990s. Brassed Off - with its real life tale of the struggles of a colliery brass band during the UK pit closure crisis, became popular all around the world. It helped to introduce the classical piece Concierto De Aranjuez to new audiences and to rejuvenate brass band music. It also had a stellar cast including Pete Postlethwaite, Ewan McGregor, Tara Fitzgerald and Stephen Tompkinson. Stephen has been chatting to Ashley…
Irene Marot played the feisty and rather moral and religious DD Dixon in Brookside from 1990. Infact it's exactly 30 years in October since the Dixons first arrived in the Close, much to the annoyance of their posh next door neighbours The Farnham's. Irene joins Ashley and our new 'Simon Soap/Soap Simon' expert for an hour of hilarious memories.
If you've watched TV or listened to the radio over the past 50 years, you're sure to have seen or heard Jonathan Kydd. He was a presenter on ATV hit children's show Pipkins in the 1970s, he was the voice of Paddington Bear for a time, played characters in Noddy in Toyland, was the voice of L'Oreal and Ferrero Rocher (the Ambassador ads) and many more. He's also starred in lots of TV shows including One Foot in the Grave. And regularly you will still hear him voicing trails on Channel 4, Channel 5, Film 4 and sometimes the BBC. Jonathan has spent a lifetime in VoiceOvers which is why he decided to create VoiceOverGuy. Listen here to this hilarious pilot sitcom based on his experiences - and listen afterwards to Jonathan in discussion about the inspiration behind it. Enjoy!
Doreen Mantle played Mrs Warboys in David Renwick's masterpiece comedy 'One Foot in the Grave' for more than a decade. A constant annoyance to Victor Meldrew (played by Richard Wilson), Mrs Warboys soon became an iconic, much loved and now much missed sitcom character. Here Doreen reminisces with Ashley about some hilarious moments both on and off screen.
Tom Watt was there right at the start - one of the original EastEnders' actors when the drama serial began 35 years ago! He played the likeable but hapless Lofty. Tom stayed for 3 years but the character he helped to create remains one of the most iconic in the show's history. He's been reminiscing with Ashley.
It was 1987 and Merchant Ivory (with help from Channel 4) embarked on an adaptation of EM Forster's novel Maurice - a story of forbidden gay love in Edwardian England. It had an all star supporting cast including Simon Callow, Denholm Elliot, Billie Whitelaw, Barry Foster and Ben Kingsley, A landmark movie for Merchant Ivory (producers of, among others Room With a View and Howard's End), it launched the careers of three young stars - James Wilby (as Maurice Hall), Hugh Grant (as Clive Durham) and Rupert Graves (as Alec Scudder). Here James reminisces with Ashley Byrne about playing the lead.
He was in Coronation Street from the very beginning. Phillip Lowrie was Dennis Tanner, Elsie's unruly and wayward son. He started as he meant to go on as his mum accused him of stealing money from her purse in the very first LIVE episode. Phillip - a bit of a heart-throb at the time - became a household name overnight as Coronation Street was an almost instant hit. He stayed for 8 years and then returned an amazing 43 years later. He's been reminiscing with MIM's Ashley Byrne.
Desmond's ran from 1989 through to 1994. There were six series and 71 episodes making it Channel 4's longest ever running sitcom. Set around a black family who ran a barber's in Peckham, it starred the late, great Norman Beaton and Carmen Munroe in the lead roles. Desmond's shop was a gathering place for an assortment of hilarious local characters! Matilda Thorpe played Mandy and she's been remembering the sitcom. Bizarrely nothing like it has been seen on British television since.
Hevva burst into EastEnders in the 2000s and became one half of an amazing female double act on the show. Heather and her friend Shirley would get into some hilarious scrapes during her time in Albert Square. They were as different as chalk and cheese (and Hevva loved Cheese) but sometimes opposites make the best of friends and so they proved for five glorious years until Hevva was bumped off by Ben Mitchell. Here the lovely Cheryl Fergisson recounts playing one of EastEnders' most popular and sorely missed characters.
We're celebrating a British film classic from the 1980s - the ground-breaking My Beautiful Laundrette which tackled racism, sexuality and a variety of social, economic and political issues facing Britain at the time. Multi Oscar winning actor Daniel Day Lewis and Gordon Warnecke were the joint leads in the film. Daniel played gay punk Johnny and Gordon was his asian boyfriend Omar. 35 years on, Gordon has been reminiscing about his part in a film which at the time broke loads of taboos and is listed as one of the greatest British films of all time.
It's 30 years ago this year since the Farnhams first arrived on Brookside Close. They were the posh family on the close and were soon ruffling a few feathers among the neighbours. Here Steven Pinder who played the rather suave but hapless Max is reunited with Gabrielle Glaister who played his feisty but long suffering wife Patricia.
He's responsible for one of the most iconic TV theme tunes of all time. Simon May is famous for EastEnders, the accompanying Julia's Theme and of course those ‘Doof, Doofs’. He composed the themes to Howard's Way, Eldorado and a plethora of other programmes. And although Tony Hatch wrote the iconic Crossroads theme, Simon May has more than a passing association with the show. Simon’s been talking to MIM’s Ashley Byrne.
'I say, I say it's our Ashley meeting another Ashley as we sit down to reminisce with Steve Arnold who starred in Coronation Street for nearly 16 years. Steve played Ashley and became famous for his on screen partnership with his 'uncle Fred Elliot' played by veteran actor John Savident. They'd later be revealed as father and son in the show. Steve tells Ashley Byrne about his special friendship with John and how that helped them to create the on screen chemistry between Fred and Ashley.
Jason Hughes played Welsh Warren in the 90s cult drama This Life. The series was based around 20 something lawyers living in South London. Warren also happened to be gay. Gay characters as complex as Warren had never really existed on tv while Welsh voices in mainstream UK telly were rare too. So being gay and Welsh presented different challenges for both the character and the actor as Jason explains in this interview with MIM's Ashley Byrne.
Charlie G Hawkins grew up in EastEnders. He joined the show when he was just 12 years old and stayed in Albert Square as Darren Miller until he was 20. His character was a cheeky chappie and often provided light relief. Charlie tells MIM’s Ashley Byrne about the experience of joining an iconic drama at such a young age.
It’s become a cult classic of the 1990s. A generation of 20-somethings felt a connection with This Life, the late night BBC2 drama about a group of young lawyers living together in South London. It was ground breaking as it tackled everything from drinking to drug taking, sex and sexuality. It launched the careers of Andrew Lincoln, Jack Davenport, Jason Hughes, Amita Dhiri, John Shepherd, Luisa Bradshaw-White, and of course…Daniela Nardini - who played the feisty Anna Forbes. Daniela’s been chatting to MIM’s Ashley Byrne.
Madge Hindle played Renee Bradshaw in Coronation Street for four years in the late 1970s. The character was brought in by producer Bill Podmore to create an atmosphere of gossip in the local corner shop. She proved very popular and later married Street stalwart Alf Roberts (played by Bryan Mosley). To the anger of fans, the character was killed off in 1980. Here Madge recalls the role and candidly conveys some fabulous anecdotes about both Coronation Street and the comedy Nearest and Dearest in which she also starred. Madge is speaking to MIM’s Ashley Bynre…
She’s done it all, she’s seen it all. She’s worked with just about everyone. And now she’s recalling it all (well not all but quite a bit) for Distinct Nostalgia. From the Carry On’s to Beniform via Coronation Street, Crossroads and Emmerdale, she’s been a fixture on our film and tv screens for years. Sit back and enjoy an hour in the company of Sherrie Hewson. MIM’s Ashley Byrne is asking the questions…
Crossroads was one of TV's most successful soaps. It lasted for 24 years in its first run on ITV. A product of Lew Grade's ATV, it was set in a motel on the outskirts of Birmingham. The characters became instantly popular including Noele Gordon as Meg Mortimer and Jane Rossington as her daughter Jill. In 1978 Tony Adams, who had starred previously in General Hospital, landed himself a part in the show and he was there for over a decade. He takes up the story with MIM's Ashley Byrne.
Specials
In this fourth programme we're showcasing, Craig meets friend and Benidorm star Julie Graham.
Craig says: Julie talks to me from her house in Brighton. We chat about her catchphrase 'Hello baby', the time at the Donmar Warehouse in our sell out play Helpless, where knickers were actually thrown at the curtain call and when Sam Mendes brought his recently won oscars backstage at press night as one of the actors snatched the Oscar from his hand to practice their acceptance speech in the mirror. We also talk about working with national treasure Martin Clunes multiple times and wandering around hotel corridors naked in the middle of the night. We discuss how she wrote and got her online TV series Dun breedin' made and aired during lockdown.
We chat about how seminal band, The Specials, formed at the dawn of punk and life in Coventry at that time. Terry tells us what it takes to be a lead singer and how he's never happier than when he's at the garden centre - that's when he's not dreaming about Simon Le Bon on a big yacht. We also hear about his fondness for David Cassidy and the mystery of Walt Jabsco. The band have been getting together on zoom and despite missing their Glastonbury appearance this summer, there are new tour dates in the pipeline. Finally, you wanna get a load of Terry crooning Moon River..what a legend.
In this second programme we're showcasing, Craig meets his old friend, Full Monty star Hugo Speer.
Craig says: 'Hugo speaks to me from the magical Queens Wood in Highgate. We chat about angry red cars, sloths, fish and chip suppers wrapped in newspaper, the tabloids, his stint as the comedian Bernie Stubbins and of course his smash cinematic hit The Full Monty.'
For the next four weeks we're running a special series - Kelly's Heroes with Queer as Folk star Craig Kelly.
In each programme, Craig catches up with one of his famous friends to reminisce about old times and check in on how they're coping with life during these strange times.
In the first programme we're showcasing, Craig meets his old friend, Life on Mars star John Simm.
More Nostalgia
Christopher Strauli was something of a sitcom heartthrob when he starred as the young, rather naive, Norman Binns in Yorkshire Television's hit Only When I Laugh from 1979 to 1983. The show based around three men in hospital also starred James Bolam, Peter Bowles, Derrick Branche and Richard Wilson, long before his Victor Meldrew days. Written by Eric Chappell, it was a huge success with an iconic theme tune. Christopher has been remembering the series with MIM's Ashley Byrne.
Nick Cochrane played Andy McDonald In Coronation Street throughout the 1990s and was a popular star of the Street as Steve McDonald's rather more sensible twin brother. Here MIM's Ashley Byrne has a frank and candid chat to Nick about being thrust into fame at a young age, being part of such an iconic show, how his character was written out and whether there's scope for an Andy McDonald return to the cobbles.
As Alan Bennett's Talking Heads are revived for TV, we've a special treat for fans of Alan's hit 'The History Boys'. We've assembled three of the now famous original cast of the iconic stage play and movie for a great History Boys Reunion. The show helped launched the careers of eight young actors - Samuel Barnett, Russell Tovey, Jamie Parker, James Corden, Samuel Anderson, Dominic Cooper, Sacha Dhawan and Andrew Knott. Here Sam who played Posner, Jamie who was Scripps and Sacha who played Aktar join MIM's Ashley Byrne for a trip down memory lane.
Thelma Barlow played Mavis in Coronation Street for 26 years. Her on screen partnerships with Rita Fairclough and Derek Wilton were legendary. In the second of a series of specials marking 60 years of Corrie, MIM’s Ashley Byrne spends a lovely hour in the company of Street Royalty.
It's 40 years since the anarchic popular children's sitcom Metal Mickey burst onto British TV screens. It was directed by Mickey Dolenz from The Monkees with the robot itself created and voiced by musician Johnny Edward. The writer was Colin Bostock-Smith and it was filmed at London Weekend Television. Here MIM's Ashley Byrne has speaking with Ashley Knight who played Mickey's onscreen inventor Ken. Boogie Boogie!
It's back to the 1990s for Distinct Nostalgia soap fans as MIM's Ashley Byrne re-unites two of EastEnders most popular characters from the decade. Mark Homer who played Tony joins Andrew Lynford who was Simon to discuss joining and leaving the square, being part of TV's first regular bisexual storyline and working with some of the show's most iconic stars. Could Tony and Simon make a return one day?
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Generations of schoolchildren remember watching it. 20 minutes of historical drama brought to ITV by Yorkshire Television. How We Used To Live is a legendary show which graced our screens for over 30 years. Freda Kelsall was the main writer and helped to create the series back in 1968. On a rainy day, long before lockdown, MIM's Ashley Byrne spent an afternoon with Freda learning all about this wonderful drama series at her home in the Pennines.
John Finch became a prolific TV writer, creating series like ‘A Family At War’. He started his career on the world’s longest running drama serial Coronation Street. He was one of the show’s first freelance writers and stayed with the programme for 8 years. He penned scripts for characters like Ena Sharples, Doris Speed, Pat Phoenix and Jack Howarth - and he was there when Hilda and Stan Ogden and Bet Lynch first arrived. John, who was is now 95, has been telling MIM’s Ashley Byrne how he cut his teeth on Corri….
Craig Kelly played the down to earth sensible one in 'Queer as Folk' - Channel 4's ground breaking drama about gay men frequenting Manchester's popular Canal Street. It's 21 years since the series first burst onto our screens with its stories around characters Stuart, Vince and Nathan. Here Craig recalls how his character Vince became popular in gay circles and beyond. He's speaking to MIM's Ashley Byrne.
It's a quarter of a century this year since Hollyoaks began on Channel 4. And to mark its 25 years we're making a series of programmes remembering the very early years with some of the original line up. Here MIM's Ashley Byrne chats to Lisa Williamson who played Dawn Cunningham from 1995-1997.
Yorkshire Television’s ‘321’ was one of the biggest shows of the 70s and 80s. It was essential Saturday night viewing for all the family but what was the story behind this monster success for the show and its host? Here Ted Rogers’ son Danny brings us a tale of fame, tragedy… and of course, Dusty Bin. He’s been getting all game show retro with MIM’s Ashley Byrne.
Gary Hailes played Barry Clark - one half of 'Colin and Barry', EastEnders' first gay couple. Here as part of our series of shows to celebrate EastEnders' 35 years, Gary reveals how he landed the role which saw him beaten up in real life. He talks about how that first on-screen gay kiss in soap caused a real furore, Barry's friendship with Dot, why the couple were eventually written out and what Gary makes of Barry's 80s hair cut and dress sense now. Gary Hailes is speaking to MIM's Ashley Byrne.
It's 31 years since Birds of a Feather burst on to TV screens in the UK. Three decades on - and following a stage show and tv revival, the antics of Sharon, Tracey and Dorian are still hugely popular with new generations finding the trio for the first time. Here MIM's Ashley Byrne catches up with two of them (Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson) .....in lockdown.
There might not be a Eurovision Song Contest this year due to Covid-19 but it doesn't stop us remembering one of the big moments in the show's history. It's 50 years this year since a 17 year old girl from Derry won Eurovision for Ireland. MIM's Ashley Byrne catches up with the iconic Irish singer during lockdown.
In this episode of Distinct Nostalgia, we remember one of the most successful British musical films of all time.
Winner of 6 Academy Awards including Best Picture, the film version of Lionel Bart's hit musical Oliver! catapulted two young child actors to global stardom. The highly talented Jack Wild played the Artful Dodger with Mark Lester as Oliver.
Here MIM's Ashley Byrne sits down with Mark at his home in Gloucestershire for the full story behind this musical masterpiece.
The Waltons was one of the biggest TV shows of the 1970s. A massive hit within its first year, it is still popular all over the world. Here MIM's Ashley Byrne chats at length to the show's heart-throb and biggest star, Richard Thomas who played John-Boy Walton.
New picture of John by Lia Chang.
40 years ago this year a new detective series with a difference began on ITV. For the first time it had a woman in the lead role. The Gentle Touch starred Jill Gascoine as Maggie Forbes with a plethora of men under her command. Here MIM’s Ashley Byrne catches up with them for a special Gentle Touch Reunion.
Children's favourite Lassie has been with us in one way or another for more than 60 years. It's been shown in just about every country in the world and now most people refer to a Collie dog as a 'Lassie'. Here MIM's Ashley Byrne turns the clock back to the late 50s as he meets Jon Provost who played Timmy, Lassie's friend in the CBS TV series from 1957 to 1964.
A bumper Distinct Nostalgia episode reuniting the two big stars of the ground breaking 1980s TV series Juliet Bravo. Stephanie Turner was Inspector Jean Darbley while Anna Carteret later replaced her as Inspector Kate Longton. It was the first procedural police TV series with a woman in the lead role and at its height was watched by 16 million viewers. Here MIM's Ashley Byrne stages a reunion of the two actors who haven't met for years.
Kathy Gori is a prolific voice over actor who has played some of the classic cartoon characters of all time but her most famous creation was Rosemary the Telephone Operator in the hit 1970s series Hong Kong Phooey. Started in 1974, it only ran for a short time but was repeated over and over again and became a staple diet for kids throughout the 70s and 80s. Produced by Hanna Barbara it centred around the a mild mannered janitor. Here Kathy tells MIM's Ashley Byrne how she found herself playing a cop in love with a dog in kimono.
Brief Encounter is one of the world's most iconic films. The love story written by Noel Coward was turned into a movie by David Lean in 1945. Here the only surviving member of the original cast Margaret Barton now 93, talks to MIM's Ashley Byrne about her role in the classic movie.
In 1977, Granada Television launched a rather challenging game show for the ITV Network. The Krypton Factor was presented by Gordon Burns and lasted nearly 20 years. At one point it was labelled 'TV's toughest'. Here MIM's Ashley Byrne catches up with Gordon in an encounter explaining the thinking behind this rather complex show which mesmerised millions across all ages.
We go all quiz show retro as we remember one of the delights of UK daytime TV from the 80s and 90s. Going for Gold - complete with its iconic theme tune, intriguing rounds and rich mix of contestants from all over Europe - made it a huge hit with people of all ages. Here MIM's Ashley Byrne catches up with the man who was there from the beginning, the one and only Going for Gold host Henry Kelly.
The Muppet Show burst onto British TV screens in 1976. The mastermind of US puppeteer, animator & actor Jim Henson, it was actually made a reality with the support of UK media mogul Lew Grade and ATV based in Birmingham & Elstree. It was an instant hit and Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest of the anarchic characters would go on to be shown in 100 different countries. Here MIM’s Ashley Byrne assembles Gonzo (David Goelz) with Louise Gold (Annie Sue Pig) and Muppet writer Joe Bailey…
To mark EastEnders' 35th birthday, we go soap retro as we remember the very early years. Paul J Medford who played Kelvin Carpenter was one of the few black actors on TV at the time and here he talks candidly about what it was like to be a teenager working on such a hugely successful TV show. Kelvin was never killed off, so could he return to Albert Square one day? He speaks to MIM's Ashley Byrne and former EastEnders star Rani Singh.
To mark EastEnders big birthday year, former Albert Square star Rani Singh joins MIM's Ashley Byrne for a trip to meet June Brown who has been playing Dot in the serial for almost 35 years. June and Rani recall the early years and June talks candidly about working with acting stalwarts like Anna Wing and Gretchen Franklin. She talks about how playing Dot changed her life, how she changed Dot and her EastEnders' future.
In a response to America's Sesame Street in the early 1970s, the UK's ITV network launched a series of lunchtime kids shows aimed at young children. Granada Television's contribution was Hickory House. It was a rather homely and magical little house with two memorable characters - Humphrey Cushion and Dusty Mop. Here MIM's Ashley Byrne tracks down presenters Alan Rothwell (famous as David Barlow in Corrie) and former Carry On and Corrie star Amanda Barrie to talk about their memories of Hickory House.
In a response to Sesame Street in the early 1970s, the UK's ITV network launched a series of lunchtime kids shows aimed at young children. From the Midlands came ATV's Pipkins which was filmed at Elstree next to The Muppets studio. Pipkins was full of puppet characters including a pig, a monkey and a tortoise. But the one every kid remembers is Hartley Hare who became the big star of the show. Writer Gail Renard, presenter Jonathan Kydd and puppeteer Nigel Plaskitt join MIM's Ashley Byrne for a trip down memory lane. Will Hartley put in an appearance?
In a response to America's Sesame Street in the early 1970s, the UK's ITV network launched a series of lunchtime kids shows aimed at young children. By far the most popular was Thames Television's Rainbow. One of the most popular elements was a song and dance trio called Rod, Jane and Freddy and here MIM's Ashley Byrne catches up with them almost five decades on from the launch of one of the most popular kids shows ever.
Legendary TV announcer Duncan Newmarch introduces a special Sesame Street reunion to mark 50 years of the hit US kids series. MIM's Iain Mackness meets writer Joe Bailey and Emilio Delgado who played Luis, the Fix It Shop owner in the show for more than four decades.
More programmes from Distinct
It was a time of darkness, a time when the care-free celebrations of youth were at an end. A time where insurmountable tasks lay ahead and the weekend was but a distant wisp on the edge of periphery.
Into this time came two unassuming Queeps, their fates intertwined through a fatal payslip error and only now grasping their destiny (of which it was fated).
Effluence will rise, gods will fall, and all robotic and humanoid life will be held in the balance in Monday of the Living Zombdroids.
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It was a time of darkness, a time when the care-free celebrations of youth were at an end. A time where insurmountable tasks lay ahead and the weekend was but a distant wisp on the edge of periphery.
Into this time came two unassuming Queeps, their fates intertwined through a fatal payslip error and only now grasping their destiny (of which it was fated).
Effluence will rise, gods will fall, and all robotic and humanoid life will be held in the balance in Monday of the Living Zombdroids.
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It’s Friday afternoon and the weekend looms. Unfortunately it doesn’t loom quite as ominously as the Astro-Shrew.
It’s clone vs claw as our heroes battle this bedlam-particle boosted behemoth. As friendships are tested, dreams are shattered and the laws of physics are turned upside down and inside out, will anything be the same again?
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For X-769-C, a work seminar on trash compactor use is the chance to mingle with colleagues and learn all about new processes and procedures. For Brack Nubar it’s the opportunity to skive out of the office and to put his feet up.
Unfortunately for both of them it’s also the beginning of a nightmare involving sadistic morale officers, masochistic zero-G wrestlers and holistic disintegrations.
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A simple Babysitting duty becomes a terrifying voyage into the past when Brack and X-er get sucked up and spat out in the middle of the Robo wars.
With only some recurring characters for company, can they get back home without polluting the timelines?
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Staples, paperclips and pen tops are all disappearing from Brack and X-769-C's admin office on board the Suncrusher spacestation.
What does this have to do with artificially intelligent lifts and the strange creature that lurks in the stationary department?
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Having to moonlight in the finance department due to a rather nasty binding incident our two favourite admin workers for the Galactic Empire find some dodgy expense claims from an equally dodgy professor.
An exciting sci-fi audio comedy written by Richard Delafield and Iain Mackness.
It is a time of Inter-Galactic turmoil. The peaceful tyranny of the Galactic Empire is being forever threatened by evil Anarchist forces. Only the Sun-Crusher spacestation can bring order back to the Empire. Meanwhile two 2nd class admin workers from sector F have some reports on the misuse of trash compactors that are not going to file themselves. Meet: Brack Nubar - A shiftless Stella-Marine wannabe with the charisma of a Blankoniam Bland Lizard. and X-769-C - An erratic anally retentive ex-post robot who has more than a few chips missing. Queep Space - is the brain child of Richard Delafield and Iain Mackness who have both spent too many years watching good, bad and down right awful science fiction films.
Jolyon Karp is a voice over. He voices anything he can. Commercials, documentaries, cartoons, video games. He's what is known in the business as 'versatile'. He can do deep end lines, high pitched ghoulies, sad sincere charity commercials, happy reads for Christmas, play cockney socks, pieces of cheese, pirates, posh elephants, die horribly in video games, you name it he's pretty good at it. He is represented by the fast talking agent Chrissie at Diggerty Dog voice agents. She's horrendously under staffed and finds it difficult to send all her voices to the right studios. Jolyon works a lot at Crumble Studios in the heart of voice over land in Soho. They have the usual combination of studio staff, a new receptionist Anna, a ridiculously over worked runner, a studio manager and an engineer who keeps everything working. Into this world step the producers and writers and suits and clients who create produce and pay for everything recorded at Crumble. The collision of all these people meeting at once is spectacular!
Imaginary People
In this week's episode a new holiday park tries to save its reputation, Jeremy Chicken reports on some breaking news and the conclusion to the UK's top 10 countdown.
New episodes on Distinct Comedy every Monday. Visit distinctnostalgia.com for more information.
The Distinct Comedy Theme is composed by Rebecca Applin and Chris Warner.
This programme contains strong language and adult humour.
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Join Adam, Will and Tom for a terrorising edition of The Imaginary People. Allow them to invite you into their warped and weird little world as they bring to life characters & sketches performed from a glamorous, awe-inspiring bedroom.
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In this week's episode, Private Investigator Jack Longbone tries to uncover the mystery surrounding a missing kitty cat, Mr Whiskers. In The Community looks at life in a call centre and we hear this week's countdown for the UK's top 10.
New episodes on Distinct Comedy every Monday. Visit distinctnostalgia.com for more information.
The Distinct Comedy Theme is composed by Rebecca Applin and Chris Warner.
This programme contains strong language and adult humour.
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This week's episode has a new way to help Gamblers with their addiction, a man in court for his sentencing for kicking his neighbour's cat and this week's countdown for the UK's top 10.
New episodes on Distinct Comedy every Monday. Visit distinctnostalgia.com for more information.
The Distinct Comedy Theme is composed by Rebecca Applin and Chris Warner.
This programme contains strong language and adult humour.
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This week's episode sees us diving into the inner works of Hugh Grant's career, a new appeal trying to tackle the spider epidemic and this week's countdown for the UK's top 10.
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New episodes on Distinct Comedy every Monday. This week's episode sees a 60-second interview with an icon in music and this week's countdown for the UK's top 10.
Adam, Will and Tom invite you into their warped and weird little world as they bring to life characters & sketches performed from a glamorous, awe-inspiring bedroom. This week's episode sees The Master training his protégé to save the Universe, an F1 rookie sensation and this week's countdown for the UK's top 10.
New episodes on Distinct Comedy every Monday. Visit distinctnostalgia.com for more information.
The Distinct Comedy Theme is composed by Rebecca Applin and Chris Warner.
This programme contains strong language.
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Barry Pigeon Protects
In the final episode of the series, different people of Barry's past come back into his life with life-changing ramifications.
After downloading a new app, Barry experiences the fickle world of live-stream video.
After a workplace accident, Barry is joined by an overly enthusiastic, and possibly psychotic, assistant. Guest starring Bruce Jackson.
With his personal life in ruins, Barry's goes through the five stages of grief in one shift.
In his latest vlog post, Barry muses on weight loss, his preference of surveillance techniques and the art of seduction.
Welcome to the nocturnal world of Barry Pigeon, Chorley's premier over-night security guard. In this vlog, Barry discusses his childhood, immigration and the financial and mental cost of switching from sausage sausages to bacon.
Dear Clementina
Dear Clementina Chapter 10
More thoughts from Stanley Burke, written down for him by Collin Burke.
Dear Clementina, Chapter 1.
A chance meeting between two twelve-week-old puppies in a Manchester park leads to a series of letters from young Stanley to his new friend Clementina.
America, November 2008: the new President is elected amidst an ‘audacity of hope’. For newly elected Democrat Congressman, John Daniels, this should be a time of celebration. Instead he must decide the fate of his daughter’s murderer: should he exact revenge or grant redemption... or both?
Sylvia sheds light on the little explored divide in the family at the heart of the suffragette movement in Britain in the early part of the 20th Century.
Written by Lesley Strachan and directed by Colin Guthrie, Sylvia is a powerful exploration of the relationship between Sylvia, Emmeline and Christabel Pankhurst.