Headliners with Nihal Arthanayake

Nihal speaks to the star of Netflix’s smash hit series ‘You’.

The children's author Michael Rosen on how he's 'getting better' after nearly dying of coronavirus

The Vermont senator and former Presidential candidate on inequality and “uber-capitalism.”

“I could not have been worse.” The Hollywood star reveals his most embarrassing audition.

“I hope to inspire folks that they can do this”Two of the driving forces behind the BAFTA winning film, ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’, producer Malte Grunert and screenwriter Lesley Paterson share the challenges they faced in making the film, and why they felt the story should be told.

“I’m selling music but that’s not the spiritual core of my job”. The rapper and songwriter on fatherhood, art and addiction.

“I’m in the studio, dressed as the Queen, doing a commercial for John Lennon.” The music industry insider on Elton John, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Roy Orbison.

"This showed the extraordinary complexity of what millions of people went through." The multi-BAFTA winning filmmaker, Adam Curtis on how he pieced together the fall of the Soviet Union, using never-before-seen archive footage.

“If I want a compliment from someone else to feel good, I’m actually going to find that good in myself first”. The bestselling author, former monk and social media star on why he wants us all to write a love letter to our younger selves.

"I was terrified. For me to come to them and say I'd failed, it was traumatic." YouTuber, rapper and boxer tells Nihal how a past failure drives his thirst for success.

"I've got two bruised hips; whiplash and my partners blade sliced my arm open." The comedian tells Nihal about the challenges of doing Dancing On Ice.

“You never know where that peak is until you go past it.” The producer and Def Jam co-founder on making records.

“They look at the world with a sensitivity that I don’t.” The actor and writer on the “magic” of art.

Another chance to listen to Nihal speak to Terry Hall in 2019. Tributes have been paid to The Specials lead singer, after his death at the age of 63.

The comedian and presenter tells Nihal why he’s no role model for Asian footballers.

“The joke is a magic trick – every word matters.” Ricky Gervais tells Nihal there are no off-limit topics in comedy, as long as you craft the joke in the right way.

“I can’t claim credit for what I do – it’s a god given talent.” Joan Armatrading tells Nihal why she keeps making music, after 22 albums and five decades.

As a player, he won two Premier League titles and an FA Cup when he was playing at Manchester City. Now, he is a fan favourite pundit on 5 Live, Match of the Day and Sky Sports. Micah Richards joined Nihal to talk about his memoir.

“Our societies are still very much in denial.” The climate campaigner on the media, greenwashing and her favourite veg.

“I don’t have to get to a finish line with grief”. The actor, comedian and writer talks about his memoir of loss

“If I were an actor and needed to cry, I’d just think of that” The MotD presenter on Leicester City, Qatar and referee abuse.

Hugh Bonneville, the star of Downton Abbey, Paddington and W1A talks early roles, embarrassing correspondence, and the sound of his mother's footsteps.

The singers, who are former bandmates in The Beautiful South, have released their fifth studio album as a duo. They joined Nihal to talk about singing, football and photography.

Rita Wilson is best known as an actress in films like Sleepless in Seattle, and as a producer on My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Mamma Mia. She’s also a country singer, and has released an album of duets with the likes of Smokey Robinson and Elvis Costello. She spoke to Nihal about her love of music.

“In my case it was: you move to Miami” The singer-songwriter and DJ on dealing with bullying.

Alex Scott tells Nihal about her journey from the east end of London to international football stardom. She discusses her relationship with her alcoholic father, the challenges she faced getting into the game, and the respect she has for her mother and grandmother – the women who brought her up.

"It's time for partyless politics." The presenter on why he’s not ruling out a career in Parliament.

The veteran presenter talks to Nihal about how politicians have changed, the role of the BBC, and how it felt to cover some of the biggest news events of the past five decades.

“I’m an ex-footballer with a big gob.” Gary tells Nihal why he’s resisting a career in politics.

“He was way ahead of the game.” Sir Lenny tells Nihal why Richard Pryor was such an influence on him.

Graham Norton on the secret to his chat show success, and why he bans some celebrities if they misbehave.

“The earliest cities in the world, it’s stupendous.” The presenter and ex-Python on exploring Iraq.

The Spice Girl on a life in music and dance. “We had something important to say.” Mel on girl power and the Spice Girls.

The multi-million selling author on his latest crime thriller. “I’m endlessly on a deadline.” The multi-million selling author on his latest crime thriller.

“I’m just getting started.” The Mercury nominated artist on the joy of dancing, sarcastic self-love and her short lived career as a PA.

The editor in chief of British Vogue on partying in Ladbroke Grove with Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.

The author on his new novel set during the English Civil War and the election of Liz Truss as Conservative Party leader

The musician and producer on working with Madonna and why he is mining a new seam of creativity.

The historical fiction author on bringing to life the “beauty and brutality” of Renaissance Italy.

“It’s about the connection, the story you want to tell.” Paul tells Nihal what DJ’ing means to him.

The comedian on creating PowerPoint stand-up and the secrets of setting cryptic crosswords.

“The laptop was smoking.” The stand-up tells Nihal how the ending of his debut novel came to him.

The star tells Nihal about walking from Land’s end to John O’Groats with two friends.

“I do movies in Hindi, but I do comedy in English.” Comedian on global stand-up, staying focused and dealing with hecklers.

“I never enter a competition I don’t think I can win”. Actress and comedian on her upcoming Strictly Come Dancing debut.

“Kanye West, Travis Scott, David Bowie and Jim Morrison.” Kasabian’s frontman on who he wants to emulate as the band’s lead singer.

Anthony Horowitz, who has sold tens of millions of copies of his books, talks to Nihal about his upbringing, the so-called culture wars, politics, and why he doesn’t crave fame.

“Because baking has got better, the handshakes have got more.” British Bake-off judge on his ‘Hollywood Handshake’ and what makes the deserving recipient.

"We all know what it feels like to hold something back." The Sandman actor on the creative process behind his character, along with the influence that creator Neil Gaiman held over production.

“You looked like a walrus that had been tasered.” Reverend Richard Cole on writing fiction, how to mourn well and his mums thoughts on his dancing.