Headliners with Nihal Arthanayake

"I've lived here for 20 years, you'd think I would've done something about it." The comedian and broadcaster on why he can’t speak slowly and the joys of touring.

“It’s meant to be affectionate banter, but you do occasionally get it wrong.” The comedian and After Life actor on the dangers of using family experiences in an act.

“I’ve learnt to go a bit more personal with the Lyrics.” Sam talks To Nihal about song-writing.

The Sherlock and Doctor Strange star on going Method for his latest role as a 1920s Montana rancher in The Power of the Dog.

The singer-songwriter on making music, mortality and his comic run-in with Frida from Abba and Archbishop Desmond Tutu

“There’s nothing amusing about pure success, there’s nothing funny about people with perfect lives.” Comedian Ricky Gervais speaks to Nihal about thinking more about his fans, what awards mean to him and why there's nothing funny about winners.

'People, especially British people, love an underdog.’ The reality star and self-help author on fame, self-belief and social media.

The satirist and actor on why he’s taken his interest in archaeology to the small screen and the joy of a “quiet” New Year’s Eve.

“I had a great leg up, but I had to do a lot on the way as well.” The boxing promoter on following in his father’s footsteps.

The jazz pianist and presenter on making a Christmas album and working with producer Quincy Jones.

'I've never ruined my appreciation of art by attempting to analyse it.' The comedian, novelist and scriptwriter on making a return to stand-up.

"If there's a British Squid Game, this is going to be in it... it was just horrible." The comedian and author on British Bulldog, growing up in the 1970s and the decision to track down his biological parents.

“Send me a pigeon messenger man.” The comedian and presenter schools Nihal in slang and talks about his creation of “Unknown P”.

“I put my back out doing a move too many.” The comedian on his Elvis tribute stage show and memorabilia collection.

“I don’t just sit there bashing out chords and sweating out words.“ The Radiohead frontman and his collaborator on the band’s artwork discuss the creative process.

“I knew I’d done damage before I stopped rolling.” The Manx Missile talks about his Ghent crash, mental health and stunning 2021 Tour de France.

“I’m very scared about the time when the tears stop...but right now…I’m smiling through the tears.” The singer-songwriter pays tribute to his father, who recently passed away.

“It had its own language - its own dress code - its own holiday destination." The writer and broadcaster on the influence of UK garage music on his directorial debut Pirates.

"If you're being coached by a 3 year old, then you really shouldn't be on the road." The Elbow frontman speaks to Nihal about being a bad driver, writing an album remotely, and his late mother-in-law, Dame Diana Rigg.

"Some people seem to be able to retain their wind almost indefinitely. I cannot do that, I have to let it go." The actor speaks to Nihal about breaking wind and accidentally going commando during a driving test.

“I’m quite a shy person.” The 100 million selling artist on family, fame and the art of songwriting.

“They never called me back.” The 250 million selling singer-songwriter on football, family and why his new album includes a tribute to Marc Bolan. This episode contains some moderate swearing.

“If it’s the right song, I’m there.” The princess of pop on partying, daggy dancing and the precise whereabouts of her famous gold hotpants.

“In the water it’s war.” The world record breaking swimmer talks Strictly, stoicism, social media and the dedication it takes to be the best.

“I knew I was closer to a continental player.” The former England and Spurs star tells Nihal why his footballing style was inspired by watching Johan Cruyff.

Sisters Nicola and Rosie tell Nihal about the pitfalls of living abroad and their on-tour eating habits

“I wore tweed, there weren’t even pheasants over there….they called me Lord Farquar.” The former England back row tells Nihal about hunting in New Zealand and other stories.

“That’s not happening.” What the Secret Service made of the adventurer's plan to feed President Obama “bear kill” on his show Running Wild.

“It’s a new world.” Rick tells Nihal how video games and film soundtracks are introducing his music to younger generations and why it’s important to have an afternoon nap.

"We call it the Andros moment." The former England all-rounder and presenter tells Nihal how Andros Townsend helped him loosen up on camera.

The comedian gives Nihal a therapy session including advice on pronunciation, hobbies and career choices

The rapper and presenter reveals his passion for property – and how it inspired his new TV show.

“I basically became the session musician I was 54 years ago.” Sir Elton and Charlie talk about collaborating for the new album The Lockdown Sessions.

“This story will be told amongst my family as a funny story - but whenever I’ve told middle class people they find it horrifying.” The stand-up on class, comedy and whether Mango chutney is jam.

“I was writing the book I would’ve wanted to read as a 12 year old kid.” Comedian Sir Lenny Henry tells Nihal about his new book for children.

“The hardest part was not having your family there.” The gold medal winning diver on keeping his focus in Tokyo, coming out and body image.

“Just barge merrily forward.” Sir Billy tells Nihal how to be “windswept and interesting”, what to take on a beach holiday in Aberdeen and what makes him happiest now.

“You find your tribe when you find your fellow outsiders.” The writer of Queenie tells Nihal about her new young adult fiction book, Empress and Aniya, which looks at friendship between teenage girls.

“The last piece I wrote was the one I was afraid of writing, which was losing Kurt and Nirvana ending.” The Foo Fighters frontman tells Nihal about his new memoir.

“You can leave the critic out of the room.” The singer-songwriter tells Nihal about her new album, Firebird, and why she’s now more relaxed writing songs.

“They’ve all got different stories and messages.” Terry Hall and Horace Panter on recording an album of protest songs chosen by the band.

“I have had such a massive issue with believing people when they say nice things about me.” The 2002 singer on learning to love herself and how getting into reading again inspired her to write a book.

“I’d be shocked if there weren’t a Dame in there somewhere.” Richard muses on who Steven Spielberg will cast in the film of The Thursday Murder Club.

The boxer, model and activist talks to Nihal about becoming the first Somali fighter to compete in the Olympics and her memoir Not Without A Fight.

'I wanted to break my fingers so I couldn't bet.' The former England footballer on his experience of addiction to alcohol, cocaine and gambling.

“I was doing my absolute best for her, but I was really denying her the privilege of conversation with other women.” John tells Nihal about the highs and lows of being the total carer for his partner Nora, who has Alzheimer’s.

The comedian tries to explain to Nihal where he is from and why British desserts are the best in the world.

“I don’t know how the words came out of my mouth.” The chef and TV presenter on his first TV appearance, cooking at Lord's and how he’s learnt to communicate.

The lead singer of Texas, Sharleen Spiteri, talks to Nihal about their new single, “You Can Call Me”, from the latest album “Hi” – and also about Thai massages and climate change.

The Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder joined Nihal Arthanayake to talk about his career in music, his struggles with school and his new album, Visits from Future Technology.