Best BBC Radio Kent Podcasts (2025)

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 …

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

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8d 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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Miqdaad Versi on the report "BBC on Gaza-Israel: one story, double standards" 34:45

11d ago34:45

34:45

Miqdaad Versi, Director of Media Monitoring at the Muslim Council of Britain discusses the Centre for Media Monitoring's comprehensive report "BBC on Gaza-Israel: one story, double standards". We discuss the report's methodology and its use of AI to analyse over 35,000 pieces of BBC content over a year and examine its key findings, on the dispropor…

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Episode 24: Clive Garrard - 14 Jun 2025 2:00:02

15d ago2:00:02

2:00:02

Clive Garrard - 14 Jun 2025

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

15d 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…

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Iain Dale, LBC presenter on his Thatcher biography, her impact on the media and the future of public service broadcasting 32:05

20d ago32:05

32:05

Iain Dale is a broadcaster, political commentator, and presenter on LBC. We discuss his new short biography of Margaret Thatcher, written to introduce the former Prime Minister to a new generation. We explore her fraught relationship with the BBC, her influence on broadcasting policy, and what that legacy means today. We talk about the future of pu…

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

22d 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…

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John Ware, veteran investigative journalist on Gerry Adams' defamation case, the BBC and Middle East coverage 36:40

24d ago36:40

36:40

John Ware, veteran investigative journalist and former BBC Panorama reporter, with decades of experience covering complex and controversial subjects from the Troubles in Northern Ireland to antisemitism in British politics, discusses Gerry Adams’ defamation case against the BBC, the silence from parts of the Jewish community, BBC coverage of Gaza a…

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Episode 22: Clive Garrard - 31 May 2025 1:59:47

29d ago1:59:47

1:59:47

Clive Garrard - 31 May 2025

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

29d 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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Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, on Freely and the future of free television in the UK 25:23

1M ago25:23

25:23

Jonathan Thompson is Chief Executive of Everyone TV, the organisation that runs free television in the UK. In this episode Jonathan discusses the launch of the UK's newest streaming platform, Freely, which brings together live and on demand content from the UK's public service broadcasters. We explore what Freely offers, its accessibility, and its …

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

1M 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…

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Dr Tom Mills, Media Reform Coalition on how to mutualise the BBC 31:23

1M ago31:23

31:23

Dr. Tom Mills, Chair of the Media Reform Coalition and co-author of the report “Our Mutual Friend: The BBC in the Digital Age”, discusses a detailed proposal for the mutualisation of the BBC—an idea supported by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. He explains what it would mean for audiences to become active participants in the Corporation’s governance, …

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

1M 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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Patrick Spence, exec producer 'Mr Bates vs the Post Office' on the crisis facing British drama 26:09

2M ago26:09

26:09

Fresh from his BAFTA award, Patrick Spence, executive producer for Mr. Bates vs The Post Office discusses how the series was commissioned, why it was a success, how it was funded, the decline of certain TV drama genres, the crisis in the industry, the need of government support: levy vs tax breaks, the impact of tariffs, regional production, the st…

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

2M 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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Rozina Breen, CEO, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, on the Sir Harry Evans Investigative Journalism Summit 33:54

2M ago33:54

33:54

Rozina Breen is the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) and formerly head of news at BBC Five Live and BBC North. A speaker at the recent Sir Harry Evans Investigative Journalism Summit, Rozina discusses the event, the growing challenges facing journalism under the Trump administration, the importance of local a…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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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Jonathan Dimbleby, veteran broadcaster, on unravelling historical myths, democracy's fragility, and long-form interviewing 36:50

2M ago36:50

36:50

Jonathan Dimbleby is a veteran British broadcaster known for his long-form interviews on BBC and ITV, and as host of Radio 4’s Any Questions. In this episode, we discuss his latest book on World War II, the use of a journalistic background in writing history, challenging historical myths, the ‘special relationship’ between the US and Britain, the r…

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

2M 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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Karen Dunbar, Mollie Hughes, Rosco McClelland, Kirsty MacLaren, NATI., Lewis McLaughlin 34:13

3M 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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Nick Kent on his BBC Two documentary "Simon Schama: The Road to Auschwitz" and public service broadcasting 32:34

3M ago32:34

32:34

Nick Kent is the chief executive and creative director of Oxford Films, which made this week’s BBC Two documentary "Simon Schama: The Road to Auschwitz". We discuss the challenges making an impactful 60 minute documentary which explores the Holocaust's broader historical context, the role of language and visual imagery, ethical considerations in po…

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

3M 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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James Cridland, editor Podnews and radio futurologist on BBC Annual Plan and monetising BBC audio 29:20

3M ago29:20

29:20

James Cridland is the editor of Podnews and a radio futurologist— a writer, consultant, and public speaker on radio’s future. We discuss the BBC’s Annual Plan, its financial challenges, the impending changes to BBC Sounds' international access, the intricate challenges of rights management, potential revenue streams, and the delicate balance betwee…

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

3M 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 …

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Kirsty Lang BBC presenter on changes to BBC Sounds for listeners abroad, the impact of cuts and a call to arms 31:57

3M ago31:57

31:57

Kirsty Lang began her BBC career in 1986 and worked as the Central Europe correspondent for the BBC World Service and as a reporter on Newsnight. After a stint as The Sunday Times’ Paris correspondent, Kirsty went on to present Channel 4 News. Since 2002, she has been a stalwart of Radio 4, presenting Front Row, Last Word, and Round Britain Quiz. W…

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

3M 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…

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Stewart Purvis, former Ofcom regulator, on the fall out of the landmark decision against Ofcom in favour of GB News and the RTS awards controversy 26:18

3M ago26:18

26:18

Prof Stewart Purvis is the former content regulator at Ofcom, a former Editor of Channel 4 News and ITN Chief Executive. As the Vice President of the Royal Television Society we discuss: the RTS Awards controversy withdrawing an award for Gaza journalists, Stewart’s experience reviewing BBC Middle East coverage and the fallout from the landmark GB …

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

4M 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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Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, The i Paper columnist, on the BBC's Gaza coverage and media bias 32:35

4M ago32:35

32:35

Yasmin Alibhai-Brown describes herself as a "lefty, liberal, anti-racist feminist, Muslim" who was born in Uganda and came to the UK in 1972. She is a journalist, columnist for The i Paper, and commentator. Yasmin is a strong advocate for human rights who supports Israel's right to exist while being critically engaged with its policies. On this wee…

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

4M 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…

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Richard Ayre, former senior BBC Executive on BBC's Chair Samir Shah and DG Tim Davie parliamentary appearance and the Gaza documentary fallout 33:44

4M ago33:44

33:44

Richard Ayre is the chair of the UK's independent press regulator, Impress. Before that, he spent about thirty-five years at the BBC as a former controller of editorial policy and deputy chief executive of BBC News, before becoming a member of the BBC Trust. Richard is also a former member of the OFCOM content board. In this week's episode, we disc…

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

4M 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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Tony Hall, Former BBC Director-General, on Royal Charter renewal and anti-Semitism allegations 27:30

4M ago27:30

27:30

Tony Hall was the Director-General of the BBC from 2013 to 2020, during which time the BBC's Royal Charter was last renewed. We discuss the differences between that charter renewal process and the current one, as well as the key issues surrounding the upcoming renewal: a long-term vision, a permanent charter, a new funding model, accountability, an…

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

4M 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 …

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

4M 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…

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Dan Thomas, FT Global Media Editor on Sky's digital shift, BBC charter renewal debates, and the future challenges facing public service broadcasters 31:10

5M ago31:10

31:10

Dan Thomas is the Global Media Editor at the Financial Times who broke the story on Sky News’ strategy and newsroom overhaul. We discuss the strategic decisions facing all the major news organisations as they adapt to changing audience behaviours, regulation of social media, the future of all the public service broadcasters, BBC charter renewal, th…

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

5M 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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Rob Crilly, Chief US Political Correspondent for The Daily Mail, on Trump's presidency - an insider's view 34:22

5M ago34:22

34:22

Rob Crilly is the Chief US Political Correspondent for The Daily Mail who has covered Donald Trump since his bid for the presidency in 2015. Part of the White House press corp and regularly travelling with the president, Rob offers unique insights into Trump’s personality, communication style, and the impact Trump has had on American politics and j…

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

5M 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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Peter Kosminsky, director of 'Wolf Hall' on financial support for British dramas, his career and being sacked by the BBC Plays department 37:37

5M ago37:37

37:37

Peter Kosminsky, the renowned British film and television director who recently directed the much-acclaimed Wolf Hall, discusses his career journey—from being sacked by the BBC Plays department to finally becoming a successful documentary-maker and filmmaker. He describes the creative process behind Wolf Hall, the challenges British filmmakers face…

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

5M 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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Adjoa Andoh, Royal Shakespeare Company and Bridgerton actor on BBC radio drama cuts 28:27

5M ago28:27

28:27

Adjoa Andoh is one of Britain's most celebrated actors, with an extensive career spanning stage, screen, and radio. She has appeared in iconic TV series like Doctor Who and Netflix’s Bridgerton, as well as making her Hollywood debut in Clint Eastwood's Invictus. In this episode we discuss the importance of radio drama, concerns about the significan…

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

5M 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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David Lloyd local radio expert on the outcome of his complaint on BBC Radio Devon's coverage of the Plymouth riots 29:48

5M ago29:48

29:48

David Lloyd is a veteran of the local radio industry, with over 40 years of experience in roles at LBC, Virgin Radio, and the BBC. He also brings regulatory expertise from his time at the UK Radio Authority, now part of Ofcom. Today, he's a broadcaster and co-founder of Boom Radio, a relatively new UK station catering to baby boomers. In this episo…

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

6M 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…

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David Elstein, founding Chief Executive of Channel 5, on BBC mutualisation, funding models, PSB content, and tax breaks 36:05

6M ago36:05

36:05

David Elstein was the head of programming at BskyB, the director of programmes at Thames Television, before launching Channel 5 as its chief executive in 1997. Since then, he has chaired innumerable boards and organisations including the British Screen Advisory Council and Open Democracy. David was part of the last Conservative government's inquiry…

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

6M 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…