Walking The Dog with Emily Dean

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with Johnny Marr, there’s more from an extraordinary life in music, from the Manchester childhood that shaped him to the career that followed and the experiences that have stayed with him along the way. Johnny shares more about his upbringing, his relationship with music and what it has meant to spend much of his life doing the thing he first fell in love with as a boy. There’s also plenty more on a career that has taken him from The Smiths through countless collaborations and on to his acclaimed solo work. And it turns out guitars aren’t the only thing Johnny can’t resist. When a stray football appears during the walk, all thoughts of being a legendary musician are temporarily forgotten as he immediately has to give it a kick. If you haven’t already, catch up on part one of Emily’s walk with Johnny. His new album, The Age of Everything, is out now, and the anniversary edition of his autobiography, Set the Boy Free, will be released on 22 October. Follow Emily: Instagram:…

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with one of the most influential guitarists and songwriters of his generation, Johnny Marr. Johnny grew up in Manchester in a house filled with music, before going on to co-found The Smiths and create a sound that would influence generations of musicians. He tells Emily about those early years, the formation of the band and the extraordinary musical legacy they left behind, as well as the lasting impact that period had on his own life and career. After The Smiths, Johnny built a career every bit as eclectic as you’d expect, working with artists including The Pretenders, The The, Modest Mouse and Gorillaz, before establishing himself as an acclaimed solo artist. His new album, The Age of Everything, is out now, and a new anniversary edition of his autobiography, Set the Boy Free, will be released on 22 October. And, crucially, Johnny is a serious dog person. He arrived for the walk armed with treats for Ray and plenty of stories about his two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, leaving…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with Nick Knowles, Nick takes us behind the scenes of DIY SOS and explains just how much work, care and love goes into creating the transformations we see on screen. He talks about the people and communities at the heart of the programme, why the show has remained so important to him after 26 years, and what it’s like being there when months of planning and hard graft finally come together. Nick also opens up about the less straightforward side of being a familiar face, from dealing with press attention to the strange ways fame can affect your everyday life. If you haven’t already, catch up on part one of Emily’s walk with Nick. And you can see the current series of DIY SOS on Tuesdays at 8pm on BBC One. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with Nick Knowles, who has been at the helm of DIY SOS for an incredible 26 years, or, as Emily prefers to call it, Time for My Weekly Cry. Nick grew up on a council estate in West London, left school at 16 and spent the next few years doing just about every job imaginable. He tells Emily how he eventually blagged his way into television with the help of some questionably acquired BBC letterhead, beginning a broadcasting career that has made him one of the most recognisable faces on British TV. There are stories from a remarkably adventure-packed life, from working with David Attenborough and orangutans to chatting with Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace, plus the fabulous revelation that Nick once owned a pair of chinchillas. He also looks back on his adventures in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! And, of course, they delve into DIY SOS, the extraordinary people Nick has met through the programme and the communities who come together to transform the lives of…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with Caitlin Moran and Luna, Caitlin turns her attention to something many of us could probably use a little more of right now: hope. Her new book, How to Be Hopeful, grew out of a search for ways to feel more optimistic about the world without simply ignoring everything that’s wrong with it. Caitlin shares some of what she discovered along the way, and why seemingly small things - nature, community, getting outside and, inevitably, dogs - can make a surprisingly big difference. There’s also more from Caitlin on her life, family and extraordinary career, as the conversation ranges from the deeply thoughtful to the gloriously silly. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. Caitlin’s new book, How to Be Hopeful, is available to buy now. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted…

This week Emily and Ray take a North London stroll with columnist and bestselling author Caitlin Moran and her adorable cockapoo, Luna. Caitlin chats about her extraordinary childhood growing up as the eldest of eight children on a council estate in Wolverhampton, largely educating herself through books from her local library, and the remarkable start to her career which saw her become a published novelist and award-winning journalist while she was still in her teens. She’s since become one of Britain’s most celebrated writers, from her hugely popular column in The Times to the million-selling How to Be a Woman and a string of bestselling books. Caitlin talks about that journey and what she’s learned from a life spent writing about everything from feminism and family to culture, politics and the everyday absurdities of being human. Her new book, How to Be Hopeful, sees Caitlin searching for ways to find a little more peace and optimism in a sometimes overwhelmingly gloomy world. From putting down the…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s chat with the wonderful Harriet Kemsley, Harriet opens up about motherhood and how having her daughter gave her a sense of self-worth and confidence she’d never really experienced before. It’s a beautifully honest and moving conversation about how becoming a parent changed the way she sees herself. Harriet also talks about her rise through comedy, her experience appearing on Last One Laughing, and her podcast Single Ladies In Your Area. Plus, there’s more on Harriet’s brand new stand-up show, Floozy, which heads out on tour this autumn with dates across the country through to February. You can book tickets now at HarrietKemsley.com. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one for more from Harriet, Sunny and, of course, Ray-Ray. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See…

This week Emily and Ray head to South London to meet the brilliantly funny Harriet Kemsley and her beautiful Cavapoo, Sunny. With torrential rain putting a stop to the planned walk, Harriet welcomes Emily and Ray into her home instead, where things get off to a slightly chaotic start when a questionable-looking cashew milk coffee leads Emily to secretly send a photo to ChatGPT to check it’s safe to drink. Once the coffee situation is resolved, Harriet chats about growing up on a farm, studying drama in New York and eventually overcoming her shyness to try stand-up comedy. It turned out to be a very good decision, with Harriet going on to appear in shows including Last One Laughing, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Would I Lie to You?, alongside building a hugely successful career as a live comedian. Her brand new stand-up show, Floozy, heads out on tour this autumn, with dates across the country through to February. You can book tickets now at HarrietKemsley.com. Harriet and Sunny can also be seen in the new TV series…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the fabulous Shazia Mirza, there’s plenty more from one of Britain’s most distinctive and brilliantly funny comedians, as Shazia reflects on her life, career and the experiences that have shaped her comedy. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one, where Shazia talks about growing up in Birmingham, secretly pursuing stand-up while working as a science teacher, and the special role Emily’s late mum played in encouraging her at the very beginning of her comedy career. Shazia will be heading out on tour next year with a brand new show, 'Prude', so keep an eye on her Instagram, @TheShaziaMirza, for tour dates, tickets and all the latest details. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with the fabulous comedian Shazia Mirza. Emily and Shazia actually go back a long way, as when Shazia first decided to pursue comedy, she took performance lessons with Emily’s late mum, an acting teacher who became a great friend and source of encouragement. This is Shazia’s first meeting with Ray, though, and despite admitting she’s usually a little nervous around dogs, it isn’t long before he’s won her over and been officially declared Britain’s first halal dog. Shazia talks about growing up in Birmingham in a strict household with strong academic expectations, studying biochemistry at university and becoming a science teacher, before eventually realising that what she really wanted to do was stand-up. She began performing comedy in secret, and within just a few years found herself appearing on the hugely influential American programme 60 Minutes as the world’s only female Muslim stand-up comedian. Since then, Shazia has become a fixture of British comedy, appearing on…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Fay Ripley and Apple, Fay looks back on the huge success of Cold Feet and the incredibly difficult decision she made to walk away from the show at the height of its popularity. She also tells Emily the story of how she met her husband, actor Daniel Lapaine, recalls a rather unpleasant encounter with a very famous actress, and reveals why her friendship with David Baddiel has reached the level where he feels perfectly comfortable popping round to her house for a poo. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll across North London’s Parliament Hill with the wonderful Fay Ripley and her very smartly dressed dog, Apple, who arrived wearing a bow tie especially for the occasion. Fay chats about her childhood growing up in Surrey, her brilliantly named dad Beverly and the three attempts it took before she finally got into drama school. She also looks back on some of the more unusual jobs she had before acting took off, including working in a tanning salon and, rather wonderfully, as a clown. They talk about the role that changed everything, playing Jenny in Cold Feet, and how Fay dealt with suddenly becoming incredibly famous. There’s also the story of meeting her husband, actor Daniel Lapaine, and the rather surreal occasion when Fay found herself giving acting advice to Robert De Niro. And away from acting, Fay talks about her other great passion, food. She’s written three bestselling cookery books and shares how cooking became another important part of her career. It’s a…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Laura Aikman, Laura delves into her role in the acclaimed BBC drama This City Is Ours and gives us a tantalising tease about what we can expect from her in the new series of Line of Duty. Laura also talks about a very different side of her life away from acting: her work as a volunteer for the mental health support service Shout. Since 2022, she’s taken hundreds of conversations with people experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and she explains why the work has become so important to her. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you want to see Laura on stage, she stars alongside Michelle Dockery in Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy, opening at Stratford East on September 3rd and running until October 10th. Tickets are available at https://www.stratfordeast.com. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will…

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with the wonderful Laura Aikman and her brilliantly named French bulldog, Eric Cantona. Laura is perhaps best known to millions of Gavin & Stacey fans as Smithy’s formidable girlfriend Sonia, but her acting career stretches back much further. She chats to Emily about growing up in Hertfordshire with an actress mum and stuntman dad, becoming a child actor herself, and playing Anthony Hopkins’ daughter in Surviving Picasso. They also talk about Laura’s career in shows including Archie and the acclaimed BBC drama This City Is Ours, before getting into that unforgettable return to Gavin & Stacey. Laura reveals the extraordinary lengths she went to in order to keep her appearance in the Christmas finale secret, even from her own parents, and the hilarious reaction video that subsequently went viral. Laura also talks about her new play, Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy, a contemporary reimagining of the Helen of Troy myth in which she stars alongside Michelle Dockery. It runs…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Gaby Roslin, Gaby looks back on the extraordinary success of The Big Breakfast and the whirlwind of suddenly becoming one of the most recognisable faces on television. She also talks warmly about her friendship with Chris Evans, what made their partnership work, and the memories they still share from one of the most exciting and unpredictable periods of her career. The conversation then turns to Gaby’s new ITV series, The Joy of Pets, and why a programme celebrating animals and the people who love them feels like such a perfect fit. Alongside Dr Bolu Eso, Gaby travels around the country meeting remarkable pets and hearing the stories behind the bonds they share with their owners. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. The Joy of Pets begins on Sunday 23rd August on ITV, and you can also hear Gaby every Saturday morning on Magic Radio. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X:…

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with one of the nation’s best-loved TV and radio presenters, Gaby Roslin. Gaby chats about growing up with her beloved staffie Bazooka, dreaming of becoming a television presenter from a very young age, and the early children’s TV jobs that eventually led to her big break co-hosting The Big Breakfast with Chris Evans. She also looks back on a remarkable career that has seen her work with everyone from Terry Wogan to the cast of Friends, and talks about why her natural curiosity and love of meeting people have remained at the heart of everything she does. Gaby is now combining two of her greatest passions in the new ITV series The Joy of Pets. Alongside pet expert Dr Bolu Eso, she travels around the country meeting extraordinary animals and the people who love them. The series begins on Sunday 23rd August on ITV. You can also hear Gaby every Saturday morning on Magic Radio. It’s a wonderfully joyful conversation full of warmth, laughter and unexpected encounters with…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Jake Bhardwaj, Jake takes us behind the scenes of the day Prince Harry came on Joe Marler Will See You Now, from finding out one of the most famous men in the world was going to be a guest to what he was actually like when the microphones were switched on (and off). Jake also talks about his own fascinating career shift, having spent years behind the scenes producing comedy for some of the biggest names in the business before gradually finding himself in front of the camera. He reflects on what gave him the confidence to start making his own content, and how he’s adjusted to suddenly becoming the talent rather than the person looking after it. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you’re at the Edinburgh Festival, you can catch Jake’s live show Not Another Quiz Night at the Gilded Balloon until August 30th. Tickets are available at https://www.edfringe.com. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X:…

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with comedy creator, writer, actor, producer and quizmaster Jake Bhardwaj. You might know Jake from the hugely popular podcast Joe Marler Will See You Now, which he co-hosts with Joe Marler and has recently welcomed guests including Prince Harry. He’s also been hosting the behind-the-scenes content for Saturday Night Live UK and recently popped up in the new Diane Morgan series Ann Droid. Jake chats to Emily about the brilliantly varied route he’s taken through the comedy industry, from one of his first jobs writing questions for The Chase, to years spent working behind the scenes as a comedy producer with the likes of Romesh Ranganathan and Joe Lycett. He also reveals what finally convinced him to step in front of the camera himself, posting comedy videos online and eventually becoming a full-time performer. They also talk about Jake’s other life as a quizmaster. His live show Not Another Quiz Night has become a sell-out hit and is at the Gilded Balloon throughout the…

In part two of Emily and Ray's walk with the wonderful Alfie Dundas, the conversation delves deeper into Alfie's time at Eton, the expectations that came with his upbringing, and why he eventually decided to walk away from a successful career in the tech industry to pursue stand-up comedy instead. He also talks about his debut Edinburgh show, First Class Panic, and the experiences that inspired it, as well as what it's really like making the leap into comedy full-time. If you haven't already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you're heading to this year's Edinburgh Festival, don't miss First Class Panic at the Pleasance Courtyard from August 5th to 30th. Tickets are available now at https://www.edfringe.com. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with one of comedy's fastest-rising stars, Alfie Dundas. With more than 100 million views across social media, Alfie has quickly built a huge following for his brilliantly observed comedy. But away from the internet, Emily discovers the story behind the jokes, from growing up in London as the grandson of a Marquess, to his years at Eton, studying economics at university, and the decision to swap a conventional career for life as a stand-up comedian. Alfie also talks about his Edinburgh Fringe show, First Class Panic, which heads to the Pleasance Courtyard from August 5th to 30th. If you're heading to Edinburgh this summer, it's well worth catching. Tickets are available now at https://www.edfringe.com. It's a funny, thoughtful and surprisingly self-deprecating conversation with a comedian who's as charming off stage as he is on it. And despite Ray's obvious excitement at meeting someone with an even posher pedigree than his own, Alfie somehow manages to steal the show.…

In part two of Emily and Ray's chat with the wonderful Sarah Hadland, Sarah looks back on the extraordinary success of Miranda, the friendships that came from the show, and what it was like being part of one of Britain's most beloved sitcoms. She also talks about taking on Strictly Come Dancing, the confidence the experience gave her, and why she's still happiest when she's performing, whether that's on stage, on screen or in front of a live audience. Along the way, she shares more stories from a career that's taken her from musical theatre to comedy classics and everything in between. If you haven't already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you'd like to see Sarah on stage, she's currently starring alongside Stephen Mangan in The Truth at London's Apollo Theatre until 12th September. Tickets are available at https://www.apollotheatre.co.uk. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music:…

This week Emily and Ray are joined by acting and comedy icon Sarah Hadland. With the summer heat proving a little too much for Ray, this week's chat takes place indoors at Acast HQ, where Ray makes rather more of an impression than anyone had planned... Sarah reflects on her early years, from performing an Elvis impression as a child in her sister's dungarees to leaving home at just 16 to attend drama school. She also talks about her years in musical theatre, the realities of life as a jobbing actor, and how everything changed when she was cast as Stevie in the much-loved sitcom Miranda. Sarah is currently starring alongside, former Walking the Dog guest, Stephen Mangan in the critically acclaimed dark comedy The Truth at London's Apollo Theatre. The production runs until 12th September, with tickets available at https://www.apollotheatre.co.uk. It's a joyful, funny and wonderfully honest conversation with one of Britain's most beloved performers. Sarah's warmth is impossible to miss, and despite Ray's best…

In part two of Emily and Ray's walk with Sian Welby, Sian reflects on her journey into radio, the path that led her to the Capital Breakfast Show, and what it's really like waking up before dawn to host one of the UK's biggest breakfast programmes. The conversation also becomes deeply personal as Sian speaks with honesty and warmth about her father's dementia diagnosis, the challenges it has brought to her family, and the importance of talking openly about an illness that affects so many people. It's a moving and thoughtful discussion that will resonate with anyone who has experienced dementia in their own family. If you haven't already, do go back and listen to part one. It's a wonderful conversation about Sian's career, from weather presenting to breakfast radio, as well as the people, jobs and experiences that shaped her along the way. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman…

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll through Regent's Park with TV and radio presenter and co-host of the Capital Breakfast Show Sian Welby. Fresh from finishing another morning show, Sian somehow arrives full of energy, and over the course of the walk she chats to Emily about growing up in Nottingham, the work ethic her parents instilled in her, and the years she spent juggling a job at New Look alongside the early stages of her broadcasting career. Sian also shares the story of how Peter Andre unexpectedly played a part in changing her life, her first break as a TV weather presenter, and the mischievous Star Wars references she used to sneak into her forecasts before eventually landing her dream job on the Capital Breakfast Show. The conversation also takes a more personal turn as Sian opens up about her dad's dementia diagnosis and how she and her family have learned to navigate it together. It's an honest and moving discussion that will resonate with anyone whose family has been affected by dementia.…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the brilliant Sophie Garrad, Sophie shares the story of a truly unforgettable gig in Birmingham and explains, with tongue firmly in cheek, why she's now reluctant to accept comedy bookings north of Milton Keynes. The conversation also turns to the realities of building a career online, the jobs Sophie had before comedy took over, and the wonderfully unconventional family that helped shape her brilliantly original sense of humour. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you're heading to this year's Edinburgh Festival, don't miss Sophie's new show, A Period Drama, at the Pleasance Dome from August 7th to 30th. Tickets are available at https://www.pleasance.co.uk. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll through Regent's Park with comedian and content creator Sophie Garrad. Running on very little sleep after staying up to watch England's late-night World Cup match, Emily is relieved to discover that Sophie arrives with enough energy for the both of them. The pair chat about Sophie's fascinating upbringing, which, despite appearing glamorous from the outside, was shaped by her father's imprisonment, an experience she now explores with honesty and humour in her stand-up. They also discuss Sophie's decision to pursue comedy, the creation of her hugely popular online characters, including Private School Mum, and how her sketches have gone on to attract more than 100 million views across social media. Sophie's new Edinburgh show, A Period Drama, runs at the Pleasance Dome from August 7th to 30th. Tickets are available now at https://www.pleasance.co.uk. It's a funny, candid and hugely uplifting conversation with a comedian whose warmth and infectious energy shine through from…

In part two of Emily's walk with the brilliant Dan Tiernan, the conversation takes a more personal turn as Dan opens up about his sister's leukaemia diagnosis, the impact it had on his family, and how her resilience has shaped his outlook on life. They also chat about his latest stand-up show, Quartz and All, why it's his most personal hour yet, and how he's learned to turn life's more difficult moments into comedy without ever losing sight of the people behind the stories. If you haven't already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you'd like to see Dan live, Quartz and All is at the Edinburgh Festival throughout August before touring the UK. Tickets and dates are available at https://www.dantiernan.co.uk. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily takes a stroll through Regent's Park with award-winning comedian Dan Tiernan. With temperatures still soaring during the heatwave, Ray sensibly sits this one out, leaving Emily to discover whether Dan can be quite as entertaining without a four-legged co-host. (Spoiler: he can.) Dan chats about growing up in and around Manchester, the surprising childhood hobby that saw him performing as a magician, and the comedy course his mum signed him up for that ultimately changed the course of his life. They also discuss his rise through the stand-up circuit, from winning the BBC New Comedy Award and British Comedian of the Year to appearing on shows including QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats and The Last Leg. Dan's brand new show, Quartz and All, heads to the Edinburgh Festival this August, playing nightly at Monkey Barrel from August 3rd to 30th, before touring the UK. Tickets and dates are available at https://www.dantiernan.co.uk. It's a wonderfully funny, chaotic and heartfelt conversation with one of the…

In part two of Emily’s walk with the wonderful Bella Hull, the conversation turns to the realities of building a career in comedy, from writing for Saturday Night Live UK to navigating the Edinburgh Fringe and finding her own voice as a stand-up. Bella also reflects on the moments that have shaped her life and career so far, with plenty more brilliantly funny observations along the way. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you're heading to this year's Edinburgh Festival, don't miss Bella's new show Mad Cow Disease, playing daily at Monkey Barrel from August 3rd to 30th. Tickets are available at https://www.edfringe.com. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily takes a sunny stroll with the brilliantly funny comedian Bella Hull. With temperatures soaring during the heatwave, Ray sensibly stayed at home in the cool, but that didn't stop him becoming a major topic of conversation. Bella chats to Emily about discovering a love of comedy at a remarkably young age, performing her first stand-up gig at just 17, and why one of her biggest motivations for applying to Cambridge University was the chance to join the legendary Footlights. Since then, Bella has become one of the UK's most exciting comedy voices, supporting the likes of Phil Wang and Russell Howard, joining the writing team on Saturday Night Live UK, and making memorable appearances on Have I Got News For You. Bella's brand new show, Mad Cow Disease, heads to the Edinburgh Festival this August, playing daily at Monkey Barrel from August 3rd to 30th. Tickets are available now at https://www.edfringe.com. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X:…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with Ellie Kildunne, the conversation turns to some of the biggest highs and toughest moments of her life and career. Ellie reflects on what it felt like to finally lift the Rugby World Cup, the surreal experience of being turned into a Barbie doll, and the challenges she faced during the Covid pandemic, when uncertainty around rugby and life beyond the sport took a significant toll. It's an honest and revealing conversation about resilience, identity and finding your way through difficult periods, even when the outside world sees only success. If you haven’t already, do catch up on part one. If you'd like to learn more about Ellie's story, her memoir Game Changer is out now and well worth a read. Ellie is an ambassador for Nulo - uk.nulo.com Instagram: Nulo UK Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla…

This week Emily and Ray head to Yorkshire for a stroll with England rugby star, World Cup winner and Sports Personality of the Year runner up Ellie Kildunne, joined by her beautiful cocker spaniel cross, Otis. After spending a little time exploring the Yorkshire Dales, Emily meets Ellie at her parents' home before heading off for a walk and a chat about her remarkable journey from rugby-mad youngster to one of the biggest names in world sport. Ellie talks about growing up in Yorkshire, often being the only girl on the rugby pitch, and the challenges of balancing her studies with an increasingly demanding England career. She also opens up about her ADHD diagnosis and how she's learned to harness her focus, energy and determination both on and off the field. The conversation covers some of the defining moments of her career, including representing England on the biggest stage, being nominated for Sports Personality of the Year, and the surreal experience of becoming a Barbie doll. If you'd like to learn more…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful George Fouracres, the conversation becomes a little more personal as George talks openly about his bipolar diagnosis and the impact it's had on his life and career. He also shares the brilliant story of finding out he'd landed a role on Saturday Night Live UK, a moment that should have been one of the biggest of his career. Instead, his attention was largely focused elsewhere, on a cordless vacuum cleaner he'd recently bought and was extremely excited about collecting! It's a funny, honest and surprisingly moving second half that offers a glimpse into the person behind one of comedy's breakout stars. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. And do give us a like and a follow so you can catch us every week. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast.…

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll through Finsbury Park with actor, comedian and Saturday Night Live UK star George Fouracres. George is having quite the moment. His scene-stealing performances on SNLUK have made him one of the breakout comedy stars of the year, with sketches like What Kind of Irish Is Your Grandad? and his take on Kier Starmer becoming instant viral hits. In fact, one of them was even reposted by Donald Trump, which may be one of the more unexpected endorsements in comedy history. On the walk, George chats to Emily about growing up in the Black Country surrounded by a big, close-knit family, how he once considered becoming a priest, and the school production that first made him realise performing might be his future. They also talk about his time at Cambridge, where he became close friends with comedians Pierre Novellie and Phil Wang, and began developing the comedy skills that would eventually take him from Shakespeare to sketch comedy. As well as his television work, George is an…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Catherine Bohart, the conversation dives deeper into anxiety, overthinking and the idea of "borrowing trouble" from the future. Catherine talks candidly about OCD, the way she navigates uncertainty, and why some of our biggest worries often never come to pass. There’s also plenty more laughter along the way, including Catherine’s observations on relationships, comedy and the strange business of turning your life into stand-up material. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you’d like to see Catherine live, her new show Borrowing Trouble is coming to Soho Theatre before touring the UK and Ireland. Tickets are available at https://www.catherinebohart.com. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray take an East London stroll through Victoria Park with comedian Catherine Bohart. You’ll probably know Catherine from shows including QI, Live at the Apollo, Roast Battle and Last One Laughing Ireland, but on this walk she chats to Emily about the experiences that shaped her long before she stepped onto a stage. From growing up in Dublin to having a father who was training to be a priest when he met her mother, Catherine shares the stories behind her fascinating upbringing and the path that eventually led her into comedy. Emily and Catherine also discuss Catherine's experience of living with OCD, the challenges of turning your personal life into stand-up material, and the emotional aftermath that can sometimes come with sharing so much of yourself on stage. They also talk about Catherine's brand new show, Borrowing Trouble, named after a phrase her father uses to describe worrying about things that may never happen. The show comes to London's Soho Theatre from September 21st to October…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with Sir Ed Davey, the conversation turns to the state of modern politics, from the rise of populism to the challenges posed by figures like Donald Trump and Nigel Farage, and what Ed believes the future of British politics might look like. Away from the political arena, Emily also gets to know the man behind the headlines, discussing everything from his taste in music and comedy to the moments and influences that have shaped him away from Westminster. If you haven’t already, do catch up on part one. And if you'd like to learn more about Ed's story, his book Why I Care: And Why Care Matters is available now in paperback. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray take a (slightly blustery) stroll with a very special guest: Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats. What starts as a walk with a politician quickly becomes something much more personal, as Ed opens up about the experiences that have shaped his life. He talks candidly about losing his father to cancer when he was just four years old, helping to care for his mother through her own illness before losing her as a teenager, and how those experiences led to a lifelong passion for supporting carers. Emily and Ed also chat about his time at Oxford, the surprising moment MI6 tried to recruit him as a spy, and life today with his wife Emily and their son John, who has severe disabilities. These themes are explored in his book Why I Care: And Why Care Matters, which is now available in paperback. Away from Westminster, Emily discovers a very different side to Ed, including his love of ABBA and Adele, and a willingness to let her scroll through his playlist. It’s a thoughtful, moving and…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Christopher Hall, the conversation turns to the realities of internet fame, performing live after going viral, and the joy and chaos of creating comedy with his sister Elizabeth. There’s also plenty more pop nostalgia, musical theatre chat and general silliness along the way. If you haven’t already, do catch up on part one. And if you’d like to see Christopher live, his show Pizazz will be at the Edinburgh Festival from August 5th to 31st before touring across the UK later this year. Tickets and dates are available at https://mickperrin.com. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with comedian, choreographer and social media phenomenon Christopher Hall. Christopher first found a huge audience online through his brilliantly funny background singers sketches with his sister Elizabeth, lovingly parodying the gloriously overcommitted backing vocalists secretly desperate to become the star of the show. The videos have now racked up more than 50 million views and led to collaborations with the likes of Shania Twain and Sophie Ellis Bextor. On the walk, Christopher chats to Emily about his childhood obsession with 90s pop music, growing up as a young gay man, and how attending musical theatre college gave him a real sense of confidence and belonging. They also talk about his years performing on cruise ships, the realities of building an online following, and working creatively with his sister, with whom he co-hosts the podcast Stay Hydrated. Christopher’s live show Pizazz heads to the Edinburgh Festival from August 5th to 31st before touring the UK…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Victoria Pendleton, the conversation turns to fear, resilience and the mindset shifts that helped Victoria navigate life after elite sport. Emily and Victoria also talk more about her brilliant new book The Fear Opportunity, which explores how doing things that scare us, even in small ways, can lead to a richer and more fulfilling life. Emily found it hugely inspiring, and highly recommends giving it a read. If you haven’t already, do catch up on part one. And be sure to order your copy of The Fear Opportunity, out now. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton. Victoria was in London for the recording, meaning her beloved Belgian Malinois, Valor, stayed back home in the West Country, but the conversation quickly turns to dogs, including the Rhodesian Ridgeback Victoria met while appearing on The Dog House. Emily chats to Victoria about her extraordinary life and career, from growing up in Bedfordshire with a cycling-mad dad, to becoming one of Britain’s most successful Olympians. Victoria speaks candidly about the pressure of elite sport, the impact it had on her mental health, and the importance therapy has played in her life. She also opens up movingly about the loss of her twin brother Alex to brain cancer and how she’s learned to live alongside grief. Since retiring from cycling, Victoria has continued to seek out huge challenges, from training as a jockey for the Cheltenham Festival to attempting to climb Mount Everest. Her new book The Fear Opportunity explores how embracing…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Jodie Kidd, the conversation heads further into Jodie’s life away from modelling, including her love of dogs, country life and the projects she’s most passionate about now. There’s also more from dachshunds Dave and Dutton, who very nearly stole the show entirely. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you fancy a brilliant day out with your dog, Jodie will be taking part in Goodwoof at the Goodwood Estate on May 16th and 17th, celebrating all things canine. Tickets and information are available at https://www.goodwood.com. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray head to the Surrey-Sussex border for a countryside stroll with supermodel, racing driver, businesswoman and pub owner Jodie Kidd, joined by her two adorable dachshunds, Dave and Dutton. Jodie chats to Emily about being discovered on a beach at just 15 and suddenly launched into the world of high fashion, going on to work with the likes of Alexander McQueen and Chanel. She also opens up about stepping away from modelling at the height of her fame and throwing herself into a completely different passion: motor racing. They also talk about Jodie’s love of dogs and her involvement with Goodwoof, the annual dog celebration held at the Goodwood estate. This year’s event features everything from dog yoga and behavioural talks to the gloriously named Ministry of Hound disco, with Jodie joining the judging panel for the stylish dog-and-owner competition, Chien Charmant. Goodwoof takes place on May 16th and 17th and tickets are available at https://www.goodwood.com. It’s a warm, funny and…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Nikita Kuzmin, the conversation moves from the Strictly spotlight to what really drives him, his discipline, his love of dance, and the mindset that’s taken him from training as a child to performing on some of the biggest stages in the UK. There’s also more of Mabel, who is clearly being trained to an exceptionally high standard, and Ray doing his best to keep up with proceedings. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you want to see Nikita live, his brand new show Supernova is touring the UK this June and July. Tickets and dates are available at https://nikitasupernova.uk. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray take a South London stroll with Strictly Come Dancing favourite Nikita Kuzmin, joined by his adorable Chihuahua, Mabel. Nikita chats to Emily about his journey from growing up in Ukraine to moving to Italy as a child to pursue dance with his sister, and the moment his life changed when he got the call to join Strictly. They also talk about his partnerships on the show, including his much-loved routines with Layton Williams and Amber Davies, and how he’s navigated the sudden attention that comes with it. On the walk, it quickly becomes clear just how popular Nikita is, with fans stopping to say hello throughout. Ray, meanwhile, receives exactly one comment, from a child who thought he looked like a cloth. Nikita also shares his excitement about his brand new live dance show Supernova, which is touring the UK throughout June and July. Tickets and dates are available at https://nikitasupernova.uk. It’s a warm, open and genuinely charming conversation with someone who clearly loves what…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Fin Taylor, the chat turns to Fin’s brilliantly chaotic Fin vs The Internet series, including the unforgettable appearance of Bonnie Blue, and how moments like that have helped shape his career. They also get into the realities of modern comedy, from building and owning your own IP to how platforms like YouTube and Patreon have completely changed the game for comics trying to do things on their own terms. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you want to see Fin live, his upcoming show The Fin Taylor Pre-emptive Comeback Special is touring later this year. Tickets and dates are available at https://www.livenation.co.uk. Follow Emily: Instagram X Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray head to Beckenham Place Park for a stroll with comedian and writer Fin Taylor, joined by his ridiculously cute Cavapoo, Winnie. Fin chats to Emily about his journey into comedy, from growing up with teacher parents and attending an all-girls boarding school (with Emma Watson!), to performing his first stand-up gig at just 15. Since then, he’s built a hugely successful career, appearing on shows like Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats and The Last Leg, as well as creating his popular YouTube series Fin vs. The Internet, where he conducts brilliantly awkward interviews with content creators. They also talk about his podcast Fin vs. History with Horatio Gould, and his upcoming live show The Fin Taylor Pre-emptive Comeback Special, which is touring later this year. Tickets are available now at https://www.livenation.co.uk. Follow Emily: Instagram X Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See…

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful John Robins, the conversation carries on with more honesty, humour and great storytelling. If you haven’t already, do catch up on part one. And be sure to pre-order John’s brilliant memoir Thirst: 12 Drinks That Changed My Life, which is out on May 7th. Follow Emily: Instagram X Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray head to the Buckinghamshire countryside for a walk with comedian, podcaster and writer John Robins. John is best known for his award-winning stand-up and his long-running partnership with fellow comedian Elis James, as well as his brilliantly competitive turn on Taskmaster. On the walk, he chats to Emily about his childhood growing up near Bristol, his time at Oxford where he briefly considered becoming a poet, and his early days in comedy, including sharing a flat with Jon Richardson and Russell Howard. They also talk about John’s powerful and deeply personal new memoir Thirst: 12 Drinks That Changed My Life, which explores his relationship with alcohol and his journey into recovery and sobriety. It’s a beautifully written, funny and moving read, and is out on May 7th, available to pre-order now. It’s a thoughtful, honest and very funny conversation, with John bravely navigating both the countryside and the realities of dog ownership, while Ray does his best to win him over. Follow…