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The MarshyCast

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Sarah Whatmore on Pop Idol, Walking Away from Fame and Returning with New Single Hate

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15 minutes | Thursday, 8 October 2026
Send us Fan MailTwenty-five years ago, Sarah Whatmore appeared on the very first series of Pop Idol. But while the programme opened doors to the music industry, what happened afterwards wasn't always the dream she'd imagined.Sarah joined me on the latest episode of The MarshyCast to talk about her new single, Hate, her experiences in the music industry and why she decided to spend so many years away from the spotlight.When the dream becomes difficultFor many young singers, appearing on a major television talent show is the opportunity of a lifetime.The first series of Pop Idol arrived at a ...
14 minutes | Wednesday, 7 October 2026
Send us Fan MailIf you could do one thing today to make life easier for yourself in ten or twenty years, what would it be?It's a question more of us are beginning to consider as we think about our “future selves”, and it's something I discussed with renowned Blue Peter presenter Anthea Turner when she joined me on The MarshyCast.Although before we got to the sensible stuff, there was an important injustice to address.Anthea finally has her Gold Blue Peter badge!Given everything Anthea did during her time on Blue Peter, you might assume a Gold badge had been safely tucked away somewhere for ...
17 minutes | Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Send us Fan MailThere comes a moment in life when you realise you might not be cool anymore.For comedian Laura Lexx and me, it appears that moment involves standing in a playground collecting conkers for your children.How did this happen?Laura joined me on The MarshyCast to talk about her show Yo-Yo, which looks at life, love and what happens when a marriage reaches the point where your partner has pretty much seen everything you've got.As Laura and I have both been married for 11 years, our conversation inevitably became a minor investigation into one of life's great mysteries:How do men a...
22 minutes | Monday, 5 October 2026
Send us Fan MailSometimes you're so focused on where you're going that you forget to look back at how far you've already travelled.That's something Poppy and Vicki from First Time Flyers reflected on when they joined me for the latest episode of The MarshyCast.There's plenty to look forward to for the band, including their single and album Coming Home and a UK tour in 2027, but our conversation also gave us a chance to rewind to where First Time Flyers began.Before becoming a band, all four members were independent artists with careers and musical identities of their own.On paper, there's a...
18 minutes | Saturday, 3 October 2026
Send us Fan MailWhen you're reading a murder mystery, are you trying to beat the detective to the killer, or are you perfectly happy being fooled until the final page?It's a question I put to TV executive Amanda Ross when she joined me on The MarshyCast to talk about Between The Covers Live: Celebrating Agatha Christie.The live show brings together Amanda with author, actor and director Ben Miller, bestselling crime writer Lucy Foley and barrister, broadcaster and bestselling author Rob Rinder to celebrate the enduring appeal of Agatha Christie.Lucy also has a particularly fascinating conne...
12 minutes | Friday, 2 October 2026
Send us Fan MailGetting older gets a pretty terrible marketing campaign.Grey hairs, aching knees and suddenly making noises every time you get out of a chair. But comedian Sally-Anne Hayward thinks there’s another side to it.Ageing isn’t a crisis, it’s an upgrade.That’s the theme of Sally-Anne’s new comedy show and, when she joined me on The MarshyCast, I wanted to know what actually gets better with age.One of the biggest changes is becoming more comfortable in your own skin.There can be something liberating about reaching the point where other people’s opinions don't carry quite as much w...
14 minutes | Wednesday, 30 September 2026
Send us Fan MailMichael Ball has spent more than four decades performing on some of the biggest stages in musical theatre.But despite all that experience and success, there's still a voice in his head asking: Am I good enough?It's something Michael spoke remarkably openly about when he joined me on the latest episode of The MarshyCast.Michael is heading back out on the road with his new show, Glow, including a date at Portsmouth Guildhall, and we talked about what audiences can expect and, perhaps more importantly, how he wants people to feel when they walk out afterwards.We also talked ven...
12 minutes | Tuesday, 29 September 2026
Send us Fan MailIf a friend told you they were struggling financially, you'd probably tell them not to suffer in silence.But would you take the same advice yourself?That's something comedian Judi Love and I discussed on the latest episode of The MarshyCast, after research found that 70% of people are more comfortable talking about other people's problems than their own.Before getting into the serious stuff, Judi told me about her recent trip to the London Podcast Festival and what a brilliant experience she'd had.But our conversation soon turned to something affecting households across the ...
9 minutes | Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Send us Fan MailBuying a Honda NSX in Japan sounds like the sort of assignment most petrolheads would accept before you've even finished asking the question. But this is Wheeler Dealers, so naturally things don't go entirely to plan. On the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with Mike Brewer and Marc 'Elvis' Priestley to talk about Season 3 of Wheeler Dealers World Tour, which once again takes the pair around the globe in search of incredible cars and the people who love them. The new series begins in Japan with one particularly exciting target: the legendary Honda NSX. It's a ca...
20 minutes | Monday, 21 September 2026
Send us Fan MailHow do you deliver a great acting performance when your script doesn't actually contain any words? That's one of the fascinating things I discovered when I caught up with actress Kate Harbour for the latest episode of The MarshyCast to talk about Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom. Having recently seen the film myself, I went into this interview as a very happy customer. It's a brilliant family film, but one of the things that particularly struck me was how much there is for adults to enjoy alongside the younger audience. Kate and I talked about that delicate balanci...
11 minutes | Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Send us Fan MailYou've spent years knowing where your children are, what they're doing and, broadly speaking, whether they've remembered to eat. Then one day, you leave them at university... and drive home without them. On the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I spoke to Myleene Klass MBE about what happens to the relationship between parents and children when they reach that next stage of independence. Research suggests parents receive an average of 528 texts a year from children who've left for university, yet nearly half worry they're checking in too often themselves. And it's easy to un...
13 minutes | Thursday, 10 September 2026
Send us Fan MailWhen you're choosing someone to carry out work in your home, what matters most? Qualifications and credentials might seem like the obvious answer, but personal recommendations, first impressions and even how somebody looks can play a surprisingly big role in who we trust. On the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I spoke to TV star Denise Van Outen and Ronan Howard, SME Champion for Gas Safe Register, about why younger homeowners can be more likely to trust a tradesperson based on appearance rather than qualifications. It raised an interesting question during our conversation...
13 minutes | Tuesday, 8 September 2026
Send us Fan MailGetting the whole family around the dinner table sounds simple. Getting everyone around the table and eating something they actually like can be a slightly different challenge. On the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I spoke to author, podcaster and mum-of-three Giovanna Fletcher about how family mealtimes have changed over the past 40 years, and why making time to eat together can still be so important. The traditional picture of everyone sitting down to exactly the same meal isn't necessarily the reality for modern families. Sometimes keeping everybody happy means cooking...
8 minutes | Thursday, 3 September 2026
Send us Fan MailFor generations of football supporters, the obsession started long before their first trip to a stadium. Football magazines, annuals, sticker books and stories helped young fans learn the players, pick their teams and develop the loyalties that could last a lifetime. So, as women's football continues to grow, how do we create that same connection for the next generation? On the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I spoke to Zarah Al-Kudcy from the Women's Super League and James Corcoran from official partner British Gas about Things' Football Adventures, a new children's book ...
12 minutes | Tuesday, 1 September 2026
Send us Fan MailNew uniform? Check. Lunch sorted? Hopefully. PE kit? Erm... Getting children back to school means parents suddenly have to remember an extraordinary amount of information, and according to former teacher, mum-of-two and Sunday Times bestselling author Lou Beckett, there's one modern parenting tool that can make life considerably easier: the school WhatsApp group. In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I spoke to Lou about the mental load that comes with the return to school. After weeks away from the normal routine, suddenly you're expected to remember which days they need...
17 minutes | Tuesday, 25 August 2026
Send us Fan MailGabriella Cilmi was only 16 when Sweet About Me turned her into an international star. Nearly two decades later, Gabriella is preparing to release a new album, Pure Love, and says her approach to making music has changed enormously. In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with the Australian singer-songwriter to talk about the new record, her latest singles and the next chapter of her career. But first, we had some unfinished business. The last time Gabriella and I met was at Victorious Festival a couple of years ago, when our conversation somehow ended up on th...
9 minutes | Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Send us Fan MailFrom courage and resilience to kindness and confidence, generations of children have grown up watching Disney Princesses. But how much can those characters actually teach young girls today? In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with Motsi Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing as part of Disney Princess Week to talk about the lessons children can take from some of Disney's most famous characters. Our conversation came as research highlighted the qualities parents and grandparents most want young girls to develop, including confidence and resilience. We talked about...
17 minutes | Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Send us Fan MailThere's being a tribute to one of the world's biggest country stars, and then there's getting the seal of approval from the man himself. UK country artist Liam Price has experienced both. In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with Liam, who many country fans will also know as Luke Combs UK, to talk about the extraordinary journey that's seen him perform Luke's songs to audiences across the country while simultaneously developing his own career as an original artist. One of Liam's biggest recent moments came at Wembley Boxpark, where he performed ahead of Luke ...
13 minutes | Thursday, 6 August 2026
Send us Fan MailBreaking into the creative industries has never been easy. But for many young artists, musicians, performers and filmmakers, the financial barriers are becoming higher than ever. In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with Phil Edgar-Jones, Director of Sky Arts and Trustee of The Sky Foundation, to discuss why talented people are increasingly being priced out of pursuing careers in the arts. We talked about how the industry has changed over recent years. Rising living costs, training expenses and the realities of freelance creative work mean that many aspiring ...
18 minutes | Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Send us Fan MailSome live shows follow a script.Others make it up as they go along.Wot Italian? proudly falls into the second category.In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with comedian Boothby Graffoe and internationally renowned guitarist Antonio Forcione to talk about their unique collaboration, which blends comedy, storytelling and astonishing musicianship into one unforgettable evening.Before we got onto the show itself, there was one important issue to clear up...No, their names are not "Gruffalo" and "Fettuccini."Once we'd all stopped laughing, we explored how two per...
13 minutes | Monday, 3 August 2026
Send us Fan MailEvery group holiday seems to have one person who quietly does all the hard work. They're the one comparing flights, researching hotels, setting up the WhatsApp group, chasing everyone for money and making sure nobody forgets their passport. In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with Holiday Expert Chelsea Dickenson to celebrate these often-overlooked organisers, or as we decided to call them... the Holiday Heroes. Chelsea explained that while everyone enjoys the holiday, not everyone appreciates the amount of planning that goes into making it happen. From find...
10 minutes | Thursday, 30 July 2026
Send us Fan MailFor Ant Anstead, restoring classic cars isn't just about turning a profit. It's about the challenge, the craftsmanship and the stories behind every vehicle. In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with Ant to discuss the new series of Born Mechanic, where viewers once again follow his latest automotive adventures. One question I had to ask was whether the projects are finally making financial sense. Restoring old cars is rarely straightforward, so I was keen to find out if experience is helping the numbers add up this time around. While Ant is clearly at home in...
15 minutes | Monday, 27 July 2026
Send us Fan MailThe UK country music scene has never been stronger, and Olivia Lynn is one of the exciting new artists helping lead the way.In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, Olivia joined me to talk about her latest single, Little Miss Nightmare, and her recent appearance at C2C, Europe's biggest country music festival.One of the first questions I had to ask was whether Little Miss Nightmare was actually inspired by her own life. The answer? Absolutely. Olivia explained why she's happiest writing songs rooted in real experiences rather than trying to fit into country music stereotype...
12 minutes | Thursday, 23 July 2026
Send us Fan MailWhen the temperature rises, it's not just our bedrooms that become uncomfortable. A poor night's sleep can have a ripple effect on almost every part of our lives.In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings to explore how hot weather is impacting our sleep, our mood and even our relationships.Jo explained that one restless night doesn't simply leave us feeling tired. It can affect our concentration, patience and decision-making, making us more likely to become short-tempered with family, friends and colleagues without even re...
16 minutes | Monday, 20 July 2026
Send us Fan MailWhat would you do if you could be 10 years old again for just one day?It's a question that sparked one of the most thoughtful moments in my conversation with rising singer-songwriter Luca George, whose latest single, Grow Down, explores the complicated emotions that come with growing up.In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, Luca joined me to talk about the inspiration behind the song and why its message resonates with so many people. Rather than wishing time away, Grow Down encourages us to hold on to the curiosity, imagination and freedom we often leave behind as adults....
13 minutes | Friday, 17 July 2026
Send us Fan MailWhen people think of Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, they probably picture explosive speed, incredible fitness and, of course, Nitro from Gladiators.But away from the arena, Harry believes the secret to success isn't about extraordinary moments. It's about ordinary routines.In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, we discussed why building simple habits can have a huge impact, whether you're training for elite competition, managing your finances or just trying to make life run a little more smoothly.Naturally, with a big England match on the horizon, we couldn't resist talking footb...
24 minutes | Thursday, 16 July 2026
Send us Fan MailMost people know Damian Lewis for his acclaimed performances on screen, but over the last few years he's been building another side to his creative career through music. In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, Damian joined me to discuss his new album Sweet Chaos and the UK tour that follows, including a stop at Portsmouth's iconic Wedgewood Rooms. One of the first things I wanted to explore was how his background as an actor influences his songwriting. Does he write from his own experiences, or does he approach songs in the same way he approaches a character, stepping into...
19 minutes | Friday, 10 July 2026
Send us Fan MailFor many singer-songwriters, every song begins with a story.In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with Hollie Rogers to chat about her latest single, her upcoming album and an exciting run of live dates, including performances in Havant and Bognor.Hollie's live shows have earned a reputation for being about much more than the music. Between songs, audiences are treated to stories, humour and the kind of honest conversation that makes every performance feel personal. I asked whether she'd ever considered trying stand-up comedy, but she was quick to laugh that i...
14 minutes | Thursday, 9 July 2026
Send us Fan MailSummer is often the perfect excuse to slow down, travel and try something different. In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with acclaimed food writer and bestselling author Tom Parker Bowles to discuss why the Mediterranean lifestyle is becoming one of the biggest wellness trends of 2026. As proud lovers of British food, we both agreed there's nothing quite like hearty classics during the colder months. From comforting pies to traditional roasts, British cuisine has a wonderful way of warming you up. But summer is a different story. Tom explained why Mediterra...
12 minutes | Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Send us Fan MailFinding love isn't always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it starts with a bowl of pasta. In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with broadcaster, dating expert and Celebs Go Dating star Anna Williamson to chat about modern dating, relationships and why food might play a bigger part in romance than many people realise. We began by talking about the latest series of Celebs Go Dating and how the show continues to help famous faces navigate the often confusing world of modern relationships. One of the most interesting conversations centred around dating itself. A...
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Sarah Whatmore on Pop Idol, Walking Away from Fame and Returning with New Single Hate
The MarshyCast

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