

The Way They Were
W!ZARD Studios
The podcast where every celebrity split is the one that got away. Each week comedians Grainne Maguire and Chantal Feduchin-Pate take a deep dive into a celebrity breakup, chosen by a special guest, that still lingers in their hearts and minds. We scour interviews, over-analyse iconic pictures and search for meaning in post-breakup media statements. Celeb gossip hounds will feel right at home, but really anyone who's experienced a breakup can appreciate hearing how the rich and famous take heartbreak to a whole new level. They might uncouple ‘amicably with love and respect for one another’ - but we never get over these lost loves! Join us every Friday for a new episode.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 10min
Claire Parker: Britney Spears and Kevin Federline
Oh baby baby, how was she supposed to know that something wasn’t right? Britney Spears thought Kevin Federline was her happily-ever-after but soon turned into a one of the biggest breakups of the 00s. This week on The Way They Were, Chantal and Gráinne are joined by guest of honour Claire Parker, co-host of Celebrity Memoir Book Club, to dig into the heady highs, the very public lows, and the sombre truths behind one of celebrity culture’s most chaotic love stories.
NOTE - If you thought Chantal was a little quieter than usual on this week’s episode, you’re right! Two Britney superfans took centre stage, while she kept some of her thoughts back. Now she’s recorded her own right to reply, a short solo take on the Britney narrative, and it’s up on Patreon’s free feed. if you fancy hearing what Chantz was really thinking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 13min
Bryan Safi: Kelsey & Camille Grammer
Before the Frasier reboot, before the Tony Awards, before the dinner party from hell - there was just Kelsey and Camille.
This week, comedian, agony aunt and Attitudes! host Bryan Safi joins us to revisit the unforgettable union of sitcom royalty and a dancer on club MTV who would go on to become "the most hated housewife in America".
Was it true romance or simply a love bomb that blew up on national television? Bryan helps Chantal and Gráinne dig through the drama, the showbiz, and the pegging allegations in this very special episode of The Way They Were.
Also if you're in Edinburgh this month you simply have to go watch Bryan's show: Are you mad at me? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 8, 2025 • 14min
Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson? Special Gossip Edition
To get the latest episode of the podcast early and ad free, visit our Patreon here: patreon.com/TheWayTheyWere
By popular demand, Gráinne and Chantal dive into the unlikely, unbelievable, and utterly adorable romance between Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson.
With both stars carrying enough tragic backstory to write a series of novels, could this be the rare beam of romantic sunshine in an otherwise awful summer? Or is it all too good to be true? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 10min
Dane Buckley: Madonna and Warren Beatty
She’s the Queen of Pop. He’s the matinee idol who didn’t want to be filmed feeling things. This week on The Way They Were, Chantal and Gráinne are joined by comedian and lifelong Madonna fanatic Dane Buckley to relive the high-camp, high-conflict love affair between Madonna and Warren Beatty.
From the set of Dick Tracy to the iconic Truth or Dare documentary, the pair’s romance was equal parts glamour, ego, and deeply awkward silences.
You don't want to miss this one! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 25, 2025 • 35min
Bonus: Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne
This week on a very special The Way They Were, we’re lighting a black candle and cranking up the Sabbath, because Ozzy Osbourne has taken his final bow.
In honour of the man, the myth, the prince of Darkness, Gráinne and Chantal dive into his decades-long, chaotic, and somewhat violent marriage to Sharon Osbourne.
Was it true love or the ultimate power couple? We look at one of the longest rock 'n' roll romances of all time.
We'll be back next week with brand new episodes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 26, 2025 • 20min
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom? Special Gossip Preview
Welcome to the very first edition of THE GOSSIP — where Chantal and Gráinne crack their knuckles, flip open the tabloids, and say the quiet bits out loud. You asked for it. And by asked, we mean demanded in the DMs.
This week: Katy and Orlando’s break-up comes under the microscope as our cupids try to figure out what has gone wrong between the interstellar popstar and the former elf/pirate.
Plus we announce the return date of The Way They Were! (5th of August, mark your diaries!)
Join us on Patreon: patreon.com/TheWayTheyWere Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 30, 2025 • 24min
Top 5 Sex and the City Breakups: Patreon Preview!
In New York, love is everything — until it isn’t. This week on The Way They Were, Chantal and Gráinne celebrate the return of And Just Like That by taking a walk down memory lane. So pour the cosmos and let’s count down the top five Sex and the City breakups. From Post-it notes to wedding day bust-ups, we couldn't help but think: is Sex and the City the best TV show of all time? Let us know in the comments!
The full episode is available now on our Patreon — sip, listen, and support us here: https://patreon.com/TheWayTheyWere Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 9, 2025 • 9min
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: Patreon Preview!
We’ve just dropped our very first Patreon-exclusive episode—and trust us, you’re going to want in on this.
In the full episode: Gráinne reignites her long-running feud with Taylor Swift, Chantal digs up the reality TV roots of Travis Kelce's love life, and absolutely nobody cares about Matt Healy).
It’s loose, it’s potentially liabilous and it’s only on Patreon.
If you like what we do and want even more of it uncut, unfiltered, and a little bit unhinged come join us: patreon.com/TheWayTheyWere Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 2, 2025 • 1h 21min
Stuart Laws: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner
It’s the season finale, and it’s time for Bennifer! No, not that Bennifer. We’re talking about the sequel duo: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner — and things are getting messy. Gráinne and Chantal have called in Alias superfan and casual observer of all things Affleck, Stuart Laws, to help make sense of this rebound for the ages.
From Daredevil to that bizarre Oscars speech — and what was the deal with the nanny? We’re covering it all.
PLUS, we reveal our big end-of-season surprise: the brand new The Way They Were Patreon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 27, 2025 • 52min
Emergency Episode! Jojo Siwa, Kath Ebbs & Chris Hughes
STOP THE PRESS! Another celebrity breakup has rocked our world, so Gráinne and Chantal dropped everything to bring you this emergency episode on a Sunday morning. Karmas a bitch, and she's with us right now as we dive into the end of the relationship between 'gay pop princess' Jojo Siwa and influencer Kath Ebbs.
We cover all the ins and outs that led up to our star-crossed lovers publicly announcing their split after four months. Plus, we dig into Jojo's experience and personal growth in the Celeb Big Brother house — and her unlikely friendship with Chris Hughes.
So if a 14-minute TikTok wasn't enough to satisfy your curiosity about this breakup, this emergency ep is here for YOU! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices