Mo Gilligan: Beginning, Middle & End

Comedian Emmanuel Sonubi joins Mo Gilligan on the Beginning, Middle & End podcast for a lively and revealing conversation about his journey from West End musical theatre performer and nightclub bouncer to award-nominated stand-up comedian. In this episode, Emmanuel shares hilarious and heartfelt stories — from surviving the infamous Comedy Store Gong Show just four gigs in, to touring internationally, to how a near-death experience on stage reshaped his life goals. With Mo’s trademark banter, the pair swap tales about the hustle, the craft, and the joy of turning life’s dramas into laughter.

UK rap icon Wretch 32 joins Mo Gilligan for a deep and inspiring conversation on Beginning, Middle & End. From pirate radio freestyles to chart-topping hits, Wretch reflects on his journey, the hustle behind the early grime scene, staying true to his lyrical craft, and the milestones that shaped him — from selling mixtapes by hand to performing on the Olympic stage. It’s an honest, funny, and thoughtful look at the beginning, middle, and legacy of one of Britain’s most respected wordsmiths.

In this episode of The Beginning, Middle & End podcast, Mo Gilligan sits down with the wildly funny and deeply relatable Laura Smyth — former East London teacher turned award-winning comedian. Laura shares her incredible journey from raising a child solo in temporary housing to lighting up comedy stages across the UK. With raw honesty and riotous humour, she opens up about teaching teens, growing up in Forest Gate, and how she found her voice in stand-up — Expect big laughs, real talk, and East London banter at its finest.

On this episode of Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan is joined by the ever-charismatic Melvin Odoom — presenter, DJ, and all-round entertainer. From rave flyers in Lewisham to fronting national radio and TV, Melvin reflects on his come-up through community, culture, and a hustle that never quit. The pair talk pirate radio, the importance of friendship and representation, and how a Ghanaian household and the South London streets shaped a media career that’s spanned MTV to Strictly Come Dancing. Full of laughs, love, and deep reflections — this is Melvin like you’ve never heard him before.

In this powerful episode of Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with British music pioneer Tinie Tempah for an unfiltered journey through fame, legacy, and cultural impact. From growing up in Peckham to topping charts with "Pass Out," Tinie opens up about trailblazing through fashion, music, and business while carrying the hopes of a generation. The pair reflect on shared Southeast London roots, the overlooked sacrifices behind success, and why Tinie’s influence on Black British culture runs far deeper than the hits. It's honest, uplifting, and full of gems.

This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with the brilliant Tom Davis — the BAFTA-winning creator, writer, and star of Murder in Successville and King Gary. From his early days as a scaffolder and market stall hustler to commanding the screen in Wonka and working alongside Steven Graham in gripping dramas, Tom shares the graft, grit, and growth behind his rise. Expect deep laughs, raw stories from the building site, reflections on comedy, class, and creativity — plus tales from the set of Soccer Aid, selling outrageous T-shirts at festivals, and his unforgettable audition stories. It’s a rich, honest, and hilarious ride with one of South London’s finest. Don’t miss it.

In this soulful episode of Beginning Middle End, Mo Gilligan is joined by the incomparable Estelle, who takes us on a journey from her vibrant childhood in West London to global stardom. With humour, grace, and candour, Estelle shares stories about growing up in a big Grenadian-Senegalese family, navigating the early days of the UK rap and R&B scene, and the magic behind creating her Grammy-winning hit “American Boy.” From faith and family to fashion and fame, Estelle opens up about her resilience, reinvention, and the power of staying authentic. This episode is a celebration of culture, music, and everything in between.

From a council estate in Middlesbrough to the forefront of British broadcasting, Steph McGovern sits down with Mo Gilligan to unpack her journey through the lens of beginnings, middles, and endings. In this refreshingly honest episode, Steph talks about growing up working-class, breaking into journalism via science and engineering, and carving out a space for her authentic self on-screen.They dive into the challenges of motherhood, imposter syndrome, and the unexpected pressures that come with being a role model. Steph reflects on handling public scrutiny, staying grounded in fame, and learning to let go of guilt—whether at home or live on air.Expect plenty of laughs, candid truths, and that unmistakable Northern grit.

Award-winning actor, writer, and all-around powerhouse Gbemisola Ikumelo joins Mo Gilligan for a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation about her creative journey. From growing up in East London to studying in Edinburgh, founding a youth drama company, and earning multiple BAFTAs, Gbemisola reflects on the triumphs and challenges that shaped her. She opens up about facing racism, starting out in sketch comedy with Famalam, starring in A League of Their Own and Black Ops, and the importance of building spaces for underrepresented talent. Funny, vulnerable, and sharply insightful — this episode is a celebration of grit, growth, and purpose.

In this episode of The Beginning, Middle and End podcast, Mo Gilligan sits down with the multitalented Oti Mabuse — dancer, choreographer, and vibrant TV personality. Oti opens up about her journey from studying civil engineering in South Africa to becoming a two-time Strictly Come Dancing champion and a beloved household name in British entertainment.With warmth and humor, Oti reflects on her early life in South Africa, the cultural expectations of her family, and the bold move to Germany where she pursued dance professionally. She candidly discusses the challenges of being a Black woman in the world of ballroom dancing, her transition to UK television, and the realities behind the glitz of red carpets and live performances.The episode is packed with heartfelt anecdotes, including behind-the-scenes stories from Strictly, bonding with fellow panelists on The Masked Dancer, and the transformative experience of participating in I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!. Oti also opens up about personal growth, motherhood, and the unwavering support of her family.Mo and Oti’s chemistry makes for an engaging, funny, and inspiring conversation that showcases Oti’s authenticity, drive, and enduring charisma.