Mo Gilligan: Beginning, Middle & End

From choirboy to CBE, Adrian Lester’s journey is the stuff of legend. On this episode of Beginning, Middle, End, Mo Gilligan sits down with the acclaimed actor to talk about growing up in Birmingham, discovering the power of performance in a church choir, and carving out a career that’s taken him from RADA to Olivier Awards, Hustle, and beyond. With stories of resilience, craft, and the lessons learned on stage and screen, Adrian reflects on legacy, longevity, and why he still loves the thrill of live theatre. Engaging, funny, and full of gems for anyone chasing their passion—this is one you won’t want to miss.

This week on The Beginning, Middle and End Podcast, Mo Gilligan sits down with actor, writer, and director Aml Ameen — a man whose journey is as powerful as the roles he’s played.From bursting onto our screens in the cult-classic Kidulthood to holding his own on The Bill, Aml takes us back to those early London days and the rise of Black British culture that shaped him. He opens up about the pride of returning home, the reality of fame across the Atlantic, and the unexpected ways his work has impacted lives — including one fan who said Aml’s journey saved his own.In this inspiring conversation, Aml shares stories of growing up in a family rooted in community leadership, navigating Hollywood, partying with Prince, and ultimately finding his voice behind the camera with projects like Boxing Day. With 20 years in the game, he reflects on his legacy — not just as an actor, but as a storyteller determined to celebrate culture, love, and the richness of Black British identity.

From busking on the streets of Newcastle to selling out shows across the world, Victor Ray’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. On this week’s Beginning, Middle, End with Mo Gilligan, Victor opens up about his journey — from shy kid with a big voice to viral sensation, from wedding bands to international stages. He shares the grind of busking, the power of social media, the highs of touring, and his vision for the legacy he wants to leave behind. Inspiring, raw, and full of heart — this is Victor Ray like you’ve never heard him before.

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.You can listen to Laura's brilliant new podcast, Shouldn't Laugh But...here

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.