

Headliners with Nihal Arthanayake
BBC Radio 5 Live
Nihal Arthanayake presents in-depth interviews with headline guests across entertainment, sport, culture and politics.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 2, 2022 • 52min
Dara O Briain
"I've lived here for 20 years, you'd think I would've done something about it." The comedian and broadcaster on why he can’t speak slowly and the joys of touring.

Feb 1, 2022 • 45min
Kerry Godliman
“It’s meant to be affectionate banter, but you do occasionally get it wrong.” The comedian and After Life actor on the dangers of using family experiences in an act.

Jan 31, 2022 • 33min
Sam Fender
“I’ve learnt to go a bit more personal with the Lyrics.” Sam talks To Nihal about song-writing.

Jan 26, 2022 • 34min
Benedict Cumberbatch
The Sherlock and Doctor Strange star on going Method for his latest role as a 1920s Montana rancher in The Power of the Dog.

Jan 18, 2022 • 50min
Elvis Costello
The singer-songwriter on making music, mortality and his comic run-in with Frida from Abba and Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Jan 10, 2022 • 26min
Ricky Gervais
“There’s nothing amusing about pure success, there’s nothing funny about people with perfect lives.” Comedian Ricky Gervais speaks to Nihal about thinking more about his fans, what awards mean to him and why there's nothing funny about winners.

Jan 6, 2022 • 37min
Vicky Pattison
'People, especially British people, love an underdog.’ The reality star and self-help author on fame, self-belief and social media.

Jan 3, 2022 • 40min
Hugh Dennis
The satirist and actor on why he’s taken his interest in archaeology to the small screen and the joy of a “quiet” New Year’s Eve.

Dec 23, 2021 • 45min
Eddie Hearn
“I had a great leg up, but I had to do a lot on the way as well.” The boxing promoter on following in his father’s footsteps.

Dec 16, 2021 • 44min
Jamie Cullum
The jazz pianist and presenter on making a Christmas album and working with producer Quincy Jones.