

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

Sep 29, 2021 • 45min
The Specials
“They’ve all got different stories and messages.” Terry Hall and Horace Panter on recording an album of protest songs chosen by the band.

Sep 27, 2021 • 33min
Anne-Marie
“I have had such a massive issue with believing people when they say nice things about me.” The 2002 singer on learning to love herself and how getting into reading again inspired her to write a book.

Sep 22, 2021 • 34min
Richard Osman
“I’d be shocked if there weren’t a Dame in there somewhere.” Richard muses on who Steven Spielberg will cast in the film of The Thursday Murder Club.

Sep 20, 2021 • 48min
Ramla Ali
The boxer, model and activist talks to Nihal about becoming the first Somali fighter to compete in the Olympics and her memoir Not Without A Fight.

Sep 16, 2021 • 44min
Paul Merson
'I wanted to break my fingers so I couldn't bet.' The former England footballer on his experience of addiction to alcohol, cocaine and gambling.

Sep 10, 2021 • 36min
John Lydon
“I was doing my absolute best for her, but I was really denying her the privilege of conversation with other women.” John tells Nihal about the highs and lows of being the total carer for his partner Nora, who has Alzheimer’s.

Sep 9, 2021 • 33min
Phil Wang
The comedian tries to explain to Nihal where he is from and why British desserts are the best in the world.

Sep 8, 2021 • 48min
Ainsley Harriott
“I don’t know how the words came out of my mouth.” The chef and TV presenter on his first TV appearance, cooking at Lord's and how he’s learnt to communicate.

Sep 7, 2021 • 32min
Sharleen Spiteri
The lead singer of Texas, Sharleen Spiteri, talks to Nihal about their new single, “You Can Call Me”, from the latest album “Hi” – and also about Thai massages and climate change.

Sep 2, 2021 • 34min
Shaun Ryder
The Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder joined Nihal Arthanayake to talk about his career in music, his struggles with school and his new album, Visits from Future Technology.