Mo Gilligan: Beginning, Middle & End
We Are L17 94 episodes Nov 11, 2026
Legendary comedian Mo Gilligan sits down with a selection of the biggest names to find out how they got started, what they are up to now and the legacy they want to create. Mo chats with Jonathan Ross, Sh*ts N Gigs, Babatunde Aléshé, Emily Attak and many more. Listen to Beginning, Middle & End now, on Global Player.
Episodes
Grace Carter: I Signed a Record Deal at 19… Then Realised They Didn’t Get Me
Signed at 19. Touring with Dua Lipa. Getting love from Stormzy. But behind the exciting moments, Grace Carter was trying to find her voice in an industry that didn’t always understand her. This week, Grace joins Mo Gilligan for a funny, honest and deeply personal conversation about growing up, making music from heartbreak and learning to back herself. Grace opens up about writing songs about her a
Shazia Mirza: I Had to Escape a Comedy Gig Through a Toilet Window!
She taught Dizzee Rascal science, became a doctor on EastEnders and once escaped a comedy gig through a toilet window. Shazia Mirza has some stories to tell 😂This week, Mo Gilligan sits down with Shazia for a hilarious, candid conversation about growing up in a strict Pakistani household in Birmingham and finding her voice as a Muslim woman in British comedy.Shazia shares why Dizzee still calls he
Lisa Maffia: “I Didn’t Know Who I Was” | So Solid Crew, Solo Fame & Finding Faith
From pirate radio to “21 Seconds”, So Solid Crew helped change the sound of British music. But what happened when their first lady had to find her own voice?Lisa Maffia joins Mo Gilligan on The Beginning, Middle and End for a funny, honest and emotional conversation about the moments everyone remembers — and the struggles they didn’t see.She takes us inside the iconic “21 Seconds” video, remembers
David Harewood: Why It Took 40 Years to Land a UK TV Lead
Homeland changed his career. But David Harewood says it took 40 years to become a leading actor on British television. Why did he have to leave the UK to get his shot?David joins Mo Gilligan for a funny, frank and deeply personal conversation about the roles he was denied, the racism he faced playing Shakespeare, and the move to America that changed everything.He opens up about his mental health b
Trigger Point’s Eric Shango on Vicky McClure, Almost Quitting & His Breakthrough
Eric Shango had given up on acting. His agent convinced him to do one more audition. Seventy-two hours later, the phone rang. The Trigger Point actor joins Mo Gilligan on Beginning, Middle & End to reveal the story behind his breakthrough, from grief and money worries to landing a role alongside Vicky McClure—and asking her name because he had no idea who she was. Eric shares the advice Vicky
What Happened When We Played Rihanna Jungle | Chase & Status
Chase & Status join Mo Gilligan on Beginning, Middle & End to share the stories behind the music — from bedroom decks and Manchester raves to arena shows.They reveal how “Duppy Man” changed everything, why some of their biggest tracks didn’t land on the first play, and how they bring out the best in collaborators including IRAH, Little Simz and Stormzy. Plus: working with Rihanna, the insp
Ortis Deley: The Live TV Disaster That Stalled My Career | Beginning, Middle & End
From a chance appearance on Blind Date to becoming a familiar face on British television, Ortis Deley joins Mo Gilligan to talk about the opportunities, setbacks and unforgettable moments behind his career.Ortis reveals how a pharmacy student ended up presenting on Trouble and Live & Kicking, revisits his memorable Rihanna interview, and shares what happened when his 2011 live athletics covera
Ep 110 - Armed Police Thought We Were Actually Robbing Someone! Stevo The Madman
Before influencers, daily vlogs and creators turning their lives into TV, Stevo The Madman was already doing it.Stevo joins Mo Gilligan for a hilarious and surprisingly revealing conversation about the journey from professional football and producing grime records to becoming one of the most recognisable personalities of the early UK social media era.Stevo takes us back to producing music around S
EP 109 - Mr Motivator - How Mr Motivator Changed British Television Forever
From being given away at just three months old in Jamaica to becoming one of the most recognisable faces on British television, Mr Motivator’s story is much bigger than Lycra and morning workouts.In this episode of Beginning Middle End, Mo Gilligan sits down with the legendary Mr Motivator — Derrick Evans — for an incredible conversation about resilience, fatherhood, ambition, health and the extra
Ep 108 - Fatiha El-Ghorri on Taskmaster, Divorce & Accidentally Becoming a Comedian
From accidentally discovering stand-up through a pop-up ad to becoming a breakout star of Taskmaster, Fatiha El-Ghorri’s route into comedy has been anything but conventional.Fatiha joins Mo Gilligan for a hilarious, honest and surprisingly emotional conversation about the reality behind her rise — including starting comedy after her second divorce, being heckled as a Muslim woman, dealing with the
Ep 107 - Chip on 20 Years of Grime, Clashes & Becoming a UK Legend
Chip has been doing this for TWO DECADES… and he’s STILL got bars. 🔥Mo Gilligan sits down with one of the UK’s most respected MCs to go all the way back — from selling CDs in the playground and tearing up pirate radio as a teenager, to MOBO wins, number one records, moving to Atlanta, working with T.I. and Chris Brown, and becoming one of the most fearless clash MCs Britain has produced.Chip opens
Ep 106 - Asim Chaudhry Reveals How People Just Do Nothing REALLY Started
People Just Do Nothing fans, this one’s for you. 👊Mo sits down with Asim Chaudhry for a proper trip back to where it all started — long before Chabuddy G became one of British comedy’s most iconic characters.Asim reveals how messing around with his mates, making music, recording ridiculous prank calls and even getting fired from a call centre eventually planted the seeds for People Just Do Nothing
Ep 105 - Juls: Working With Burna Boy, Wizkid & Stormzy, Leaving His 9-5 & The Truth About the Music Industry
From pulling sickies from his finance job to work with some of the biggest artists in the world, to becoming one of the most influential producers shaping the sound of modern Afrobeats — Juls’ journey is all about betting on yourself.Juls sits down with Mo Gilligan for a proper conversation about leaving the security of a nine-to-five to chase music, the opportunities he nearly missed along the wa
Ep 104 - Dizzee Rascal
Dizzee Rascal joins Beginning, Middle & End for an unfiltered conversation about the journey that changed British music forever.From knocking on DJ Target’s door for second-hand records to creating Boy In Da Corner, Dizzee takes Mo Gilligan behind the scenes of the grime movement, revealing how pirate radio, youth clubs and East London shaped an entire generation. He opens up ab
Ep 103 - The Reality of TV Fame | Scarlett Douglas
From starring on A Place in the Sun and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! to performing in West End musicals and playing alongside football legends at Soccer Aid, Scarlett has packed more into one career than most people do in a lifetime. But behind the TV success are stories of rejection, resilience and rebuilding.Scarlett opens up about the harsh reality of performing arts training, why I’m A
Ep 102 - Nina Conti: The Puppet That Changed My Life
This week, Mo sits down with one of the most unique minds in comedy – the incredible Nina Conti.From growing up in an acting dynasty to becoming one of the world’s most celebrated ventriloquists, Nina opens up about the unexpected journey that led her to comedy, the struggles of finding her true voice, and why her puppet monkey might actually know her better than she knows herself.The pair dive in
Ep 101 - "Talking Saved My Life" - Professor Green
Professor Green has lived a hundred lives in one.From growing up on a Hackney estate and becoming one of the UK’s most respected battle rappers, to scoring a No.1 record with Read All About It, making powerful documentaries, and becoming one of the country’s most important voices on mental health, this is a conversation full of honesty.In this episode, Prof opens up about the early days of battle
Ep 100 - How Sir Lenny Henry Changed British Comedy Forever
Sir Lenny Henry joins Mo Gilligan for one of the most honest conversations of his career.From growing up in Dudley as the son of Jamaican immigrants and dealing with racism on a daily basis, to becoming one of Britain's most influential comedians, Lenny reflects on the moments that shaped him, challenged him, and changed him forever.He opens up about losing family members, finding his voice in com
Ep 99 - Amir Khan: What Doctors Really Think (And Never Say Out Loud)
What’s it really like being one of Britain’s most recognisable doctors?In this episode of Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with TV doctor, GP, bestselling author and podcast host Dr Amir Khan for a funny, honest and eye-opening conversation about life inside and outside the consulting room.From delivering shocking diagnoses and unexpected pregnancies to dealing with patients who
Ep 98 - The Man Who Humiliated FIFA, Trump & Theresa May | Simon Brodkin
Simon Brodkin joins Mo Gilligan for a hilarious and revealing conversation about one of the most unconventional careers in British comedy.Before becoming Lee Nelson, pulling off headline-making stunts on FIFA, Donald Trump and Theresa May, Simon was training to be a doctor. In this episode, he reveals why he walked away from medicine, how a homemade tape landed him on television, and the unbelieva
Ep 97 - Meekz Opens Up About Success, Grief & Never Giving Up
In this conversation with Mo Gilligan, the Manchester rap star opens up about life behind the balaclava, the personal story behind Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, growing up in Gorton, working with Dave, performing at the BRIT Awards, and the mindset that turned SoundCloud freestyles into one of UK rap’s biggest success stories.From grief and resilience to fame, fashion, family, and the future, this is Mee
EP 96 - Kamille: How A South London Girl Became Pop Music Royalty
From writing chart-topping hits for Dua Lipa, Little Mix, Kylie Minogue and David Guetta to building her own artist career, Kamille joins Mo Gilligan in the brand new studio.They dive into growing up in South London, writing songs in minutes, the truth behind global pop success, social media pressure, imposter syndrome, parenting, networking, and why success isn’t always what it looks like from th
Ep 95 - Femi Koleoso on Success, Faith & Building Ezra Collective
From playing drums in church and youth clubs in Enfield to winning BRIT Awards and the Mercury Prize with Ezra Collective, Femi Koleoso joins Mo Gilligan for a powerful conversation about music, faith, friendship, and perseverance.They discuss the early days of Ezra Collective, life on the road, performing at the BRITs, turning down opportunities that didn’t align with their vision, and why giving
Ep 94 - Dawn French: From Strip Club Gigs to National Treasure
Dawn French is one of Britain’s most beloved comedians, but her journey to becoming a national treasure is far more surprising than you might think.In this episode of Beginning, Middle & End, Dawn sits down with Mo Gilligan to reveal how a shared flat with Jennifer Saunders changed her life forever, the heartbreak she carried after losing her father, and the unexpected path that led her from t
How Maverick Sabre Survived the Music Industry
From sofa surfing in London to chart-topping success — Maverick Sabre joins Mo Gilligan for a raw and inspiring conversation about music, hustle, and staying true to yourself.Maverick opens up about being discovered by Plan B
How Sophie Willan Turned Her Life Into a Hit TV Show
BAFTA-winning writer and comedian Sophie Willan joins Mo Gilligan for a brutally honest and hilarious conversation about turning real life chaos into award-winning TV.From getting expelled from school after turning up drunk in a bikini, to building the hit series Alma’s Not Normal, Sophie opens up about the moments that shaped her career — including how her grandma inspired her creativity, the rea
Vikkstar Opens Up About Money, Burnout & Building The Sidemen
Vikkstar joins Beginning, Middle & End for a candid deep-dive into the journey behind one of the internet’s biggest success stories. From the early days of uploading videos and building Sidemen, to navigating fame, pressure, business moves, and staying relevant in a constantly changing digital world — this episode covers the real story behind the screens.We talk ambition, burnout, money, frien
Tommy Fordham | I Built a £100M Brand… Then Lost Everything
From labouring jobs in London to building a multi-million pound fashion brand, Tommy Fordham’s journey is anything but normal.In this episode, Tommy sits down with Mo Gilligan to talk about the reality behind success — from being cast on TOWIE and suddenly becoming famous, to building global sneaker brand Mallet and generating over £100M in sales.But the story doesn’t stop there.Tommy opens up abo
Natalie Cassidy: Growing Up in Front of 10 Million Viewers
What’s it really like growing up famous on one of Britain’s biggest TV shows?This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy. From starting on the show at just 10 years old, to dealing with tabloid pressure as a teenager, Natalie opens up about the reality of growing up in front of millions.They talk about the surreal moment she realised Walfo
The Tastemaker Behind UK Music Culture - Manny Norte
Manny Norte is known as “The Name You Can Trust” in UK music — but his story runs deeper than radio. In this episode, Manny sits down with Mo Gilligan to break down the untold journey behind UK nightlife, radio, fashion, and global culture. From dance battles and pirate radio to DJing for Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Drake and Kanye, Manny reveals how he became one of the most trusted tastemakers in t
Ovie Soko on Fame, Basketball & Surviving Love Island
Ovie Soko finally sits down with Mo Gilligan for a conversation that goes way beyond Love Island.From playing basketball in America to suddenly becoming one of the most recognisable faces on British TV, Ovie opens up about the surreal moment he realised his life had changed forever — including fans literally stopping traffic when he walked into Selfridges.They talk about the pressure of being a Bl
Hak Baker: “I Learned Guitar in Prison… It Changed My Life”
East London storyteller Hak Baker joins Mo Gilligan to talk about the moments that shaped his life — from growing up on the Isle of Dogs to learning guitar in prison and becoming one of the UK’s most unique voices in music.Hak opens up about redemption, staying loyal to lifelong friends, refusing to be boxed in as an artist, and the moment that changed everything.This is a powerful conversation ab
Isaac Ryan Brown | What Disney Doesn’t Tell You About Child Stars
Isaac Ryan Brown might only be 20 years old — but his career already reads like a Hollywood biography.He first went viral at 6 years old singing Michael Jackson on America’s Got Talent, before becoming one of Disney Channel’s breakout stars on Raven’s Home. Since then he’s worked on major shows like Black-ish, voiced characters in Family Guy, and is now launching his music career after hitting #1
K Trap Reveals The Truth About Drill Music
This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with K Trap for one of the most honest conversations about fame, music, and growth you’ll hear all year.From the moment K Trap removed the balaclava that defined his early career, to scoring a global hit with “Warm,”he’s been navigating the pressure of evolving in a genre that often refuses to let artists change.In this episode they t
From Harry Potter to Shakespeare’s King | Alfred Enoch
From child wizard to Shakespearean king.This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo sits down with Alfred Enoch — the actor many first met as Dean Thomas inHarry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone — to talk about the wild journey from childhood fame to leading the Royal Shakespeare Company.They dive into the reality of growing up inside one of the biggest film franchises in history, the surreal m
Darcus Beese: Inside the Music Industry Nobody Talks About
What does it take to discover a generational superstar?In this episode, Mo Gilligan sits down with music industry legend Darcus Beese — the man behind artists like Amy Winehouse, Florence + The Machine, Mumford & Sons, Jessie J, and Sugababes.From starting out making tea at Island Records to becoming the first Black president of a major record label, Darcus shares the real stories behind the m
Paloma Faith on Imposter Syndrome, Brits Wins & Surviving the Music Industry
This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo sits down with the one and only Paloma Faith.From growing up in Hackney to winning at the Brit Awards, Paloma opens up about signing a “terrible” first record deal, living in a rented flat while already famous, and why imposter syndrome never really goes away.She talks motherhood, money, trolls, gratitude, and the surprising moment that made her album s
Rapper Denzel Curry on Stage Diving, Fame & Survival
Rapper and artist Denzel Curry joins Mo Gilligan for a deep conversation about music, ownership, and survival in the industry. From touring with rock legends to stage-diving chaos, Denzel opens up about the importance of owning his masters, dealing with loss, and building a legacy beyond hits.They talk viral success, XXL fame, independent deals, and why hip-hop needs community again — plus wild st
Marlon Davis: Finding Comedy back after his coma.
On this week’s episode of Beginning, Middle & End with Mo Gilligan, Mo sits down with comedian Marlon Davis for a conversation that’s as funny as it is unexpectedly deep.Marlon takes us right back to the beginning. His school days learning fine arts, discovering creativity before comedy, and how those early artistic influences shaped the performer he’d eventually become. It’s a side of Marlon
Michelle De Swarte from Modelling to Comedy and Everything In Between
From Brixton estates to New York runways, and finally to the raw, unpredictable world of stand-up comedy — Michelle doesn’t do ordinary career paths. In this episode, she joins the podcast to unpack the wild pivot from modeling to comedy, the reality of chasing success across continents, and why reinvention is sometimes the bravest move you can make.Michelle’s journey is unpredictable, fearless, a
Andi Osho on Creativity, Control & Letting Go
On this episode of Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with trailblazing actor, author, and former stand-up Andi Osho for a rare, expansive conversation about creativity, courage, and knowing when to walk away.From growing up in East London to working behind the camera before stepping into the spotlight, Andi opens up about her rise through stand-up comedy, appearing on Live at the
Dynamo: I Met Dave Chappelle at Banksy’s House!
From growing up in Bradford facing bullying and racial tension, to using magic as a form of protection, Dynamo opens up about the reality behind the illusion. He speaks honestly about living with chronic illness, losing himself at the height of fame, and the moment he almost walked away from magic forever.Dynamo also reveals incredible stories involving Dave Chappelle, Banksy, and Chris Martin — a
Joanne McNally on Success, Single Life & Saying No to Normal
This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with comedy powerhouse Joanne McNally.From selling out shows across the world to accidentally taking a sleeping pill before going on stage, Joanne talks touring exhaustion, dating while never being in the same country twice, and why success doesn’t always come with a blueprint.She opens up about podcast power, creative freedom, being
Guz Khan Gets Real on Success, Culture & Not Selling Out
From viral clips to prime-time TV, Guz Khan joins Mo Gilligan to unpack the highs, lows, and realities of breaking through without losing your soul.A must-listen on representation, resilience, and why sometimes the bravest move is walking away. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Naivety Is a Superpower: Timothy Armoo on Risk, Loss & Reinvention
This week, Mo Gilligan is joined by entrepreneur, author, and investor Timothy Armoo, one of the most influential voices shaping modern business and Gen Z culture.Raised between Ghana and South London, Timothy’s journey began on a fourth-floor council estate on Old Kent Road — before founding Fanbytes from his university bedroom at just 21. What followed was a meteoric rise: Forbes 30 Under 30, pa
Chosen Roles Only: Malachi Kirby on Discipline, Risk & Longevity
This week, Mo Gilligan is joined by BAFTA Award-winning actor Malachi Kirby for a powerful conversation about craft, courage, and carving your own lane.Growing up in Battersea, Malachi found acting through local drama classes before becoming part of a generation-defining wave of British talent. From portraying Kunta Kinte in Roots, to his BAFTA-winning performance in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe, to
From Shakespeare to Black Ops: Hammed Animashaun on Craft, Comedy & Carving Your Own Lane
This week, Mo Gilligan sits down with one of the UK’s most exciting and thoughtful actors, Hammed Animashaun.From growing up in East London to finding his voice through performance, Hamed reflects on his journey from youth theatre to Shakespeare, blockbuster fantasy (The Wheel of Time), and his BAFTA-nominated role as the unforgettable K in BBC’s Black Ops.They talk about discipline, identity, cre
David Larbi
David Larbi joins Mo Gilligan on the Beginning, Middle & End podcast for a warm, honest conversation about creativity, purpose, and finding happiness in everyday life. David opens up about his upbringing, early love for music and football, and how writing became a way to understand himself and the world around him. He reflects on growing up with big expectations, navigating universit
Rudi Lickwood: A True OG Stand Up Comedian
In this powerful and hilarious episode, Mo Gilligan sits down with one of the original architects of Black British comedy — the incomparable Rudi Lickwood. From his early days as an Eddie Murphy lookalike to becoming a razor-sharp social commentator who reshaped the narrative of Black British identity on stage, Rudi shares 38 years’ worth of stories, wisdom, and war wounds.Rudi opens up
Lessons in Resilience: How Dean Forbes Transformed His Challenges into Opportunities
On this episode of Beginning, Middle, End, Mo Gilligan sits down with one of the UK’s most dynamic tech leaders — Dean Forbes — a man who went from growing up on a South London estate, juggling responsibility at home and dreams of playing professional football, to leading companies through multi-billion euro exits and championing social mobility at scale.Mo and Dean dive d
Russell Howard: Comedy, Fame & Fatherhood
Mo Gilligan sits down with the globally loved, relentlessly funny Russell Howard for a wide-open conversation packed with belly laughs, proper honesty, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.From touring the world to becoming a dad, to breaking down how comedy really works, Russell brings his trademark mix of warmth, sharpness and pure silliness. We dig into Bristol life, TV fame, Mock the Week
Footballer LEGEND, Joe Cole
This week, Mo Gilligan sits down with one of England’s most naturally gifted footballers: Joe Cole. From breaking through at West Ham as a teenage prodigy, to winning Premier League titles with Chelsea, to representing England at three World Cups, Joe has lived the full spectrum of the beautiful game.In this episode, Joe opens up about:⚽ Growing up in Paddington & Camden and lea
DJ MAK10
This week, Mo Gilligan sits down with the one and only DJ Mak 10 — the original architect of the grime sound and heartbeat of the legendary N.A.S.T.Y Crew. From spinning vinyl in East London bedrooms to uniting Wiley and Dizzee Rascal two decades later, Mak 10’s story is pure UK music history.They dive into his roots growing up with five brothers, his dad’s reggae ban
Singer/ Songwriter Leigh-Anne Pinnock
From girl group superstardom to carving her path as a solo artist, Leigh-Anne Pinnock sits down with Mo Gilligan to talk beginnings, balance, and being boldly independent. In this candid conversation, Leigh-Anne opens up about life after Little Mix, embracing motherhood, finding her creative freedom, and the lessons behind her powerful documentary Race, Pop & Power.They dive into her musi
Kane Brown: Resilience, Real Talk, and the Art of Reinvention
This week on Beginning Middle End, Mo Gilligan sits down with one of the UK’s most authentic and resilient comedians — the legendary Kane Brown. From growing up in South London and becoming a father at 22, to building a property empire and then losing it all in the 2008 crash, Kane’s story is one of grit, growth, and finding laughter through life’s hardest lessons.He opens up about redis
Tv Presenter Extraordinaire, Angellica Bell
This week, Mo sits down with the iconic Angellica Bell, whose 25-year career has made her one of British television’s most beloved presenters. From CBBC to The One Show, Angellica opens up about her journey from paper rounds and McDonald’s shifts to primetime success.Mo and Angellica reflect on growing up black in British TV, breaking barriers, surviving live television, and st
UK Stand Up Comedy Legend, SLIM
Comedy legend Slim joins Mo Gilligan for an unfiltered, laugh-out-loud conversation on The Beginning, The Middle & The End. From driving London buses to performing at the Hollywood Comedy Store, Slim shares 30+ years of stories, lessons, and wisdom from one of the most influential careers in British comedy. Expect hilarious tales about his early gigs, his first ever se
Comedian Scott Bennett
ne of the UK’s most loved comedians, Scott Bennett, brings his Northern charm and razor-sharp observational wit to Mo Gilligan’s Beginning, Middle & End podcast. In this episode, Scott gets real about:🔥 From Product Designer to Comedy Star — how he quit his “safe” career to chase the stage.❤️ Turning Family Struggle Into Strength — how his
From Blueprints to BAFTAs: Adjani Salmon
BAFTA-winning actor, writer, and director Adjani Salmon joins Mo Gilligan to share his journey from studying architecture to becoming the creative force behind Dreaming Whilst Black. Raised in Jamaica and returning to London at 18, Adjani reflects on cultural shifts, film school lessons, and the hustle of self-funding his web series that grew into one of the UK’s most acclaimed shows. He open
Stand Up Comedian Rhys James
Comedian Rhys James joins Mo Gilligan on Beginning Middle End to talk about his journey from Hertfordshire open mics to becoming one of the sharpest voices in UK stand-up. They dive into his awkward teenage years, disastrous romantic gestures, and how he hustled his way through comedy competitions and the Edinburgh Fringe. Rhys also opens up about finding his comic voice, surviving tough
Nick Helm: From One-Star Reviews to Rock Star Comedy
On this episode of Beginning, Middle, End, Mo Gilligan sits down with comedian, musician, actor, and writer Nick Helm— a true force of nature in British comedy. From his early days battling one-star reviews in Edinburgh, to breaking out with his explosive, music-fuelled stand-up and starring in the BAFTA-winning sitcom Uncle, Nick shares the highs, lows, and lessons from his unique
Actor Adrian Lester - Choirboy to CBE
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 lesso
Aml Ameen
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 hi
The Extraordinary Rise of Victor Ray
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 med
TV Stand Up Comedian Emmanuel Sonubi
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 tourin
UK Music Icon: Wretch 32
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,
Laura Smyth: From Classrooms to Comedy Clubs
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, grow
TV & RADIO LEGEND: Melvin Odoom
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 Ghan
Tinie (Tempah): From Peckham to Platinum
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 South
Comedian and Actor: Tom Davis
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
Estelle!
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 Gram
TV Favourite, STEPH MCGOVERN!
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
GBEMISOLA IKUMELO
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
OTI MABUSE
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
UK Rap Royalty – Giggs
In a rare and candid conversation, UK rap legend Giggs sits down with comedian and presenter Mo Gilligan for an unforgettable episode of Beginning, Middle & End. From his early days in Peckham to redefining British rap culture, Giggs opens up about his journey, creative process, and the trials that shaped him into a true pioneer. Expect unfiltered laughs, powerful insi
Suzi Ruffell - Comedian, writer, and all-around joy-bringer
Comedian, writer, and all-around joy-bringer Suzi Ruffell drops by for a hilarious and heartfelt chat. Expect plenty of laughs as Suzi shares her unique take on life, comedy, and the moments that have shaped her journey. From stand-up stories to personal insights, this episode is packed with wit, warmth, and a few surprises along the way. Tune in for an uplifting conversation with one of
Big Narstie - The Live Show
Big Narstie joins Mo Gilligan on the latest episode of the podcast for an unfiltered, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation. From his early days breaking into music to powerful visits inside UK prisons, Narstie opens up about the journey that shaped him. The pair dive into the importance of giving back, sharing raw truths and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments along the way. It’s insightful, emotion
Legendary Broadcaster: Johnny Vaughan
Legendary broadcaster Johnny Vaughan joins Mo Gilligan on this week’s episode of The Beginning, Middle & End Podcast. From his iconic days on The Big Breakfast to his enduring radio success, Johnny reflects on growing up in a working class trade family, to a very unexpected start to his journalistic career, we take some twists and turns through Johnny's life. This is a hugely fu
Comedian and Actor: Dale Elliot JNR
On this episode of Beginning Middle End, Mo Gilligan chops it up with Jamaican comedian and actor Dale Elliott Jr., known for turning real-life struggles into laugh-out-loud moments.Dale takes us back to where it all started—his first steps into stand-up, the culture that shaped his voice, and how he turned internet sketches into a global career. The two dive deep into what it means to l
Built Different: Anthony Yarde Talks Legacy and Lessons
In this episode, Mo Gilligan sits down with professional boxer Anthony Yarde, one of Britain’s most explosive light heavyweights, to talk all things life inside and outside the ring.From growing up in East London to fighting on the world stage, Anthony opens up about the discipline, the setbacks, and the mindset it takes to make it to the top. He shares raw stories from his toughest fights—bo
