Nick Mcgrath

Actor Paul Chahidi reflects on growing up in a bicultural Iranian-British family, discovering acting during his school years and finding Cambridge more socially liberating than boarding school. He discusses the difficulty of establishing a career, persistent imposter syndrome and his work with performers including Daisy May Cooper and Armando Iannucci. Chahidi recalls being waxed alongside Eddie Redmayne for an all-male production of Twelfth Night, a severe stage accident during The Tempest with Vanessa Redgrave, and his continuing fear of unemployment. He is appearing in The Misanthrope at the National Theatre and serves as an Actors’ Trust ambassador.

Paul Chahidi reflects on his upbringing, the evolution of his acting career, the influence of his multicultural background, and the creative peers he encountered at Cambridge. He recounts memorable professional experiences, including working with notable actors, participating in demanding stage productions, and recovering from a serious onstage injury. He discusses persistent imposter syndrome, the realities of acting work, and his continuing theatre commitments, including performing in The Misanthrope at the National Theatre.

Gary Numan reflects on his difficult school years, autism diagnosis, depression, parenthood, family security and the dangers associated with fame. He describes meeting his wife Gemma O’Neill through his fan club and says ecstasy helped them communicate more openly, understand each other and revive their sex life, while stressing that he is not advocating drug use. He also discusses threats against his family, his financial approach of maintaining multiple income streams, and his continuing career as a touring musician.

Tim Henman reflects on his tennis career, including reaching six Grand Slam semi-finals, winning an Olympic silver medal and becoming world No 4, while acknowledging that Wimbledon remained an unrealized ambition. He discusses why he does not miss the demands of professional tennis, his continuing work in tennis media and administration, the enduring name of Henman Hill, and his 1995 Wimbledon disqualification. Henman also recounts losing his temper after the 2001 Queen’s final in front of Prime Minister Tony Blair, who later sent him a handwritten letter after his Wimbledon defeat to Goran Ivanisevic.

DJ Fat Tony reflects on a childhood marked by neglect and sexual abuse, his long alcohol and drug addiction, sobriety since 2006, ADHD symptoms, suicidal thoughts and ongoing mental-health struggles. He discusses his HIV diagnosis and undetectable status, his marriage to Stavros Agapiou, and his involvement in the public dispute over Brooklyn Beckham’s wedding dance. Tony also describes his continuing DJ career, plans for a film about his life, and supplements he uses for brain fog and sleep.

Gina Miller reflects on surviving aggressive breast cancer, recovering from extensive treatment and trying to return to work at a slower pace. She recalls the threats and abuse directed at her after legal challenges to the government's Brexit plans, while defending parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law. Miller criticises politicians and wealthy individuals for tax avoidance and argues that everyone should pay a fair share. She also attacks Nigel Farage's cryptocurrency plans as opaque and potentially corrupt, warning that ordinary people should not invest in crypto. Her outlook is shaped by her parents' commitment to democratic freedoms and environmental responsibility, as well as her effort to establish a healthier balance after years of overwork.

Frank Skinner reflects on the defining experiences of his life, including the exhilaration of co-writing “Three Lions” and hearing it sung at Wembley, his severe alcohol dependence and why many of those memories are too dark to turn into comedy, and his continuing work as a comedian. He discusses the effects of changing audience behaviour after Covid, his relationships with Cath Mason and their son Buzz, his dislike of retirement, and memorable encounters with the royal family and other public figures.

Kim Wilde reflects on her career, family, relationships, health and changing priorities. She says touring with Michael Jackson in 1988 exposed her to the isolating effects of extreme fame and prompted her to consider leaving the music industry. After returning to college to study horticulture and becoming involved in gardening television, she found a new creative path. Wilde also discusses regret about prioritising music over motherhood, giving up alcohol at 55, and finding wellbeing through gardening, meditation and dog walking. At 65, she says she values self-love, peaceful companionship and creativity more than fame or money, while continuing to tour her back catalogue.

Chris Packham reflects on his lifelong fascination with wildlife, his autism diagnosis, relationships, mental-health struggles and deep bond with dogs. He explains how anger, harassment and death threats have strengthened rather than deterred his activism on climate change, conservation and animal welfare, while acknowledging the financial and personal costs of pursuing environmental justice. He also describes art and intense focus on wildlife photography as forms of therapy and emotional escape.

Sinitta reflects on her rise from a show-business childhood to pop stardom through hits including “So Macho,” explaining how Simon Cowell eventually signed her after initially dismissing her. She discusses her relationships with Cowell and former husband Andy Willner, her brief, non-transformative romance with Brad Pitt before his fame, and the inappropriate situations she endured when younger. She also describes adopting two children after infertility struggles, living in her car during financial hardship, persistent performance anxiety, and using a hyperbaric oxygen chamber after Covid affected her lungs.

Johnny Ball reflects on his career in comedy and children's television, his family life, marriage to Dianne, continuing work as an author, and love of skiing. He sharply criticises the BBC's retreat from children's programming, arguing that the department was once world-leading but lost its purpose after rising drama costs led executives to deprioritise it. He also praises daughter Zoe Ball's broadcasting career and says he has no intention of slowing down despite being 87.

Joanna Lumley reflects on her unconventional childhood, acting career, family life, nearly 40-year marriage to Stephen Barlow, prosopagnosia, love of nature and commitment to charity. She discusses creating Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous, her roles in Wednesday and Amandaland, and her appointment as Toyota’s Chief Cricket Officer to encourage wider grassroots participation in the sport. Lumley argues that wealth should be shared rather than accumulated, quoting Andrew Carnegie’s belief that dying rich is disgraceful.

Irvine Welsh reflects on his upbringing, writing career, heroin addiction, relationships, money and health. He credits his tolerant and supportive parents for much of his success, describes writing Trainspotting as an unexpectedly joyful experience, and recalls how addiction isolated him from family and friends before mortality and personal loss prompted change. Welsh says writing remains more important to him than relationships, views excessive wealth-seeking as socially destructive, and remains focused on living rather than contemplating death. A documentary about his life and work, Beyond Trainspotting – The World of Irvine Welsh, is also noted as forthcoming.

A 54-year-old writer reflects on grief, ageing and a growing awareness that time is limited. After reconnecting with Bonnie, whom he first met on Hinge during lockdown, he developed a serious relationship following their divorces and decided to marry her. Rather than wait for a planned Christmas Day proposal, he proposed aboard an Emirates flight to Melbourne, with Bonnie accepting. The experience reinforces his determination to pursue long-delayed creative projects and embrace meaningful opportunities instead of procrastinating.

Marcus Brigstocke reflects on childhood shame, compulsive eating, drug and alcohol addiction, therapy, recovery and the effect of honesty on his relationships. He discusses the breakdown of his first marriage, his happier marriage to Rachel Parris and his relationships with his children. He also recalls his early work as a podium dancer and oil-rig worker, criticizes Nigel Farage’s rhetoric about London and asylum seekers, and explains how injuries from The Jump and the failed Altitude comedy festival caused major financial losses, including £250,000 from the festival, which continues in a different format.

Comedy creator Helena Moody describes being charged £7 per person—£140 for 20 guests—to bring a birthday cake into a London pub. She and her girlfriend concealed a supermarket cake, eventually lighting the candles outside after staff made them move across the road. Although Moody calls the fee excessive, she refuses to identify the pub or encourage online abuse, arguing that rising operating costs and falling disposable incomes are driving pubs toward such measures. She suggests a modest flat cake fee instead and says the viral TikTok and Instagram video has increased her profile but generated little direct income.

Richard O’Brien reflects on growing up feeling different, his suppressed gender and sexual identity, and the isolation that shaped his personality and helped inspire The Rocky Horror Show. He describes preferring solitude and nature but says he and his wife Sabrina occasionally make an effort to engage with wider society. O’Brien discusses his creative career, family’s openness, past marriages, lack of interest in money, declining confidence, aging and acceptance of death. He also criticizes Donald Trump’s politics and recalls awkward encounters with Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. A documentary about Rocky Horror, directed by his son Linus, is announced for cinema and home release.

Amanda Owen describes continuing to run Ravenseat farm with her ex-husband Clive, who lives next door; they remain civil but still bicker. She reflects on how television exposure and social media have brought criticism as well as opportunities, while farming and raising nine children remain demanding but rewarding. Owen credits outdoor work and farm life with building her resilience, rejects the idea that wealth alone brings happiness, and says the legacy she wants to give her children is a strong work ethic and the confidence to find their own paths.

Mo Farah reflects on being trafficked from Somalia to the UK as a child, the lasting effects of hiding his past, and the relief of discussing it publicly in a BBC documentary. He credits family support and openness about mental health with helping him confront his experiences. Farah also recalls the defining impact of winning Olympic gold in London, explains how his goals have shifted toward supporting his children after retirement, and discusses his marriage, fitness, money and happiness. Through Weetabix’s All Stars campaign, he hopes his story will encourage people to overcome major challenges and pursue their ambitions.

Jamie Laing discusses his excitement and anxiety about becoming a father with Sophie Habboo, reflecting on his boarding-school upbringing and his intention to prioritize family. He describes how entrepreneurship, reality television and podcasting shaped his resilience and improvisation skills, and says he supports GroceryAid because of his connection to the grocery industry. Laing also speaks about money, mental-health anxiety, tinnitus and completing five ultra-marathons, while crediting Sophie with teaching him the importance of family and describing their relationship with humor and affection.

Belinda Carlisle reflects on her rise with The Go-Go’s, her solo success and the personal experiences that shaped her career. She regrets posing for Playboy at 43 despite considering the images tasteful, and says sobriety helped her overcome imposter syndrome, perform without alcohol and recognise her achievements. Carlisle criticises the music industry’s sexualisation of young female artists, citing Sabrina Carpenter as an example, while also discussing her difficult childhood, fear of poverty, long marriage to Morgan Mason, past addiction and an ill-advised racehorse purchase. She is preparing to release the album Once Upon a Time in California and tour the UK in September 2025.

Tom Daley reflects on retiring from competitive diving, overcoming perfectionism and managing body dysmorphia and bulimia while adapting his training for health and family life. He discusses hosting the knitting and crochet show Game of Wool, running his Made with Love knitting company, and taking part in Celebrity Traitors, whose details he cannot reveal because of an NDA. Daley also describes family life with Dustin Lance Black and their sons in Los Angeles, including limits on screen time and encouraging boredom and creativity. He says he has no immediate plans to move back to the UK and promotes greater awareness of the risks of drinking near water.

Richard Osman reflects on how his father’s departure during childhood contributed to a long struggle with food addiction, and explains how rejecting shame has helped him manage it. He discusses living with nystagmus, which shaped his listening skills and perspective on appearances, as well as his career in television and fiction. Osman also describes coming to understand and forgive his father, building a supportive blended family with Ingrid Oliver, and viewing money as valuable chiefly when it enables generosity and supports those who helped him.

Jessica, a former financial journalist and data analyst, turned to OnlyFans after struggling to support herself while training and performing as a clown. She earns about £2,000 a month from subscriptions, tips and custom videos while working only a few hours a day, and says the income gives her more time and control to develop her comedy show, TiTClown. She describes her content as soft-core and rejects Bonnie Blue’s more extreme approach, while defending women’s autonomy and criticizing the differing public reactions to women having sex with young men. Jessica says the work has increased her appreciation of her body and softened her view of male subscribers, although she continues to receive occasional objectifying messages. She hopes to expand her creative work and potentially secure a television documentary.

DJ Carl Cox reflects on his career, crediting a Prince's Trust business program associated with King Charles III for helping him move from scaffolding into professional DJing. He describes surviving financial uncertainty, a shooting at a Caracas performance, the influence of his Barbadian family and the deaths of his parents. Cox also discusses remaining child-free, improving his health, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and his passion for high-speed motorsport, while maintaining that music provides his greatest personal satisfaction.

Millie Mackintosh reflects on her former binge drinking, explaining that severe hangovers, anxiety and panic attacks became symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. After having children and experiencing worsening mental health, she stopped drinking and says she will reach three years alcohol-free by the end of August. She describes treatment with medication and EMDR therapy as transformative, while also discussing cosmetic procedures, parenting with ADHD, her improved relationship with Hugo Taylor, and uncertainty about having more children.

Broadcaster Edith Bowman reflects on the experiences that shaped her views on health, work, money, family and relationships. A heart murmur discovered in her twenties, along with childhood epilepsy, made sleep, exercise and balance important priorities. She discusses financial planning after the financial strain of the COVID-19 lockdown on her musician husband Tom Smith’s career, her relationship with Smith and their children, and her strong work ethic. Bowman also describes her broadcasting philosophy, regular acupuncture treatment and continuing commitment to her podcast Soundtracking.

Abbey Clancy discusses family life with Peter Crouch, saying she would like another child while he believes their household is already large enough. She describes her anxiety, use of exercise and hypnotherapy, and how their podcast, The Therapy Crouch, has strengthened their relationship. Clancy also talks about parenting, maintaining a long-term partnership, her perfectionist tendencies, plans to potentially move to a farm, and her use of Oslo Skin Lab collagen powder after hair loss and the physical effects of pregnancy.

Will Young reflects on confronting Simon Cowell during his early career, linking his willingness to speak out to his experience of bullying at prep school and his politics education. He discusses a mental breakdown, dissociation, therapy, grief over his twin Rupert’s suicide, and finding greater openness through a relationship. Young says wealth and fame did not define his ambitions, while performing in Cabaret helped him escape the restrictions of mainstream music. He is now co-founder of Miraculous Meals, a dog-food business that pledges half of its profits to UK rescue centres amid a growing rescue-dog crisis.

Dita Von Teese reflects on how her views of love, health, money, family and performance have changed. She says she now values emotionally grounded relationships without constant drama, manages chronic pain through greater attention to the mind-body connection, and takes a more conservative approach to finances by investing in property and carefully selected vintage cars. She discusses her rise from the Los Angeles club and rave scenes to international burlesque stardom, emphasizing authenticity and emotional connection with audiences. She also describes her close family ties, independence and commitment to performing, including upcoming London shows of Diamonds & Dust.

Estelle reflects on her upbringing as one of nine siblings, her parents’ separation and reunion, and the determination that shaped her singing career. She credits Kanye West with helping make “American Boy” a global success but says he has since taken a different path, offering empathy without endorsing his actions. Estelle also discusses her experiences with depression, self-reflection, relationships, past overspending and personal growth, while promoting her new single “New Direction” and forthcoming sixth studio album.

Macy Gray reflects on relationships, family, health, money and her enduring love of music. She discusses becoming more alert to bad behavior, her admiration for her eight-month-old grandson, an adverse reaction to Ozempic and difficulties with declining attention span. Gray recalls financial instability and extravagant spending, including five expensive cars, custom shoes, jewelry and half a million dollars on landscaping that ultimately died. She remains proud of her hit “I Try” but wishes her broader catalog were better known, while continuing to embrace the rewards and challenges of performing and making music.

Denise Lewis reflects on her Olympic career, family life, health, money and changing priorities. She says winning heptathlon gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics gave her lasting self-confidence and freed her from seeking external validation. As a mother of four, she acknowledges that she was sometimes too strict with her children and is learning to allow for their different personalities, circumstances and timelines. She also discusses communication, healthy routines learned from her mother, adapting to bodily changes with age, financial discipline and the importance of hard work and giving back.