Nicky Byrne HQ

Nicky celebrates 100 episodes by revisiting the conversations, laughs, tears and unforgettable guests that shaped the podcast. He also explains why the HQ is taking a pause as Westlife’s 25th anniversary world tour begins. This isn’t goodbye, just the next chapter. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions. Have you signed up for Nicky's Substack ne...

Nicky sits down with singer Kevin Simm to discuss Liberty X, The Voice, Wet Wet Wet and the long road back to believing in himself. Kevin reflects on growing up football-mad in Lancashire, discovering singing almost by accident, and working the pubs and clubs before Popstars changed everything.  Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions. Have y...

Nicky sits down with former Manchester United, Leeds United and England star Lee Sharpe for an in-depth chat about fame, football and finding yourself after the game. Lee reflects on breaking through at Manchester United as a teenager, playing under Sir Alex Ferguson, the rise of the Sharpey Shuffle, and what it was really like to become one of the most recognizable young footballers of his genera...

Nicky sits down with poet, writer and bestselling author Donna Ashworth for an in-depth chat about the words that find people in their hardest and happiest moments. Donna reflects on starting to write during lockdown, using poetry to steady herself, and the viral posts that helped her discover a new purpose. She opens up about grief, overthinking, neurodivergence, bravery, criticism and why simple...

Nicky sits down with dancer, broadcaster and Strictly Come Dancing original Brendan Cole for an in-depth chat about the career, confidence and chaos behind life in the ballroom. Brendan reflects on growing up in New Zealand, leaving home with a one-way ticket and £1,000 in his pocket, and the drive that took him from building sites to the biggest dance floor on television. He opens up about winnin...

Nicky sits down with beloved broadcaster Gaby Roslin for an in-depth chat about her life in television, radio and entertainment. Gaby reflects on dreaming of becoming a presenter from the age of three, her early days on Saturday morning TV, and the live moments that taught her to thrive when everything goes wrong. She opens up about working with Terry Wogan, the power of kindness, and why listenin...

Nicky sits down with music icon Marlon Jackson for an in-depth chat about life inside one of the most famous families in entertainment. Marlon reflects on growing up in Gary, Indiana, the relentless rehearsals that shaped The Jackson 5, and the father who saw something in his children before they could see it themselves. He opens up about Michael, the memories behind the music, the family’s extrao...

Nicky sits down with Blue star Antony Costa for an in-depth chat about his journey from singing in pubs and clubs as a teenager to becoming part of one of the biggest boy bands of the 2000s. Antony opens up about the graft behind the early years, the healthy rivalry with Westlife, Blue’s huge success in Italy, and those pinch-me moments working with Elton John and Stevie Wonder. From All Rise and...

Nicky sits down with UFC star, boxer and proud Scouser Molly “Meatball” McCann for an in-depth chat about her journey from growing up in Liverpool to fighting on some of the biggest stages in the world. Molly opens up about her Irish roots, her family connection to Katie Taylor, the highs and hardships of life in MMA, and why she has now set her sights on boxing glory. From Madison Square Garden t...

Nicky sits down with Team GB sprinter and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey for an in-depth chat about his journey from becoming the fastest teenager in the world to finding a new audience as Nitro. Harry opens up about competing alongside Usain Bolt, overcoming serious injuries and learning to celebrate every achievement along the way. From the athletics track to Saturday night television, H...

Nicky sits down with pop icon Debbie Gibson for an in-depth chat about her journey from teenage sensation to enduring entertainer. Debbie opens up about the pressures of finding fame at 16, her struggles with anxiety, and the extraordinary bond she shared with her mother and manager. From writing and producing record-breaking hits to Broadway and beyond, Debbie shares what it takes to keep creatin...

Nicky sits down with Simon Neil, frontman of Biffy Clyro, for an in-depth chat about music, football, friendship and the songs that stay with people. Simon reflects on growing up in Ayr, forming Biffy with childhood friends Ben and James, and building a career from noisy pub gigs to festival headline stages. He opens up about songwriting, Scottish identity, Celtic and Rangers, life on tour, and th...

In a World Cup special, Nicky sits down with former Liverpool and Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer for an in-depth chat about his journey from Birkenhead and pub football to the Premier League and the World Cup stage. Jason opens up about life at Liverpool, the famous Spice Boys era, sharing dressing rooms with huge characters, and the Ireland goal against the Netherlands that fans still talk abou...

Nicky sits down with professional dancer and Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington for an in-depth chat about his journey from a football family to the ballroom floor. Kai opens up about choosing dance over football, becoming a world champion as a teenager, and the moment Britain’s Got Talent changed his path. From Dancing with the Stars in Ireland to the pressure, pain and glamour of Strictl...

This episode includes a conversation about health and wellness products. While this is not a paid promotion, our guest, Ashley Parker Angel, is sharing his personal experiences and opinions. Any claims made about health benefits are based on his views and should not be taken as medical advice. If you're considering supplements or lifestyle changes, it's always best to do your own research and cons...

Nicky sits down with comedian and broadcaster Bernard O’Shea for an in-depth chat about his journey from playing music with his father to building a career in stand-up, radio and television. Bernard opens up about middle age, family life, the art of finding comedy in ordinary moments, and why everyday Irish life still gives him his best material. From carveries to football to the chaos of parentin...

Nicky sits down with Irish singer Aaron Rowe to talk about his journey from playing covers in Dublin pubs to finding his own voice as an artist. Aaron reflects on the grind of pub gigs, the chance encounters that changed everything with Lewis Capaldi and Ed Sheeran, and the moment he finally backed himself. He also speaks about leaving home, carrying guilt, embracing Irish music, and why he wants...

Nicky sits down with hit songwriter and producer Andreas Carlsson for a chat about the music that shaped a generation. Andreas reflects on his journey to the heart of the Cheiron Studios hit machine, where he helped create songs for Westlife, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC and more. He opens up about writing some of the biggest pop songs of all time, shares the stories behind those records...

Nicky sits down with chef, restaurateur and MasterChef judge Anna Haugh for an conversation about her life in food. Anna reflects on growing up in Tallaght, finding her path in the kitchen, and the journey from opening tins of fruit cocktail to becoming one of the most respected Irish chefs working in Britain. She opens up about ambition, motherhood, the business of running restaurants, and why te...

Nicky sits down with Aston Merrygold about his life in music. Aston reflects on his rise to fame with JLS, the intensity of the X Factor years, and what it was like to grow up in the spotlight. He opens up about fatherhood, fame, life after the charts, and how his relationship with music has changed over the years. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Prod...

Nicky sits down with pop star and actress Kym Marsh for an in-depth chat about her journey from reality television pioneer to a Coronation Street favourite. Kym opens up about the highs and lows of her early career, the overwhelming pressure of being in the band Hear'Say, and her difficult decision to step away. From embracing the theatrical stage to sharing heartwarming memories of a night out in...

Nicky sits down with former Ireland captain Robbie Keane for an conversation about his life in football. Robbie reflects on his journey from a young striker to Ireland’s record goal scorer, the highs of playing on the world stage, and the pressure of leading his country. He opens up about the mindset behind big moments, the reality of taking penalties, and how he has transitioned into management w...

Nicky sits down with Rick Astley to talk about the unexpected journey of Never Gonna Give You Up from eighties smash to internet phenomenon. Rick reflects on sudden fame, navigating it alone, and how a whole new generation discovered his music through the Rickroll. It’s a story of timing, perspective and a career that keeps finding new life.  Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments...

Nicky sits down with Oti Mabuse for a chat about ambition, discipline and the journey to the top. From her childhood in South Africa to becoming a two-time Strictly Come Dancing champion and now a leading TV judge on Ireland's Dancing With The Stars, Oti reflects on hard work, family sacrifice and what it takes to keep winning. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with...

Nicky sits down with his mum, Yvonne Byrne, for a chat about family, values and the moments that matter most. From raising a young family to watching her son step into the spotlight, Yvonne reflects on love, resilience and the lessons that stay with you for life. Nicky Byrne HQ is produced by Studz Entertainments in association with SwanMcG Productions. Have you signed up for Nicky's Substack news...