Headliners with Nihal Arthanayake

Alex Scott tells Nihal about her journey from the east end of London to international football stardom. She discusses her relationship with her alcoholic father, the challenges she faced getting into the game, and the respect she has for her mother and grandmother – the women who brought her up.

"It's time for partyless politics." The presenter on why he’s not ruling out a career in Parliament.

The veteran presenter talks to Nihal about how politicians have changed, the role of the BBC, and how it felt to cover some of the biggest news events of the past five decades.

“I’m an ex-footballer with a big gob.” Gary tells Nihal why he’s resisting a career in politics.

“He was way ahead of the game.” Sir Lenny tells Nihal why Richard Pryor was such an influence on him.

Graham Norton on the secret to his chat show success, and why he bans some celebrities if they misbehave.

“The earliest cities in the world, it’s stupendous.” The presenter and ex-Python on exploring Iraq.

The Spice Girl on a life in music and dance. “We had something important to say.” Mel on girl power and the Spice Girls.

The multi-million selling author on his latest crime thriller. “I’m endlessly on a deadline.” The multi-million selling author on his latest crime thriller.

“I’m just getting started.” The Mercury nominated artist on the joy of dancing, sarcastic self-love and her short lived career as a PA.

The editor in chief of British Vogue on partying in Ladbroke Grove with Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.

The author on his new novel set during the English Civil War and the election of Liz Truss as Conservative Party leader

The musician and producer on working with Madonna and why he is mining a new seam of creativity.

The historical fiction author on bringing to life the “beauty and brutality” of Renaissance Italy.

“It’s about the connection, the story you want to tell.” Paul tells Nihal what DJ’ing means to him.

The comedian on creating PowerPoint stand-up and the secrets of setting cryptic crosswords.

“The laptop was smoking.” The stand-up tells Nihal how the ending of his debut novel came to him.

The star tells Nihal about walking from Land’s end to John O’Groats with two friends.

“I do movies in Hindi, but I do comedy in English.” Comedian on global stand-up, staying focused and dealing with hecklers.

“I never enter a competition I don’t think I can win”. Actress and comedian on her upcoming Strictly Come Dancing debut.

“Kanye West, Travis Scott, David Bowie and Jim Morrison.” Kasabian’s frontman on who he wants to emulate as the band’s lead singer.

Anthony Horowitz, who has sold tens of millions of copies of his books, talks to Nihal about his upbringing, the so-called culture wars, politics, and why he doesn’t crave fame.

“Because baking has got better, the handshakes have got more.” British Bake-off judge on his ‘Hollywood Handshake’ and what makes the deserving recipient.

"We all know what it feels like to hold something back." The Sandman actor on the creative process behind his character, along with the influence that creator Neil Gaiman held over production.

“You looked like a walrus that had been tasered.” Reverend Richard Cole on writing fiction, how to mourn well and his mums thoughts on his dancing.