Andrea McLean

Lee Peart sits down for a chat with his comedy pal Rosie Wilby to discuss her new book 'The Breakup Monologues - The Unexpected Joy Of Heartbreak'. Rosie is a comedian, journalist, fellow podcaster and was dubbed 'The Queen of Breakups' by BBC Radio 4. In this interview we talk ghosting, bread crumbing and what exactly is 'icing' someone? We also discuss whether to keep in touch with an ex and the science behind breaking up and heartbreak. 

It's A Sin is one of Channel 4's most acclaimed new TV dramas, and has started a discussion about HIV/AIDS and gay men in the 80s and 90s. Husband's Dick Longdin and Adam Zane, two close friends of mine join me in a candid conversation as we discuss the impact of the show, and they talk me through just how it was like living as a gay man in those times. We also discuss Adam Zane's involvement in the phenomenon Queer as Folk and we look to the future while remembering the past.

Actor turned activist talks all things HIV/AIDS. As executive director of the charity NAM, Matthew answers questions about HIV/AIDS and talks how he is living openly and honestly as an HIV+ person. Breaking stigma, debunking myths and talking of the hope for the future, Matthew speaks honestly and inspiringly about his journey.

Rob Madge went from performing in their living room for their wonderful, supportive parents, to finding to themselves cast in the west end show Mary Poppins as the young Michael Banks. From then, Rob went to star in Les Miserables, Oliver! and even Matilda. They discuss growing up, queerness, being a young west end performer and their favourite musical. 

Good Morning Britain director Erron Gordon joins me for a chat about life behind the scenes in TV. How he landed a role in a film by simply joking about it with Renée Zelweger, his move from being a runner to a highly sought after TV director, and a typical day working with Piers Morgan. 

The Voice finalist singer-songwriter Jimmy Balito joins me for a chat. We discuss his experience in The Voice, auditioning the year before and failing to get any judge to turn, before returning the next year and reaching the final with Team Olly. We also discuss the tragic loss of his father to cancer, and how he copes with grief and continued on with the competition. We discuss his upbringing, musical roots and what's next for this bright young talent.

TV and Radio Presenter Yasmin Evans joins me for a chat about her upbringing, becoming estranged from her father, meeting Oprah, how she became a presenter and of course her mantra for life! Recorded at Champneys Tring after a few glasses of prosecco, we sit and have a natter about how she has got this far.

Comedian Tom Allen joins me for a hilarious chat - he discusses early life in primary school and growing up in Bromley, the National Youth Theatre, winning the BBC New Comedy Award and So You Think You're Funny at the age of 22, and his rise to success. Tom is a natural storyteller, and loves to chat, and we end up digressing a lot. I was lucky to be able to record with him and fit around his busy schedule! We even get a cameo from Angela Barnes, who enters after bumping into Gloria Hunniford in the lift of ITV and being starstruck.

Loose Woman Andrea McLean talks candidly, in this bumper episode, about growing up abroad in Trinidad, being raised by Scottish working class parents, dealing with bullying in school and how she landed her TV jobs through taking risks and hard work and determination. She also discusses her recent ventures into being a spokesperson for women all over dealing with the menopause, and how she is embarking on a very exciting solo tour.

Lorraine Kelly has been in TV for over 30 years, and I was ecstatic when she agreed to do my podcast - after I collared her in the corridor of ITV and asked her to! She is so warm and friendly, and I've always admired her stance on LGBT+ rights. In this episode she reminisces about losing a close friend Gary in the 80s to AIDS related illnesses, being crowned an 'honorary gay', and what it means to be an ally. She also discusses her morning show, and gives me a glimpse into a typical working day, as well as discussing her dream guests and her worst!