Sharlene Hector: Touring the World with Basement Jaxx, Finding Theatre, and Owning the Spotlight

Sharlene Hector: Touring the World with Basement Jaxx, Finding Theatre, and Owning the Spotlight🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this wide-ranging conversation, Steve Otis Gunn chats to powerhouse singer and actor Sharlene Hector — best known for performing with Basement Jaxx, Gorillaz, and Michael Bublé, and now making her mark in West End musical theatre. Sharlene reflects on the whirlwind of life on the road, from Top of the Pops, to her pivotal Coca-Cola advert. She shares the story of how she discovered acting during lockdown, which led to standout roles in Hairspray, Dreamgirls, Derren Brown's Showman, and now Disney’s Hercules. Sharlene also offers insight into the realities of theatre life and how it compares to life on tour as a singer with bands such as Muse, Alicia Keys, and Emeli Sandé.Episode Highlights:Performing with Basement Jaxx at the Mount Fuji FestivalThe leap from singing at Glastonbury to starring in the West EndSurviving international tours on very little sleepThis episode is for fans of powerhouse vocals, West End musicals, and anyone who’s ever danced to Basement Jaxx, belted out Disney songs, or dreamed of taking a leap.🎭 About Sharlene HectorSharlene Hector is a British singer, performer, and actor with a career spanning over two decades. She has toured internationally with Basement Jaxx, Gorillaz, and Michael Bublé, sung backing vocals for Muse, Alicia Keys, and Emeli Sandé. In recent years, she has shifted to musical theatre with acclaimed roles in Dreamgirls, A Strange Loop, Standing at the Sky’s Edge, and Hercules.🔗 Connect with SharleneInstagramSpotify📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Sharlene Hector – Singer & ActorDuration: 53 minutesRelease Date: September 11, 2025Season: 4, Episode 16All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wolfgang: Death & Defiance - Unknown '80s Pop Duo Walk the Streets of Peterborough🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this bonus episode of Television Times, Steve Otis Gunn wanders the streets of Peterborough with his old friend Des, reminiscing about how a humble Casio MT100 keyboard sparked the creation of their pop duo, Wolfgang. They revisit the final days of school, experimenting with basic musical gear, and navigating life in the 1980s—intertwining tales of classic British TV, leaving home, and the odd reflections on ghosts, religion, and AI. Recorded on the very streets where their teenage years unfolded, this is a candid, humorous, and nostalgic conversation with plenty of philosophical detours.🎭 About WolfgangWolfgang was an unknown pop duo formed in 1985 in Peterborough by Steve Otis Gunn & Desmond Pye.📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Wolfgang – Unknown 1980s Pop DuoDuration: 59 minutesRelease Date: Sept 6, 2025Season: 4, Episode 15All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Parsons: The Godfather of Reality TV on Creating The Word, The Big Breakfast, and Survivor🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this lively conversation, Steve Otis Gunn talks with Charlie Parsons — the creative force responsible for some of the most iconic and genre-defining shows in British TV history, including The Word, The Big Breakfast, and the global phenomenon Survivor. Charlie takes us through the early chaos and joy of The Big Breakfast, revealing how a morning show set in real lock-keepers' cottages became a pop culture fever dream. He discusses the instinct and research that went into creating something truly groundbreaking, the birth of Survivor from an unclassifiable concept to an international juggernaut, and the industry battles — including court cases — along the way. Charlie also reflects on the changing TV landscape, from risk-taking commissioners to today’s algorithm-driven decisions, and why he’s now channeling his creative energy into theatre with productions like The Hunger Games, and A Knight’s Tale.Episode Highlights:How The Big Breakfast flipped stale breakfast TV on its head — and why its pilot tested terriblyMeeting a then-unknown Robbie Williams and early days with Take ThatThe intense groundwork and instinct that shaped Survivor into a global formatLawsuits, imitators, and the strange pride in seeing your format inspire othersShifting from TV to theatre — and how live audiences offer instant feedbackThis episode is for fans of trailblazing TV formats, pop culture chaos, and anyone who’s ever stayed up late watching The Word, woke up to The Big Breakfast, or got hooked on the drama of Survivor.🎭 About Charlie ParsonsCharlie Parsons is a British television producer, creator, and format innovator best known for The Word, The Big Breakfast, and Survivor. As co-founder of Planet 24, he revolutionised breakfast television, invented reality competition as we know it, and sold formats worldwide. Today, Charlie focuses on theatre, producing acclaimed shows like Girl from the North Country and upcoming stage adaptations of The Hunger Games and A Knight’s Tale.🔗 Connect with CharlieCharlie keeps a low profile online, so why not check out his IMDb page instead:IMDb📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Charlie Parsons – Writer & TV ProducerDuration: 42 minutesRelease Date: August 14, 2025Season: 4, Episode 14All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew O’Connor: The Creative Mastermind Behind Derren Brown and Peep Show🎙️Episode OverviewIn this wide-ranging episode, Steve Otis Gunn talks with the multi-talented Andrew O’Connor — magician, impressionist, theatre star, game show host, producer, and co-creator of Peep Show. They trace Andrew’s eclectic path through British entertainment, from Copycats and summer seasons to helping reinvent comedy and magic on UK television. Andrew shares candid stories about his early frustrations as a performer, how they led to him founding Objective Productions, and how that company went on to create genre-defining hits like Derren Brown: Mind Control, Star Stories, and Ricky Gervais Meets... He explains how he literally went searching for “a mind-reading David Blaine,” and, with a key tip from Jerry Sadowitz, discovered a then-unknown Derren Brown. He also unpacks the origin of Peep Show — from an idea about two guys watching TV to the iconic POV-driven comedy we know today — and the moment he brought in Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain to develop it with just £11,000 and a rented flat in Croydon.Episode Highlights:What Copycats got away with in the '80s… and why it wouldn’t fly todayThe happy chaos of touring in Me and My Girl and BarnumThe early days of Derren Brown and the secret to his onstage brillianceMaking Peep Show work — and why the first edit nearly broke himBehind-the-scenes stories from his time in Hollywood making moviesThis episode is for fans of British TV, comedy, magic, and anyone who's ever marvelled at Derren Brown or quoted Peep Show line-for-line.🎭 About Andrew O’ConnorAndrew O’Connor is a British actor, magician, impressionist, game show host, and award-winning producer. He co-founded Objective Productions and helped shape shows like Peep Show, Derren Brown: Mind Control, and Star Stories. With decades in the business, Andrew’s career spans light entertainment, theatre, and groundbreaking television.🔗 Connect with AndrewAndrew isn't one for Social Media, so instead, check out his IMDb page here:IMDb📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes contentInstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Andrew O'Connor – Director, Magician, Comedian & TV ProducerDuration: 57 minutesRelease Date: August 7, 2025Season: 4, Episode 13All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ignacio Lopez: A Comedian's Guide to Buying the Perfect Mattress🎙️Episode OverviewIn this fun-filled conversation, Steve Otis Gunn chats with comedian Ignacio Lopez about his upbringing in Mallorca, rainy Summer holidays in Welsh caravan parks, and the wild ride of navigating TV quiz shows. They also delve into the hilarity of dubbed films, the pitfalls of blagging your way into work, and why choosing the perfect mattress might just be one of life’s most underrated decisions.Highlights include:Bluffing his way into a Disney role as a salsa dancer - without knowing a single step.Why his appearance on Mastermind had to be filmed twice, and why he doesn't risk taking his House of Games luggage on tour.How Hollywood keeps ruining great films with subpar remakesThe weirdness of discovering Keanu Reeves’ real voiceThis episode will hit home for comedy lovers, fans of all things Spain, and anyone who's ever guessed their way through a trivia round.🎤 About Ignacio LopezIgnacio Lopez is a Welsh-Spanish comedian known for his clever and insightful humour, often drawing on his dual heritage. He's a familiar face on the UK comedy circuit and television, with appearances on Live At The Apollo and Have I Got News For You. Ignacio has performed in English, Spanish, and Welsh, showcasing his versatile talents.🔗 Connect with IgnacioInstagramTikTokYouTubeWebsiteGet tickets for Igancio's Edinburgh Fringe show here: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/ignacio-lopez-nada📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Ignacio Lopez – Comedian & WriterDuration: 56 minutesRelease Date: August 1, 2025Season: 4, Episode 12All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Moe Singleton: Berlin Life, Seinfeld & Starting Over🎙️Episode OverviewIn this globe-trotting, thoughtful conversation, Steve Otis Gunn chats to Moe Singleton - stand-up comedian and podcast host - to talk about everything from leaving New York, building a new life in Berlin, and how Seinfeld shaped his worldview. They reflect on the chaos of podcasting, the noise of social media, and the joy of a proper conversation. Expect thoughtful takes, cultural contrasts, and laughs about everything from Crocs to crowd work.Highlights include:Why Moe left New York and built a new life in BerlinSitcoms with far too many episodesRebuilding a podcast from scratch after losing an entire archiveLanguage learning and late-stage capitalismThe value of finding your audience and staying groundedThis episode is for sitcom obsessives, expats, and anyone who's ever stood outside a show wondering if anyone will come in.🎤 About Moe SingletonMoe Singleton is an American comedian based in Berlin, Germany. Known for his smart observations and deeply relatable style, Moe’s stand-up work spans continents, cultures, and countless venues. He’s also the creator and host of the Thoughts For Your Thoughts podcast, where he interviews comedians about their origin stories, early bombs, and breakthrough moments.🔗 Connect with MoeInstagramTikTokYouTubePodcastGet tickets for Moe's Edinburgh Fringe show here: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-minority-report-comedy-showcase📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Moe Singleton – ComedianDuration: 54 minutesRelease Date: July 27, 2025Season: 4, Episode 11All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Kent-Walters: From Clown School to Cult Stardom with Frankie Monroe🎙️Episode OverviewIn this surreal and wildly entertaining episode, Steve Otis Gunn sits down with Joe Kent-Walters, the brilliant mind behind the cult character Frankie Monroe. From training at a Parisian clown school to surviving open-plan toilets and overpriced Edinburgh housing, Joe blends theatrical roots with punk cabaret energy and a surprising affection for Wurzel Gummidge. Together, they chat about late-night comedy magic, the horror of gentrified goth culture, and the sheer physical toll of throwing yourself around a stage in dress shoes for a month straight.Highlights include:How sharing a toilet-adjacent bed in Paris prepared him for Fringe housingThe surprising influence of George FormbyWhy Joe breaks character after each showThe personal cost of inventing a character who's made a deal with the devilHis fondness for bargain bin VHS tapesIf you’re into character comedy or just some old-school British weirdness, this one’s for you.🎤 About Joe Kent-WaltersJoe Kent-Walters is a British comedian who’s best known for his larger-than-life alter ego Frankie Monroe. His work blends physical theatre, absurdism, and cabaret in a way that’s earned him praise throughout the comedy community, winning him The Edinburgh Fringe's Best Newcomer Award in 2024.🔗 Connect with Joe (Frankie)InstagramWebsite📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Joe Kent-Walters – Comedian & WriterDuration: 48 minutesRelease Date: July 20, 2025Season: 4, Episode 10All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Darren Harriott: Celebrity Adventures in Light Entertainment🎙️Episode OverviewIn this candid and entertaining episode, Steve Otis Gunn chats with the ever-charismatic Darren Harriott to discuss everything from being a 'click-your-fingers celebrity', moving back to the Black Country, and why it's important to live close to greenery. Darren opens up about the highs and lows of showbiz and why he’s happy to leave the chaos of late-night gigs behind. Expect laughs, honest reflections, and behind-the-scenes tales from the world of light entertainment.Episode Highlights:The difference between living in Kilburn and the MidlandsWhy Richard Osman runs the tightest ship on televisionVintage tech, cul-de-sacs, and Gen Z's love for nostalgiaBehind-the-scenes stories from The Wheel and Michael McIntyre’s Big ShowThis episode will appeal to comedy fans, anyone who’s survived the London rental grind, and listeners who've thought, “Wait… don’t I know you from somewhere?”🎤 About Darren HarriottDarren Harriott is an acclaimed British stand-up comedian, writer, and presenter known for his smart, honest, and high-energy comedy. A two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, Darren has made a name for himself with his mix of observational humour, personal stories, and sharp takes on class, race, and modern masculinity.🔗 Connect with DarrenInstagramTikTokYouTube📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Darren Harriott – Comedian, Writer & PresenterDuration: 50 minutesRelease Date: July 13, 2025Season: 4, Episode 9All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carl Donnelly: The Fork Awakens - A Vegan Odyssey Through Comedy, Lost, and Star Wars🎙️Episode OverviewIn this wide-ranging episode, Steve Otis Gunn chats to comedian and longtime vegan Carl Donnelly. What begins with sniffles and parenting chaos soon unfolds into a rich and hilarious exploration of identity, ethics, nostalgia, and the unexpected impact of kids on one’s streaming habits. From biohackers and butchers to Irish summers and Star Wars, Carl brings levity, insight, and warmth to a conversation that spans generations, galaxies, and plant-based diets.Highlights include:Trading offal for ayahuascaGrowing up Irish in South London without a middle nameComedy longevity and the joy of finding old postersRevisiting Lost, rewatching The Leftovers, and defending Obi-Wan KenobiFrom Spurs loyalty to South Indian dals: football, food, and second generational cultureWhether you’re a long-time fan of Carl’s stand-up, curious about tofu protein levels, or a parent roped into watching sci-fi, this episode offers laughs, reflection, and plenty of moments where you’ll go, “hang on… same here.”🎤 About Carl DonnellyCarl Donnelly is a comedian and writer recognised for his thoughtful and comedic approach to stand-up. A regular at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Fringe, Carl blends sharp observational humour with personal storytelling rooted in both identity and culture.🔗 Connect with CarlInstagramTikTokWebsite📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Carl Donnelly – Comedian & WriterDuration: 56 minutesRelease Date: July 6, 2025Season: 4, Episode 8All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sikisa: From Courtroom to Comedy, No Nonsense Allowed🎙️Episode OverviewIn this bold and unfiltered episode, Steve Otis Gunn chats with the multitalented comedian, lawyer, and wrestling superfan Sikisa. From her law-school nickname to her unapologetic admiration for Peggy Mitchell, Sikisa delivers quick wit and honest reflection in a lively chat about hustle culture, the outrageous cost of Edinburgh Fringe, and the quiet chaos of birthdays. Sikisa dives into everything from Caribbean rivalries and the gentrification of Brixton to the exhausting loop of content creation that pressures comedians to “do it all” in the digital age.Highlights include:Growing up between Stockwell and BarbadosWrestling: not fake, carefully scripted, and undeniably dangerousWhy “You’re the Problem” was the show title that never wasOnlyFans, burnout, and headphones that are too cleverWhy performers deserve affordable housing during festivalsThis episode will appeal to comedy lovers, wrestling fans, and anyone craving a peaceful night's sleep in a Premier Inn🎤 About SikisaSikisa is a comedian, writer, and immigration lawyer known for her laugh-out-loud sets, thoughtful storytelling, and social commentary. A regular on the UK comedy circuit, she’s also a wrestling aficionado, pub veteran, and proud South Londoner.🔗 Connect with SikisaInstagramTikTokWebsite📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Sikisa – Comedian, Writer & ProducerDuration: 48 minutesRelease Date: June 29, 2025Season: 4, Episode 7All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.