S2 Ep8: Where's Home Really... for Monica Galetti?

“I think it’s fair to say Bridgerton has had a seismic effect on storytelling.” Hollywood actor and star of hit Netflix series 'Bridgerton', Adjoa Andoh, joins Jimi in this fascinating, funny, and thoughtful episode that brings to close Series 2 of Where’s Home Really? Adjoa, whose roles include the Oscar-nominated 'Invictus' opposite Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, weighs the pros and cons of squatting, reveals what connects Fry’s Peppermint Cream with Bette Davis, and the sanctity of the Christmas tradition. Plus, Adjoa gives her considered take on what has changed, and what’s remained the same, following the rise of Bridgerton and the notion of "colourblind casting".

"Doing Strictly this year, I was able to live a dream… but at the same time showcase who I am, my culture, tell my story." In this penultimate episode of the series, Jimi catches up with comedian and presenter Eddie Kadi, fresh slipping off his dancing shoes having competed in 2023’s Strictly Come Dancing. A powerhouse of positivity and humour, Eddie reminisces about the times he was gifted a "new" pair of trainers wrapped in the dreaded blue plastic bag, his dad’s eye-opening experience attending one of Eddie’s comedy gigs, and his reflections on dancing in front of the nation on primetime TV.   Plus, Eddie reveals the only two words you need to get by at his local barbershop!

“To be pulled in so many different directions, for the first time I felt I couldn’t manage it all - so I had to let Masterchef go for a year.” Chef and TV presenter Monica Galetti joins Jimi to talk about her fascinating life growing up in American Samoa and New Zealand - and then moving across the world to learn under the demanding eye of the one and only Michel Roux.  Also discover the reason behind Monica's approachable TV personality style, and the importance of both families in her life - the one at home as well as the close-knit family in her restaurant “Mere”.

'I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I will not vote for the first British Asian Prime Minister…’ Comedian and presenter Nish Kumar takes Jimi on a hilarious and thought-provoking journey through his life and career. Nish touches on what links him with Stormzy, and Kate Moss; his dad as the family bouncer; and candidly reveals the real-life impact of relentless online trolling. Plus, if you’ve ever wondered what ‘Cucumber Town’ means, Nish will put your mind at ease!

"In my 20s I would have felt 'Oh these are the things that don’t make me Caribbean enough, or black enough’… Now I think 'These are the things that make me myself.’ Multi Grammy Award-winning British singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey joins Jimi to discuss growing up in Leeds with little money, share vivid memories of finding corners of the Caribbean in her grandparents’ home, and reveals the lessons from her mother that she is passing on to her own children. Corinne also tells Jimi about some of the inspirational stories of African-Americans that influenced her acclaimed new album, “Black Rainbows”.

“I walked out the bank and there were about 1,000 people outside! I was so shocked by the love they were showing me.”   An Olympic silver medallist at just 17, the youngest ever British professional world boxing champion, and winning the WBA light-welterweight title at 22 - Amir Khan is a man used to being in the spotlight.   Discover what he splashed his cash on after getting his first big paycheck, what it was like being a Bolton boy filling the tabloid gossip columns following his marriage to a Manhattan heiress, and being the only Asian kid in his local boxing gym.

"My mum always says to me, ‘Where are you going to get back to the kids?’ And my grandma will whisper, ‘Don’t listen to any of them, just keep doing it.’”  Winner of the 2015 Bake Off, chef, presenter, and author of 8 cookery books including her latest title to accompany BBC TV show, Nadiya’s Simple Spices, Nadiya Hussain is a true powerhouse.  Get ready for laughter, tears and, quite literally, food for thought, as she discuss why she’d never eat a British korma, the hilarious way her grandad would wake up his grandchildren using straw and match, and why she feels the weight representing so many different groups. Plus, she brought baked goods for Jimi to try! But what’s the verdict…?

“I just got offered I’m A Celebrity for the third time… I’ve said no to all of them… I’m not tempted at all!’ Jimi’s back with another fantastic conversation, this time with rapper, actor, comedian, and screenwriter - or should we just say polymath - Ben Bailey-Smith AKA Doc Brown! Ben talks ghostwriting for one of the world’s biggest rappers, why he’s turning down TV work, and the benefits of having an alter ego. Plus, he opens up on struggling to fit in with music cliques because of his heritage, his open door policy during Notting Hill Carnival, and why he’s moved back to North West London.

“I was crying at the side of the stage at the O2, watching her. I wanted to be her, I want people to know my name.’   Having written for stars such as Dua Lipa, Little Mix, Kylie, Clean Bandit, and many more, Kamille truly is a one-woman hitmaking machine.   With the songs that she’s worked on having amassed more than 6 billion streams on Spotify, Kamille has now turned her focus to her own solo career, and has released her debut album, K1.   She shares funny and moving stories of working on X Factor, the unexpected influence of Shakespeare in rap battles with her sister, and talks candidly about her experiences as black woman in the music industry and whether things have changed since she first set out. Keep up with the show or get in touch at whereshomereally.com. We love hearing from you.

“We have this modern thing about cultural appropriation. People gave Adele a hard time for wearing her hair in knots for Carnival. Leave her alone! The girl grew up in Tottenham!” Jimi starts a new season of his award-winning podcast talking to chef, author and broadcaster, Andi Oliver.  The star of BBC Two’sThe Great British Menu and more, reveals what it was like being the only black girl at her school in 70s middle England Suffolk, her father’s influence on her cooking, the joy of her personal and professional relationship with daughter Miquita. Plus find out how she accidentally ended up touring with the punk band The Slits, why she wore her mother’s living room curtains on stage and discover which 80s chart-topper remains her deepest friendship. Keep up with the show or get in touch at whereshomereally.com. We love hearing from you.