Unscripted

On Unscripted, Oscar-winning composer and musician Anne Dudley joins Nina Nannar.Anne looks back at her career and gives us the behind-the-scenes insights into composing for hits like Poldark and The Full Monty.The pair talk all things Art of Noise - the groundbreaking 1980s band which, Anne tells us, never expected to gain commercial success.We hear all about her new album, and why those who soundtrack film and TV need more respect.

On Unscripted Rebecca Lucy Taylor, better known by her stage name Self Esteem, talks to Nina Nannar about composing the music for Jodie Comer's new West End play - Prime Facie.The pair talk taking on misogyny through music, railing against a world where women feel threatened if they are out at night, where being a certain shape and wearing certain clothes still matter.And Self Esteem tells us why hitting stardom in her thirties is no big deal.

On Unscripted, Nina Nannar is joined by actress Parminder Nagra.Twenty years on from the release of Bend it Like Beckham, Parminder talks about how playing the role of Jess changed her life and how the film became a global success.The pair talk all thing DI Ray, the new ITV police drama, as Parminder takes up the lead role of Detective Inspector Rachita Ray.And the two discuss what growing older means as a woman in the acting industry.

On Unscripted, Nina Nannar is joined by musician, composer and producer Nitin Sawhney.Nitin tells us about his latest album, Immigrants, and why we must do more to celebrate and support immigration from all countries.He tells Nina about his musical journey to multi-award winning, multi-instrumental success.And Nitin explains his part in celebrating sitar maestro Ravi Shanka.

On Unscripted, Nina Nannar is joined by Alana Haim - one third of the band Haim, alongside her sisters.Alana talks all thing Licorice Pizza, the multi-award nominated new movie that's bagged her a Bafta nomination for her debut acting role.The pair talk just what it means to be a "valley girl," with the San Fernando Valley both the setting for the film and where Alana was raised.And we get the lowdown on this year's Glastonbury line-up with the band excited to be back.

On Unscripted, Nina Nannar is joined by Thom Sonny Green, drummer for Mercury Prize-winning band Alt-J.Thom explains what it was like having to shield for much of the pandemic, and also how he'll approach touring while being vulnerable to Covid.Nina also asks how he feels about their upcoming gig in Moscow, given Russia's invasion of Ukraine. And Thom reveals the creative process behind new, critically-acclaimed album The Dream.The drummer also explains how he caught the acting bug - and shares which Hollywood actor he dreams of working with.

On Unscripted, Nina Nannar is joined by singer-songwriter Leo Sayer.The musician reveals how he's celebrating 50 years in the music industry, and how things have changed since he started out.Leo tells us if he'll be taking his music off Spotify due to the ongoing row over controversial podcaster Joe Rogan.The pair talk about his latest album, Northern Songs, which pays tribute to The Beatles.And Leo tells us about his extraordinary meeting with boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

On Unscripted this week, Nina is joined by multi-award winning actor Benedict Cumberbatch.Benedict talks all things The Power of the Dog (just one of three new films he's starring in) and getting to grips with the part of cowboy Phil Burbank.The pair talk about the prevalence of toxic masculinity in today's society and Benedict tells us why we need to treasure the BBC and all it has to offer.Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, with new episodes released every fortnight.

On Unscripted, Nina is joined by best selling novelist Robert Harris and Oscar winning actor Jeremy Irons.We talk the pair's new film, Munich - The Edge of War, based on Harris' novel about Neville Chamberlain (played by Irons) the Prime Minister who went down in history as being fooled by Hitler.The three discuss re-examining history - and whether pulling down statues of problematic figures is the right way to go.And why Irons was born to play the role of Chamberlain.

On Unscripted this week, Nina is joined by best selling children's author and illustrator Liz Pichon.We talk all things Tom Gates, the book series that has captured children's hearts, as well as being adapted for stage and screen. Liz tells us where the idea for Tom Gates first came from, and how a love for doodling spawned an entire series.And the pair discuss how the books help young people with dyslexia, and why Liz turned to comics as a way to engage young readers.

On Unscripted this week, Nina is joined by comedian, musician, actor and 2020's Strictly Come Dancing champion Bill Bailey.He tells Nina how Strictly has made dancing a part of his life forever. Bill talks returning to the stage with his tour show. And the pair cover the rather surprising fact that Bill's a registered zookeeper.

On Unscripted this week, Nina is joined by legendary soul singer Beverley Knight and Tina Treadwell to discuss their new West End show ‘The Drifters Girl'.The pair have brought the remarkable story of '60s group ‘The Drifters' to stage with Beverley taking on the role of iconic manager Faye Treadwell.Faye Treadwell is considered the first ever female African American music manager and bravely fought for her place in the industry. She also paved the way for many women like her daughter Tina.They discuss what it was like to be a Black woman executive during that time, getting back on stage after lockdown and the power of the group's timeless songs.

In a special episode of Unscripted, Nina is joined by House of Gucci star Lady Gaga.The actress and singer plays Patrizia Gucci in Sir Ridley Scott's crime drama, a socialite who had her fashion dynasty heir husband Maurizio Gucci murdered in a case that gripped Italy.Gaga tells Nina she's unlikely to ever meet Patrizia Gucci and says she thinks Patrizia "deeply regrets" what she did.The star also addressed controversy about the film, saying she "extends her heart" to Patrizia's daughters and and "cares deeply that this must be very painful".

On Unscripted this week, Nina is joined by Andy Summers, former guitarist with The Police.Andy tells us about keeping busy with his new solo album, new book, and new photography.He chats to Nina about taking pictures on the road with The Police as they sky rocketed to fame in the 1980s, becoming the biggest band in the world.And Andy gives us the lowdown on the chances of a reunion - but certainly not with a Las Vegas residency like his former bandmate Sting.

On Unscripted this week, Nina is joined by former guitarist for The Smiths, Johnny Marr.Ahead of his upcoming solo record and album, Fever Dreams Pts 1-4, Marr reveals what is was like playing guitar for the new Bond soundtrack - and working with Billie Eilish.The musician tells Nina why he thinks Brexit spells "disaster" for UK artists.The pair chat all things Manchester, and why the city still keeps on producing some of the best of British music talent.And, of course, we had to ask the question - will The Smiths ever reunite?

On Unscripted this week, Nina is joined by Ward Thomas, the first British country act to have a number one album.Ahead of climate summit COP26, the twin sisters tell Nina about Busking For Our Planet, their pop-up street performances in aid of various environmental charities.They also explain how their upbringing on a farm informed their climate change activism.And in an increasingly environmentally conscious world, should musicians forsake international tours? Ward Thomas share their thoughts.

On Unscripted this week, Nina is joined by drummer Roger Taylor.The Queen legend talks about heading out on tour as a solo artist for the first time in two decades.Roger remembers frontman Freddie Mercury, 30 years on since his death, and reveals he thinks about his friend "every day".Could there be a second Bohemian Rhapsody film? Roger tells Nina there's much, much more of Queen's story to tell.And the musician gives his thoughts on when it's time to put the drumsticks down.

On Unscripted this week, Nina is joined by author and former children's laureate Malorie Blackman, creator of the hit series Noughts & Crosses.After 20 years, Malorie talks about the series coming to an end with the final novel, Endgame.She tells Nina what's changed in the discussion about race in that time, but how there remains a lot to change "in terms of understanding and living together in peace."And Malorie explains why Stormzy may just get a mention in her autobiography.

On Unscripted this week, Nina is joined by world-renowned violinist Nicola Benedetti.Nicola tells us about adding a Grammy to her many accolades, and winning the battle for free music lessons in Scotland.The pair also delve into the pop vs classical music debate - Nicola explains why she thinks the latter simply can't be compared to Beyoncé.

On Unscripted this week, Nina is joined by Allan Mustafa, aka 'MC Grindah' from People Just Do Nothing.Allan tells us about the mockumentary's move to the big screen with new movie Big in Japan.The pair discuss what's next for Decoy, DJ Beats, Steves, MC Grindah and Chabuddy G.And, of course, bigging up Brentford.

On Unscripted this week, Nina is joined by chart-topping singer-songwriter Natalie Imbruglia.Natalie talks about having her first child, in her 40s, via sperm donation and IVF.She also chats to Nina about experiencing "very real" writer's block and explains how a trip to Nashville helped get her back on track.The pair also discuss Natalie's big break back into the music industry with Firebird - her first album in six years.

On Unscripted this week, Nina is joined by eighties icon Toyah.Toyah talks life in the music industry as a woman in punk in the 1980s - and challenging the business now 40 years later.She chats to Nina about her new album Posh Pop.And, of course, the pair chat about Toyah and Robert's Sunday Lockdown Lunch - the internet sensation that sprung up in lockdown imagined by the singer and her husband, guitarist Robert Fripp.

On Unscripted this week, Nina is joined by television and dance impresario Nigel Lythgoe.Nigel talks to Nina about getting his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and where he thinks modern reality TV is going wrong - and what needs to change.The talent show judge reminisces over his nickname 'Nasty Nigel' and how 20 years on from Popstars, he's still hearing it.And the pair talk what to do with old television that's dated, even offensive, in the 21st century.

On Unscripted this week, Nina is joined by Skin, singer and songwriter for iconic British rock band Skunk Anansie.Skin was recently awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours but tells us why she thinks the honour should be renamed.She chats to Nina about her continued campaign to end sexual violence against women and girls, and why it is more important now than ever before.And Skin tells us about what needs to be done to save the UK's nightlife industry after more than a year of Covid-enforced closures.

On Unscripted this week, Nina is joined by writer and comedian Rosie Jones.Rosie tells us about her new book, The Amazing Edie Eckhart, and the message to children with a disability that 'it's ok to be different'.Rosie tells us why comedy helped her come out, a process that was just as much about accepting her own sexuality as well as telling other people.And the pair talk lockdown revelations, from moving back in with the parents to discovering vineyards around the corner.

This week, Nina is joined by actor Rakie Ayola. Rakie talks to Nina about honouring the memory of murdered Black teenager Anthony Walker in the the BBC film Anthony. Rakie has received a Bafta nomination for her portrayal of Anthony's mother, Gee.The pair discuss their own experiences of racist abuse, and how the entertainment industry has tackled issues around racism and a lack of diversity.And Rakie looks back on her career, and how things have been non-stop since turning 50.

This week, Nina is joined by television and theatre veteran Derek Griffiths.As presenter of 1970s children's TV show Play School, Derek tells us about the lasting legacy of the show and how he still has people recall their childhood memories watching it.We hear about the return of live entertainment as Covid restrictions ease, with Derek getting back on stage with the world's longest running play - The Mousetrap.

On Unscripted this week, Nina Nannar is joined by singer-songwriter Griff - winner of the 2021 Brit Awards' Rising Star Award.The 20-year-old tells us about following in the footsteps of previous Rising Star Award winners - Adele, Sam Smith, and Celeste among them.She talks about expressing her identity through music, her Chinese-Jamaican heritage, and why her parents still have hopes of her heading to university.

In this special episode of Unscripted we hear from DJ, presenter, and broadcaster Edith Bowman on what it was like hosting the Baftas and why all eyes are now on the Oscars.Nina and Edith take a look at how the awards season has adapted during Covid times and what comes next for big red carpet events as the world starts to open up again.Edith let's us in on her plans for Oscars night and how she's kept up her podcast during lockdown.

This week, Nina is joined by rock and roll legend Mick Fleetwood - co-founder and drummer of Fleetwood Mac.Mick talks to us about the upcoming release of the star-studded concert he organised in honour of his friend and band co-founder Peter Green, who died in July last year.The film - starring, among others, members of Fleetwood Mac, Oasis, Metallica and Aerosmith - was pushed back as a result of the pandemic but will finally debut later this month.Mick talks to us about Green's selfless influence on the band, his hopes for a Fleetwood Mac studio reunion, and how a skateboarding TikTok star helped bring the music of Fleetwood Mac to legions of new fans.

In this special episode of Unscripted, find out who won what at the Baftas, the biggest surprises of the night, and the stand out speeches.Nina is joined by Louise Tutt, Deputy Editor of British film magazine Screen International, to bring you highlights and analysis of the awards.They also take a look at what it all means for the next big occasion coming up - the Oscars.

This week, Nina is joined by Scottish singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald.Amy talks to us about how the music industry needs to do more for female artists, why she's supporting Scotland's independent music venues, and how she recorded her new album 'The Human Demands' during Covid times.She also reveals a surprise connection with one of the internet sensations of 2021 - Jackie Weaver, the star of that now infamous Handforth Parish Council meeting.

Nina is joined by comedian Joe Lycett - formerly known, of course, as Hugo Boss.Joe talks to us about the importance of access and diversity in the creative world, putting Birmingham on the world stage, and getting back onto the stand-up circuit as soon as Covid allows it.

In episode two, Nina is joined by writer, producer and director Amma Asante - the storyteller behind award winning films like Belle and A United Kingdom, and TV shows including The Handmaid's Tale and Mrs America.Amma tells us all about her new project which asks could a Black female poet have written some of Shakespeare's work? Amma explains why culture needs all the help it can get right now, and why she should direct the next James Bond movie.

In the first episode of our new series, ITV News Arts Editor Nina Nannar is joined by Sir Michael Morpurgo - the bestselling author of more than 100 children's books including War Horse and Private Peaceful. Nina talks to Michael about his career in writing - which started after a spell as a primary school teacher - and hears from him about writing in bed, surviving lockdown by talking to sheep, and why we need to be cheering for our teachers.