Advertise on podcast: The Big Interviews with Graham Walker

British pop-rock favourites Scouting for Girls are marking the 15th anniversary of their platinum-selling second album Everybody Wants to Be On TV  with a special re-release, a 22 date 2026 UK tour and a brand new eighth studio album with fans no  onlt able to gain early access to new material, behind-the-scenes updates and priority tour ticket booking, but  the chance o influence how the nex album turns out, reveals - frontman Roy Stride in this exclusive podcast chat with Graham Walker. He says the 2026 tour will be a nostalgic celebration of their beloved second album, which includes chart-topper This Ain’t A Love Song, bu will also include all her greatest hits including She's So Lovely, Elvis Ain't Dead, Heartbeat and more - plus a teaser or two from the forthcoming new material. "We'll be doing most of Everybody Wants to Be on TV, because it was only half an hour - so it'll also give us time to do all the big hits, which everyone loves. We'll  play one, maybe two new songs. The whole night is about taking people on a really fun sing along nostalgic ride." BUY ANNIVERSARY ALBUM: 15th anniversary edition Everybody Wants To Be On TV is out now - order here. PRE-ORDER NEW ALBUM: Scouting For Girls’ new studio album is coming in 2026 and a limited Wolfclub edition, with signed lanyard and access to a ticket pre-sale for the tour is now open - click here. Any remaining tour tickets are  on general sale fom 10am GMT on Friday, May 3 - click here.

When best selling author Margaret Dickinson releases a new novel it’s it’s more than just another chapter. It’s an event. And her latest, No Greater Love, published by Pan MacMillan, proves exactly why – this gripping, heart-rending tale that tugs at the heartstrings and transports readers to another time, is full of love, loss and emotional triumph. No Greater Love, is set in rural Derbyshire in 1904, leading up to World War I. It’s Margaret Dickinson at her best – emotionally rich, historically vivid, and deeply human. You'll be gripped from the very first page.Yes, it’s time to get out the box of tissues . Here Margaret talks to Graham Waker about the book, what inspires her to keep writing in her 80s and gives an exclusive preview of her next novel. No Greater Love, published by Pan MacMillan, is out now in hardback and will be available in paperback and as an audiobook from April 24, 2025, visit https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/margaret-dickinson/no-greater-love/978103502463.

Yorkshire’s late chat show king Sir Michael Parkinson will be back interviewing global superstars in a special hometown charity tribute show featuring  TV clips hosted by his son, Mike. Parky On Parky will celebrate the life and career of the iconic Barnsley broadcaster and national treasure in a fundraiser for the Barnsley Civic at the town centre venue on Friday, April 25, as Mike explains here in this excusive chat with Graham Walker. BUY TICKETS: Tickets for this show start at £22.50 and are available at barnsleycivic.co.uk/event/parky-on-parky, by calling 01226 327000 or visiting the Barnsley Civic, Eldon Street box office, open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Mike, who worked with his father for over 20 years, until his death in 2023, has agreed to donate all ticket sales to support the venue’s creative health and well-being work in Barnsley’s communities. Cudworth born Sir Micheal was a proud patron and supporter of Barnsley Civic, a registered charity, and had appeared at the venue in his ‘an audience with’ shows.  Parky on Parky will give fans a funny, thoughtful and often surprising insight into what made Sir Michael tick both as a man, a journalist and the doyen of television interviewers. Mike said: “In 2015 my dad and I did a show together at Barnsley Civic and he so enjoyed the experience that he made a promise to return to do another show to raise money for this lovely venue. But our busy schedule and latterly his ill health means that 10 years later I am coming back, sadly without my dad, but safe in the knowledge that he would want me to fulfil his promise.”

Dreams are still coming true, says pop icon Gabrielle - as she gears up for her biggest UK hits tour. In an exclusive chat - listen to our full interview here - she says the excitement she feels is 'spectacular' ahead of 13 dates in April when The Hits Live 2025 tour visits Blackpool, Glasgow, Newcastle, Birmingham, Hull, Sheffield, Cardiff, Manchester, Nottingham, Brighton, Plymouth, London and Bournemouth. Full dates and details below. BUY TICKETS: For all dates visit www.gigsandtours.com or www.ticketmaster.co.uk. The much-loved star, who shot to fame in 1993 with her debut chart-topper Dreams, revealed the song's uplifting message of hope is not just a fan favourite - it still continues to drive her forward, both personally and professionally. "I love the song and what it means to other people. I'm still inspired by the sentiment behind it," says the voice behind other global hits including Going Nowhere, Give Me a Little More Time, Walk On By, East 17 duet, If You Ever and Out of Reach, her emotional ballad from Bridget Jones’s Diary.  Of soulful anthem Dreams, which topped the UK singles charts for three weeks in June 1993, she added: “I will forever be motivated by and inspired by that song. I've never lost the love for it. I always love singing it and I love the response that it gets whenever people hear it. Forever my inspiration because I like to think, you know, when I'm singing it, dreams can come true.  “When I wrote that song I was kind of projecting out to the universe what I'd like and via the means of a love song.”

ABRACA-Bradford!  Prepare to be amazed as Steven Frayne, formerly known as Dynamo, pulls wonders out of the city's cultural hat to reveal the real magic of Bradford - its people and places. RISE, a spectacular open air city centre event he has created, directed by Kirsty Housley, will blend professional artistry with the raw talent of 200 community performers to launch the year-long Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, on Friday and Saturday, January 10 and 11, 2025. For tickets see https://bradford2025.co.uk/event/rise/ Miracles, Steven's Christmas Sky TV special ,saw him return to his street magic roots as he delivered mind-blowing moments to crowds while unearthing everyday heroes. "It was a clue as to what people can expect from RISE, reveals Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025, who in this chat with Graham Walker shares her vision for a year-long celebration designed to engage communities, spotlight the city’s rich heritage, transformation, vibrant diversity and boundless creativity, while reshaping perceptions of the city locally and nationally. For more visit https://bradford2025.co.uk/

A MAGICAL moment evoking the wizardry of Hogwarts will feature candles flying overhead at this year's  spellbinding Christmas At The Botanics. And that's just for starters. A floating footpath, to showcase ethereal light installations beneath your feet and field turned into a sea of light are amongst other fantastical highlights revealed today by creative director Zoe Bottrell in a podcast chat with Graham Walker. The enchanting mile-long outdoor trail is back for an eighth year at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, running 35 selected nights over six weeks, from November 21 to December 30. BOOK NOW: Visitors are being urged to book in advance to guarantee their preferred time slot. Off-peak tickets at lower prices are also available. For all tickets, information, pricing and timings - visit https://bit.ly/catbtickets2024

A SPECTACULAR light prism tunnel and a meadow of 10,000 twinkling fibre lights are amongst the amazing showstoppers set to thrill visitors at this year's magical Christmas At Belton 2024. Exclusive details of the new after-dark trail are outlined today by creative director Zoe Bottrell in this podcast chat with Graham Walker. The immersive lights and sounds experience will again turn the beautiful grounds of the National Trust’s Belton House, in Lincolnshire, into a winter wonderland, from Friday, November 22, 2024, to Wednesday, January 1, 2025,  BUY TICKETS: Tickets are for timed entries and visitors are urged to book early, especially to guarantee popular early evening and weekend slots, sell fast. All tickets are now on sale for this year’s spectacular seasonal trail - visit bit.ly/christmasatbeltonickets2024.

A SPECTACULAR water fountain and an immersive new fire garden are amongst amazing showstoppers revealed today coming to this year's magical Christmas At Bedgebury 2024. Exclusive details of the after-dark trail heading to Bedgebury National Pinetum - Friday, November 15, 2024, to Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - are outlined by creative director Zoe Bottrell in a podcast chat with Graham Walker. BUY TICKETS: Limited capacity, with timed entries, will see popular weekend and early evening slots sell fast so visitors are urged to buy now to avoid disappointment – visit https://bit.ly/ChristmasAtBedgeburyTickets2024

Chart-topping pop icon and footy mad Paul Heaton has scored a dream goal - he will perform one of his biggest ever headline solo gigs at the home of his beloved Sheffield United. In an exclusive interview with Graham Walker the former frontman of The Housemartins and The Beautiful South, who grew up in the city supporting the club, said he hopes to unite more than just Blades and Owls fans. He wants music lovers far and wide to party with him, promising a match-winning setlist of greatest hits and new songs, with impressive support from Shed Seven and Lightning Seeds, at Bramall Lane on Sunday, May 25, 2025. When his Caravan Of Love rolls in it will be game on with classics like Happy Hour, A Little Time, Song For Whoever, Rotterdam (Or Anywhere), Don’t Marry Her, Perfect Ten, and many more. There will also be tracks from his brand-new 12 track album,The Mighty Several, produced by Ian Broudie, of Lightning Seeds andThree Lions fame.It was recorded at Blueprint Studios in Salford is also available from Friday, October 11. Buy atshop.paulheaton.emi.com. Here Paul talks about the special gig, new album and more, including an update about his long time vocal collaborator Jacqui Abbott. BUY TICKETS:Tickets for the Bramall Lane gig, priced £39.50 (+ ticket fees), go on general sale at 9.30am on Friday, October 11, from gigsandtours.com, ticketmaster.co.uk and AXS.com. For all tour dates and tickets visit www.paulheaton.co.uk. Full story see https://www.thestar.co.uk/whats-on/exclusive-paul-heaton-reveals-homecoming-gig-details-to-unite-fans-at-his-beloved-bramall-lane-4814021.

Say You Won't Let Go chart-topper James Arthur tells how magical duet From The Jump with Kelly Clarkson came about, reveals plans for new releases and gives set-list details about his upcoming Bitter Sweet Love UK tour - including how he's keeping his emotions in check ahead of 'a fairytale' homecoming at his beloved Middlesbrough Riverside Stadium. All this and more in an exclusive chat with entertainment writer Graham walker. 204 Tour UK dates: Tickets at www.gigsandtours.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Jun 08 – Middlesbrough, UK @ Riverside Stadium Jul 12 – Leeds, UK @ Millenium Square Jul 17 – Wigan, UK @ Robin Park Jul 18 – Swansea, UK @ Singleton Park Aug 02 – Newmarket, UK @ Newmarket Racecourse Aug 17 – Market Rasen, UK @ Market Rasen Racecourse Aug 27 – Belfast, UK @ Custom House Square Aug 28 – Galway, Ireland @ Summer Sessions ‘10 Years of James Arthur’ Celebration Gig  Dec 18 - O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

It was one of the biggest selling albums of the 80s and spawned smash hit singles that became the soundtrack of a new wave invasion. Hold Me Now, Doctor Doctor and You Take Me Up filled the airwaves as Into The Gap topped he UK charts for three weeks and turned new wave band Thompson Twins into global superstars. From humble beginnings in Sheffield they went on to perform in front of millions during the Philadelphia leg of Live Aid - when Madonna and Nile Rodgers joined them on stage. But even frontman Tom Bailey admits he never expected to still be performing their seminal album to the masses four decades on. That’s exactly what he will be doing this month with an Into The Gap  40th Anniversary Tour - full details below - and shows across the UK in Birmingham, Gateshead, Edinburgh, Guildford, Bath, London, Cambridge and now, due to demand, an extra date added at Manchester New Century on Monday, May 13. Here he talks to Graham Walker about the tour, the band's past and discusses future recording and tour plans in an exclusive chat, reflecting on the enduring demand for their music. BUY TICKETS: For Manchester and all other available shows visit www.gigsandtours.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk. VIP packages are also available at www.sjm-vip.com.

You  know you're in for a fabulous read when the author's name towers in larger font above the title of the book - it's a sign of a great legacy and reputation. Take so-called Saga Queen Margaret Dickinson - a publishing phenomenon. Her exceptional talent for powerful storytelling, weaving human emotions into historical landscapes, usually in or around the two world wars, have earned her legions of fans world wide over three decades. Now in her 80s, there's no slowing down...she continues to publish a book a year and fans won't be disappointed with  her 31st captivating page-turner - get your hankies at the ready for A Mother’s Sorrow, her latest gripping book full of heart-rending drama, out in paperback from Thursday, May 9. PREORDER: Get A Mother’s Sorrow by Margaret Dickinson - visit https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/margaret-dickinson/a-mothers-sorrow/9781035024599 In an exclusive chat with Graham Walker, Margaret here discusses her new book, her writing process, how she creates her characters and she shares secrets, including the working title, of her next book.

Chart topping Il Divo are celebrating their 20th birthday with album XX and a UK tour heading this way which will be a visual spectacular, reveals tenor Urs Bühler. The 10 date 20th Anniversary UK Tour in October 2024 - full details below - will play London, Cardiff, Bournemouth, Southend, Nottingham, Bristol, Brighton, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester. BUY TICKETS: Tickets go on sale Friday, April 19, 9.30am at tix.to/IlDivo2024 AUDIO: In an exclusive chat - listen in full here - founding member Urs tells Graham Walker about  the past two decades, looks to the future and reveals XX tour details. IL DIVO 20TH ANNIVERSARY UK TOUR Wednesday, 16th October - London Palladium Thursday, 17th October - Cardiff Utilita Arena Saturday, 19th October - Bournemouth International Centre Monday, 21st October- Southend Cliffs Pavilion Tuesday, 22nd October - Nottingham Royal Concert Hall Wednesday 23rd October - Bristol Beacon Thursday, 24th October - Brighton Centre Saturday, 26th October- Birmingham Utilita Arena Monday, 28th October - Liverpool Philharmonic Tuesday, 29th October - Manchester Bridgewater Hall

Oasis superfan Thom says it 'means the world' to open the show for Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds at Wigan’s Robin Park on July 18. It's promises to be a fairytale homecoming win for The Lottery Winners who hail just down the road from Leigh. Also supporting are fellow Manchester indie chart stars The Slow Reader’s Club. BUY TICKETS: For tickets, availability and more details visit www.gigsandtours.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk. READ STORY: Check out the interview at www.wigantoday.net In this exclusive chat with Graham Walker he says the greatest win is how their music has helped others. The band's third album Anxiety Replacement Therapy, with its mental health themes, became their first UK number one in 2023. It received worldwide critical acclaim and is described by self confessed ADHD sufferer Thom as a biographical self-help tape. "It was nice getting a number one, the trophy and everything. But best of all are messages from people who reach out and say our music has really helped them through a tough time, or it really speaks to them," he says. For more visit the band's official web site at www.thelotterywinners.co.uk.

The Charlatans and lead singer Tim Burgess today revealed their upcoming 11 date UK tour - November and December 2023 - will be a non-stop jukebox of back catalogue hits plus some rarely played album tracks. And its likely to change every night, he explains in this exclusive chat with Graham Walker. In Glasgow they  plan to play in its entirety their second album, 1992's Between 10th and 11th - which includes singles Weirdo, Tremelo Song and I Don't Want to See the Sights. Six years on since their 13th studio album, Different Days, Tim also promises fans they will be releasing more in the future but explained why they have yet to make a real start. The Only One I Know hitmakers will perform Yorkshire dates at Sheffield Octagon - moved from the O2 Academy - on Tue Nov 28, and then Leeds O2 Academy, Sun Dec 3. They also play Newcastle, Glasgow, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Liverpool, London, Wolverhampton and Nottingham. Full dates and links with this post on our web sites. BUY TICKETS: Full dates, details and tickets via www.gigsandtours.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk.