Advertise on podcast: Tony Bellew Is Angry

Former boxing champion and proud Evertonian Tony Bellew delves into the brutal world of football hooliganism. At its height in the 1970s and 1980s, it was labelled ‘the English Disease,’ a time when violence on the terraces was as much a part of the game as a half-time Bovril. Bellew hears from those who lived for the trouble, the men and women whose Saturdays weren’t complete without a brutal punch-up. He speaks to the innocent victims caught up in the mayhem, the families of those who lost their lives at the hands of thugs, and the undercover police officers who risked everything to infiltrate some of England’s most notorious firms. He also explores how government crackdowns, tougher laws, and the introduction of all-seater stadiums helped bring an end to widespread hooliganism. Presenter: Tony Bellew Series Producer: Emma Forde Producer: Patrick Kiteley Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Development Producer: Holly Clemens Production Co-ordinator: Ellie Dover Assistant Commissioner: Lorraine Okuefuna & Sarah Green Commissioning Editor: Louise Kattenhorn Editor and Executive Producer: Carl Johnston

Steve Bunce and Lennox Lewis on one of the most recognisable and enduring figures in sport, Boxing promoter Don King, with contributions from rivals, law enforcers and fighters

This episode contains content that some listeners may find upsetting. Ant Middleton served in the most elite units of the British military before transferring his skills and experiences to TV. From 2015-2021 Ant was Chief Instructor on Channel 4’s ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’. On the celebrity version of the programme one of his ‘recruits' was a certain former World Champion boxer called Tony Bellew. Ant pushed Tony to his physical and mental limits on the show. The two have remained friends and in this episode they share a very insightful and honest conversation that demonstrates their deeply held mutual respect. Ant reveals how his experiences in the military ranged from the highs of discovering just what he was capable of, to the lows of mental trauma that will remain with him throughout his life. His anger stories range from the everyday to the battlefield extreme… but it’s the way he has learnt to use his anger positively that really hits home. This is a must-listen for anyone who gets angry (that’s all of us) and is interested in learning how to harness those feelings in a more constructive way.

Joey Barton built himself a hugely successful career as a footballer, but the flip side was his reputation as being fiery on the field and often in trouble off it. He played 269 times in the Premier League for Manchester City, Newcastle, QPR and Burnley and also made one appearance for England. Controversy has always followed Joey around and he speaks candidly in this interview about moments where anger got the better of him. We hear about the remarkable impact on Joey of an anger management professional who has taught him a new way to approach life. There’s a fascinating exploration of how Joey’s highs and lows have shaped him as a manager and leader… plus the inside track on a missed debut and the infamous French accent he once spoke with during a Marseille press conference. Joey and Tony are friends and this conversation shows the trust and honesty they share. Joey makes it clear that he has regrets and his battles with anger are ongoing, but he shares insights, thoughts and experiences that go way beyond the portrait that has often been painted of him by others.

Millie Bright is a mainstay of the European Championship-winning England Women’s Football team - the Lionesses. Picked for every game during last year’s successful Euros campaign, she’s won multiple honours for her club side Chelsea and is one of the best footballers in the world. She opens up to Tony about the challenges in her early career when women’s football didn’t have the platform, exposure and investment it is starting to get now. Her anger stories range from on-pitch antagonism to off-pitch family matters. It’s a fascinating insight into the mindset of someone who is right now at the very top of their profession. The conversation reveals a determined, principled and team-oriented character who has worked hard to develop the physical and mental skills needed to get the very best out of herself and others around her.

Michael B. Jordan is the lead actor and director of upcoming Hollywood blockbuster Creed 3. A critically-acclaimed and world-famous A-list movie star, Michael has acted and boxed alongside Tony as they have collaborated on the Creed films. Michael and Tony are friends and they talk openly and honestly here, in a way that you don’t often hear from the biggest stars. Michael gives new insights into his career, character and approach to life. His anger stories vary from everyday annoyances to social justice. This is a conversation based on mutual respect and trust… and it speaks to what is required to make it to the very top of an industry whilst living by your values.

Tom Davis is a writer, comedian and actor who has made a name for himself with hit TV shows Murder in Successville and King Gary. With movie acting credits in Paddington 2 and the upcoming Wonka, Tom’s profile is on the rise… but he started in the media industry later than most. Tony explores with Tom how his background has shaped his attitude and approach. Tom is open about the fact that he has a chip on his shoulder and he explains to Tony how anger affects him. From laugh-out-loud to serious, Tom’s anger stories reveal a man who values fairness and has a strong desire to succeed.

Vicky Pattison started her TV career in her early twenties when she was the standout star in reality show Geordie Shore. That kick-started a career and celebrity life lived almost entirely in the media spotlight. Vicky explains to Tony how the pressures of having her life on camera led her to long periods of deeply held anger and how it is only years later that she has been able to process her experiences. Tony uncovers a completely different side to Vicky compared to how she is characterised from her Geordie Shore days. They share fascinating insights into what drives them as people and how the things that annoy them relate to their deeply held values and desire to progress.

This episode contains a description of animal cruelty that some listeners might find disturbing. Duncan Ferguson is a Premier League footballing legend. Known for his competitive spirit, 100% effort and total commitment on the pitch, as a player, he was as tough as they come. A personal hero of Tony’s, in this honest and reflective conversation Duncan the person emerges from the outline of Ferguson the footballer. He addresses some of his well-documented moments of anger and offers fascinating explanations, lessons learned and things he would change if he could. He talks about his ambitions for the future and shares stories from his earlier life that make sense of the combative player he became. There is hard-learned and heartfelt advice on offer to the generations of players that follow in his footsteps trying to fulfil their potential both on and off the pitch.

Joe Marler is of the biggest characters in modern Rugby, as well as a highly effective and successful player. For England and the Lions, as well as with his club side Harlequins, Joe is known for his competitiveness and will to win. He explains to Tony how his ability to get under his opponent’s skin can provide him with an edge, but also cause him problems. Behind the crazy hair styles and prop forward bravado, Joe has had to deal with his own mental health issues, which he talks about powerfully and honestly. Tony and Joe also discuss how getting help enabled Joe to both continue his career and develop a willingness to learn and try new things.

This episode discusses issues that some people might find distressing. If you are suffering distress or despair, details of help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Paddy Pimblett is one of the most popular and successful fighters in the world of mixed martial arts. He has made a huge impact in both Cage Warriors and UFC. Blessed with vast natural ability, Paddy explains to Tony how he has had to learn to listen to others to fulfil his potential. Tony and Paddy both come from Liverpool and explore how the psyche of the city and its people have fuelled them both. Paddy’s anger stories reveal the pressures that responsibility, the opinions of others and outside events can have on all of us. This is an honest and powerful conversation that gets to the heart of what makes a fighter tick.

Bugzy Malone’s ‘King of the North’ album cemented his place as a leading light in the UK grime scene and propelled him towards international stardom in music and film. Tony and Bugzy have a lot in common, including the types of challenges they faced growing up. Bugzy shares key episodes of anger from his life and discusses how he has grown, adapted and improved. We hear how sudden material success put a strain on years-old friendships. As two fellow boxers, Tony and Bugzy discuss hard-learned lessons from the ring. There are stories of how respect between the generations is earned and negotiated. Plus, Bugzy gives his take on how he handled an explosive situation where choosing the wrong actions wasn’t an option.

Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast tops the charts most weeks. But he rarely goes on other people’s podcasts. Making an exception for Tony he steps into the ring to chat all things anger. We hear about life growing up as the only black kid in a white area of Plymouth, racism and why anger has a special place in business. How his career started aged 10 selling cigarettes nicked from his mum. Why poverty led him to hanging out in chicken shops looking for left over chicken bones. Why his dream of getting a million pounds, a six-pack, a girlfriend and a fancy car by the time he was twenty-five didn’t change him for the better. How he rejects disadvantage and won’t be limited by it. And how to accept that you are already enough.

Boxer Derek Chisora has fought most of the greats including Tyson Fury but he's never fought Tony! Instead of getting into the ring for a fight he steps up for a frank chat about anger. And as someone known as much for his pre-match antics as his boxing, as well as controversies away from the boxing ring, there is much to talk about. They talk giving up alcohol, regret, growing up in Zimbabwe, losing the sugar, throwing tables and slapping the mayor of Kiev.

One of the world’s top boxing promoters Eddie Hearn tells Tony what winds him up and how he keeps things under control. Eddie admits early on that he’s quick to calm down when he gets angry before revealing it’s actually Tony who is one of the angriest people he’s ever met! He talks rudeness, mobile phones and why anger is bad in the boxing ring and bad in business. He admits he hates being told how to look after his kids by other people and why he’s really just a failed athlete. He reveals the chip he had on his shoulder about being ‘Barry Hearn’s son’ and why you should NEVER PUT TONY BELLEW IN A BOX. A great insight into boxing, anger or the lack of it, and a loyal relationship between a boxer and his promoter!