20 Questions With

Social media sensation Poppy O'Toole charts her rise to cooking stardom, delights in the joys of potatoes, and explains her brand new book, The Actually Delicious Batch Cook Book. 

The man who helped teach Britain to cook! Of the thousands of people I've had the good fortune to interview, no one has seemed more passionate about what they do than Raymond Blanc. Here he takes us on the almost magical journey of his career: from having his jaw broken by his boss in France after daring to give him advice on his cooking, via winning two Michelin stars at his restaurant in Oxford, to setting up Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in the Oxfordshire countryside in 1984. Having just handed over the reins as Culinary Director to Arnaud Donckele, Raymond reflects on this massive moment in his life, and looks ahead to a future filled with promise and possibility. Along the way he has some advice for Andy Burnham and reveals what he believes to be the challenges facing Britain, his adopted home. This is a rare chance to glimpse into the soul of one of the greatest chefs in Franco-British history. 

The Liberal Democrats have 71 MPs, but we hear much more about Reform UK, a party with just eight MPs. So what does it mean to be a Lib Dem in 2026? I talked to Deputy Leader and Treasury Spokesperson Daisy Cooper to find out. Along the way I wanted to know whether the Lib Dems would countenance entering a coalition with Labour; what does Cooper make of Andy Burnham; how determined is she to keep Nigel Farage out of Number 10; what sort of job as leader does she think Ed Davey is doing; and why did she go into politics in the first place? 

One of Britain's best known educators, a prolific contemporary historian and biographer of Prime Ministers from Major and Blair to Sunak (out soon!) and Starmer (upcoming!), Sir Anthony Seldon offers his insights on the qualities needed for running Britain, looks back at leaders of the past and looks ahead to the challenges facing Andy Burnham. Sir Anthony also reflects on a career in education, spells out what good teaching involves, emphasises the need for joy in learning, and throws forward to a world dominated by AI. 

England men's all-time record try scorer, Rory Underwood, gives a rare interview, offering insights into his extraordinary career. He tells the story of how, as the son of a Malaysian Chinese mother and English father, he grew up in both Malaysia and England, and how he managed to combine a job flying jets for the Royal Airforce with scoring 49 tries for his country. He reflects on the impact his mother had on the sport when she was filmed celebrating in the stands as he and his brother Tony triumphed on the field, and gives details of just how different life was during the amateur era. Just five foot nine, Underwood explains how he didn't allow his stature to hold him back and reveals that he didn't feel fear - either on the wing or flying hawks close to the ground for the RAF. Underwood relives what it was like helping England win Grand Slams and provides a theory as to why English rugby struggles today compared to the golden era he played through and helped shape. 

The co-founder of the Centre for Social Justice and establisher of Conservative Home, Tim Montgomerie, explains why he left the Tory Party and joined Reform. 

Barry Gardiner, a Labour MP for almost 30 years and counting, explains why he thinks Keir Starmer should be replaced as Labour leader and Prime Minister, and why he has faith in the British public that they won't vote in a Reform government. 

Opera sensation Danielle de Niese charts her rise to worldwide fame as the daughter of Sri Lankan Burgher immigrants to first Australia and then America. Debuting at the Met as a 19 year-old Barbarina in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, she has gone to star in opera houses around the world, including at Glyndebourne, where she now lives with her husband. Hailed as "Opera's Coolest Soprano" by the New York Times in 2009, de Niese takes us behind the scenes of her success and offers insights into her art, as she embarks on her first directorial role. 

Immigration Minister Mike Tapp explains the government's immigration and asylum policy, outlines his "firm but fair" approach, defends Prime Minister Keir Starmer and calls for stability - "Look, I don't give a sh*t - can I swear on here? - I don't give a sh*t if people think that Keir Starmer's boring. We need boring, because that goes hand in hand with stability" - celebrates the Union Jack, describes British culture, calls out antisemitism and Islamophobia, advocates for the Labour government's record, reveals his interests outside of politics, and shares his love of his dog, Scooby. 

What was it like being Chancellor of the Exchequer during the mini budget crisis under Liz Truss's brief Prime Ministership? Kwasi Kwarteng takes us back to the fateful days in the autumn of 2022 with his insider's view. He explains why he was filmed smiling during the Queen's funeral and offers a human perspective on politics. Taking partial responsibility for the economic turbulence during the second shortest Chancellorship in British history, he reflects on the impact of his and Truss's choices. He also looks ahead to the next election and offers his prescription for a Tory recovery and his verdict so far on Kemi Badenoch. And he gives his view of Nigel Farage, who has invested in a bitcoin company Kwarteng is involved with. This is a rare chance to go behind the scenes of power and to better understand one of the most dramatic periods of British political history.  * Reform’s predicted national share of the vote from the local elections is 27%

Former Conservative Justice Secretary David Gauke outlines his vision of a route back to power for the Tories amid the headwinds from Reform. 

Clive Tyldesley's voice is one of the most iconic in sport. The soundtrack to some of the most dramatic moments in football history, it is recognised up and down the country and beyond. Here Tyldesley takes us behind the scenes of the commentary box and lifts the lid on an art form that has helped shape tens of millions of memories. From Rooney to Gerrard, Hakimi to Kane, from the old Goodison Park to the revamped Camp Nou, from United's heroics in '99 to the current Champions League semi-finals via Liverpool in Istanbul in 2005, Tyldesley takes us on a glittering journey of modern football history. 

The youngest editor of Wisden for 72 years when he was appointed in 2012, Lawrence Booth gets under the skin of the game and its challenges and thrills in this conversation at the Oval on the cusp of the Test summer. The Bazball verdict, Brendon McCullum, Ben Stokes, white ball v red ball, Virat Kohli, Kevin Pietersen, the state of women's cricket, Ashes success and failure, the power of India, The Hundred, the English summer, journalism, making headlines, and a passion for the sport - this is the perfect episode to whet the appetite ahead of a vital few months for the English game. 

One of the greats of ballet, Ed Watson takes us behind the scenes of his time as a Principal at the Royal Ballet, exploring the physical and emotional demands of being a global star. 

Shirt-maker Emma Willis tells the remarkable story of her rise from door-to-door selling to a shop on Jermyn Street and another in Mayfair. Based in Gloucester, Emma's team sell 13,000 - 14,000 shirts a year, both bespoke and ready to wear, and here she takes us behind the scenes of her factory and reveals the secrets of her success. Offering insights into her entrepreneurism and commitment to British manufacturing, Emma explains her passion for fabrics and design. She also describes her charity, Style For Soldiers, which she set up in response to the casualties sustained by British service personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Maurizio Bragagni is Chairman and CEO of Tratos Ltd, a multinational company that sells cables around the world. Born and raised in Italy, Bragagni is a champion of British manufacturing. Here he tells the story of his third generation family business, now based in the UK, that makes billions of metres of cables a year. Honoured by both Italy and San Marino, Bragagni has been awarded an OBE and is a Freeman of the City of London. He is passionate about both British and Italian culture, an admirer of Renaissance art and a lover of the English pub. What's it like to run an enterprise with a turnover of hundreds of millions of pounds? How does he lead? How does he inspire? How does he manage his time? How does he care for his staff? Why did he choose to manufacture in Britain? And what's the story behind the bid to make the longest Tiramisu in history? This is a chance to hear from one of Britain's leading manufacturers. 

Best-selling author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Sir Alexander McCall Smith takes us on the journey of his remarkable life, from a childhood in British-run Rhodesia to world-wide fame as a Scottish writer. He discusses his influences and passions, his preoccupations and his sense of moral empathy. From cave drawings in Botswana to receiving his knighthood in a kilt and bonnet, via setting up The Really Terrible Orchestra for the musically challenged, McCall Smith's range of interests and experiences are vividly evoked with his endearing and infectious energy in an interview full of insight into the world of one of our most loved authors. 

Multi-award-winning journalist, and Channel 4 News anchor, Matt Frei appears on the 20 Questions With podcast from Israel during the third week of the war with Iran. Fresh from dashing around the country covering missile strikes, taking shelter in a bunker, and interviewing the Israeli President, he gives his insight into what it's like working in war zones, revealing the mix of fear, adrenaline and curiosity. Frei lets us into his own views on the conflict between America, Israel and Iran, and describes the effect the 47th President of the US is having on the world. He interviewed Trump himself before he ran for the first time and shares his reflections from that encounter in 2014. Born in West Germany, Frei moved to England when he was eight, and he was in Berlin as a BBC correspondent for the fall of the Wall. He describes the time in East Timor when a gun was pointed at him and the trigger pulled, just as his wife was about to give birth to the second of their four children. This is an extraordinary episode, in which one of Britain's most celebrated foreign correspondents and best known news anchors takes us behind the scenes of some of the biggest international stories of his generation. 

Sir Richard Peto is Emeritus Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology at the University of Oxford. He has helped to reduce the premature deaths of tens of millions of people across the world with his research into smoking, breast cancer, and heart attacks. Here he explains his methods, details his pioneering work in statistics, and outlines improvements he'd like to see in his field. This is a rare chance to hear from one of the world's most impactful epidemiologists. 

Entrepreneur, manufacturer, style icon, sportsman and a star of The Great British Sewing Bee, Patrick Grant talks fashion, business, TV, men's clothes, representing Scotland at rugby, growing a beard, keeping trim, barely drinking, ageing, mortality, passion, career trajectory, AI, championing British manufacturing, post-industrial towns and cities, provenance, caring, childhood, and taking risks. 

Justine Picardie, author of the new book, Fashioning The Crown, reveals the role fashion has played in the British monarchy; describes spending personal time with the late Queen Elizabeth II; explores the power of women when men still ruled the world; gives her verdict on Coco Chanel; tells the story of her own relationship with fashion and style, and offers insights into life at home in rural Norfolk. 

Sir John Curtice, Britain's most famous polling expert and stalwart of BBC election nights, is at risk of becoming a national treasure. Here he offers his insights into the fragmentation of British politics; the rise of Reform under Farage and of the Greens under Polanksi; the challenges facing Labour and the Tories; the unpopularity of Sir Keir Starmer and British political leaders in general; the key requirements of leadership; the impact of culture wars on voting trends; the role of social media in shaping voters' priorities, and the effect of polling on the political landscape. Plus, Sir John reveals what he loves to do when he isn't analysing politics and polls.  * You can find the full list of candidates in the Gorton and Denton by-election on the BBC News website. 

Guardian columnist Zoe Williams pushes back against Reform UK, addresses questions of a split on the left of British politics, wishes that Starmer would improve, suggests an humane approach to asylum seekers, offers her view of national identity, charts the shifting of the Overton window rightwards in British politics, and reveals what most makes her tick as a writer. 

Julia Bradbury shares her story of recovering from cancer, and the journey she's been on since her diagnosis, as she explores alternative approaches to health and wellbeing. Along the way she explores the longevity of her career as a television presenter, her commitment to nature, her experience of travel, including to Antarctica, and her determination to be there for her children. This is a deeply personal conversation with one of Britain's most successful TV personalities. 

One of the greatest directors of his generation, Sir Richard Eyre shares his insights from a life in theatre and film. From Judy Dench and Ian Holm to Anthony Hopkins and David Harewood, from Olivier to Brando, Eyre offers glimpses into a world of acting stardom and genius. What makes a great actor? What makes a great director? How did Eyre himself rise from being, in his view, an inadequate actor to become Artistic Director at the National Theatre? Eyre, who directed Iris and whose mother suffered from dementia, reveals his wife's diagnosis and the strain that has put on his life. This is a rare conversation that moves from personal tragedy to the heights of success and takes in the importance of love and kindness along the way. 

Superstar Sophie Ellis-Bextor brings joy and her unique giggle - as well as serious reflection on serious issues - to the 20 Questions With podcast. From her eBay habit to a career renaissance, a billboard hit, kitchen discos, the thrill of performing live, the energy of music, worldwide travel, working with her husband, raising five boys, making money, philately, the impact of her parents' divorce, her experience of preeclampsia, running a business, reflecting on her school days, and much more, this is an unusual conversation that reveals the extraordinary life of the woman behind 'Groovejet', 'Murder on the Dancefloor', 'As Long As I Belong', 'Yes Sir, I Can Boogie' and 'Take Me Home'.

Legendary broadcaster John Sergeant tells the often hilarious stories that knit together to form a career that has straddled both the deadly serious and the comic and absurd. From Northern Ireland to the shiny floors of Strictly Come Dancing via Vietnam and Westminster, Sergeant has spent a life in the limelight. He reveals the background to his famous ambush of Margaret Thatcher on the steps of the British Embassy in Paris, and the truth behind the photograph of the young girl fleeing a napalm strike in what was then South Vietnam. Even as a small child, Sergeant was in the thick of the story and he lived in a refugee camp in Gaza as a two year-old. This is an unmissable chance to hear from a national figure of stage and screen whose sense of humour and gravelly voice are unmistakable. 

Britain's most famous classicist, Dame Mary Beard, takes us on a journey through her life and career, offering insights and anecdotes along the way. What would the Romans have been like on X?  Should we pass moral judgements on those who lived thousands of years ago? Does being a classicist make you a better person? Does she see herself as an outsider? Who's her favourite Roman woman? Is it possible to touch the past? Does she empathise with those who died in Pompeii? What is civilisation? Over the course of almost an hour, Dame Mary reveals how she reacted to being insulted by AA Gill, reflects on being attacked on social media, gives her verdict on the rise of AI, discusses recovering the voices of the ordinary from ancient history, explains how she got into Classics, emphasises why the subject matters, and champions the ongoing translations of ancient texts. This is a chance to hear from a world famous figure who has managed to combine being a serious academic with an ability to communicate to millions. 

The veteran broadcaster reflects on a career that led him to become a presenter on the BBC's flagship Today programme, and one of Britain's most famous interviewers. He explores the impact growing up in a Cardiff slum had on his later life, reveals what has motivated him in his work, and shares his views on politicians. Humphrys also looks ahead to the BBC's future, predicts the end of the licence fee and, despite describing a "slight liberal bias" at the corporation, insists BBC News is to be trusted. 

Expert in bushcraft, TV presenter and writer Ray Mears explains his love of nature, his fascination for human history, and the ways in which he uses his skills to become at one with his environment in the wild - both in Britain and beyond. 

Impressionist, pianist, poet and star of The Big Impression Alistair McGowan takes us behind the scenes of his career. Along the way he does impressions of Louis Theroux, Harry Kane, Raymond Blanc, David Hockney, Alan Bennett, Alfred Hitchcock, Frank Skinner, Richard Madeley, Alan Shearer, Jo Brand, Dara Ó Briain, Monty Don, Gareth Southgate, Ronnie Corbett, Sven-Göran Eriksson, John Bishop, David Beckham, Ian McKellen, Martin O'Neill, Alan Hansen, Philip Mould, John Major, John Smith, Paddy Ashdown, Gordon Brown, John Parrot and Mikel Arteta.

The Private Eye editor and star of Have I Got News For You on how to debate populists, the fluctuating fortunes of satire, the state of Britain, what he thinks of Keir Starmer, the role of social media in politics, the tone-setting of Donald Trump, the nature of the England Test team, life outside work, and the success of his wife, best-selling author, Victoria Hislop. 

Newspaper columnist Sir Simon Jenkins discusses his new history of America, reflects on the unpredictable state of British politics, looks back on his career in the media - including his time as editor of The Times - and offers a warning about what he sees as a threat to the British countryside. He also gives his view on the challenges to the union of the United Kingdom, laments what he sees as the loss of Ireland, and gives his verdict on the war between Russia and Ukraine. 

Best-selling author and populariser of the power of geography Tim Marshall looks at the role geography plays in conflicts and international relations - past and present - from Britain to Japan, via the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the Middle East. 

Popular philosopher Alain de Botton on life, death, the role of philosophy in contemporary life, love, anger, decision-making, pleasure, happiness, success, and ignorance. 

Steven Finn is a triple Ashes winner. A 6"8 fast bowler with 257 international wickets to his name, he was part of a side that won Test series in Australia, India and South Africa. He got Steve Smith out twice in one game, and also counts Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers amongst his Test victims. Middlesex's youngest debutant at 16, he came of age bowling at Lord's, and would end his playing career at Sussex, 19 seasons later. Still only 36, he has already established himself as a voice on the BBC's Test Match Special and will be covering this winter's hotly anticipated Ashes series for TNT Sports. His new book, The Ashes Files, charts some of the highs and lows of his own time as a professional cricketer, and in this episode of 20 Questions With he explores the psychology of bowling, the thrill of success, the single-mindedness of his commitment to a sport he grew up playing, the challenges of balancing personal life with professionalism, the skillset required for his new roles in commentary and punditry, England's chances Down Under, and the importance of Ben Stokes to the project of winning back the urn. 

Mariella Frostrup, broadcaster, writer and campaigner, on women, the erotic, culture, radio, TV, upbringing, the loss of her father when she was a teenager, parenthood, career, being in the public eye, worrying, interviewing, equality, food, the menopause, and her new book, Menolicious. 

Paul Davies is a theoretical physicist, cosmologist and astrobiologist, who won The Templeton Prize in 1995. Here he reflects on the centenary of quantum mechanics, the future of quantum physics, the progress of AI, the potential for colonising Mars, the compatibility of God and quantum mechanics, theories of the Universe, the meaning of life, the history of scientific discovery, and coming up against intellectual brick walls. Paul's latest book, Quantum 2.0, is available to pre-order. 

Times Columnist and food critic Giles Coren talks about food, dieting, restaurants, sport, fatherhood, performance, writing, money, TV, death, anger, self-harm, and causing offence. He also opens up about the lasting impact on him of being hit as a child by his father, the late broadcaster and satirist, Alan Coren. This is a conversation that oscillates between humour and seriousness and offers an insight into the man behind the headlines.  (Includes very strong language. If you've been affected by any of the issues in the podcast, you can call the Samaritans in the UK on 116,123.)

Arguably England's greatest prop since World Cup winner Trevor Woodman, Alex Corbisiero has a fascinating life story. Born in New York and raised in Surrey, he went on to represent England at the highest level, before retiring in his late 20s after a long injury history. In 2020 he received treatment for testicular cancer. Now a TV personality, DJ, and rugby coach, Corbisiero is still only 37. Here he reflects on his days as a prop when he fluctuated between 18 and 19 stone and could deadlift 260kg. What were the one on one battles like on the field? How did he improve? What was it like playing through injury? He played a key role in helping the British and Irish Lions win the decisive Test against Australia in 2013. The year before he was in the England side that beat the All Blacks at Twickenham. Corbisiero also reflects on his experience of cancer, reveals his commitment to Christianity, offers his take on brain injuries in rugby, discusses political polarisation, and gives thanks to the strength of his family. 

Chris Hadfield has made three trips to space, observed Earth from afar, spacewalked, flown fighter jets, made music and become a novelist. Here he explores ideas he hasn't articulated before and takes us into parts of the universe most of us will never experience for ourselves. Hadfield introduces his latest book, Final Orbit, explains how he became an astronaut, thrillingly reveals what our planet looks like from space, describes what it's like heading towards the moon in a rocket, talks about the precariousness of spacewalks, reflects on what space travel has taught him about himself and humanity, and spells out his attitude to risk. 

The best-selling author of This Is Going To Hurt, Adam Kay, introduces his first novel, A Particularly Nasty Case, and takes us behind the scenes of his life as a comedian, while also reflecting on his career as a doctor in Obs and gynae. Stand-up, life, death, and a clarion call for the NHS.

Award-winning Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland explores themes from his new, Nazi era book, The Traitors Circle, including how human beings react to evil in their midst; considers what he sees as the growing threat of authoritarianism in the UK, the Tommy Robinson rally, and the involvement of Elon Musk; ponders whether or not participation on X is the best way to combat populist, and extreme, views projected from the platform; rejects the blaming of Israeli government policies on Jews while acknowledging the connection many Jewish people feel to the state of Israel; calls out what he sees as the injustice of Israel's response to the atrocities of October 7th; reveals the role his father played in his becoming a journalist, and explains why he became an Arsenal fan. 

The former Labour leader gives his views on patriotism, Keir Starmer, the upcoming Budget, inequality, child poverty, raising taxes, the left behind, the future of British manufacturing, charisma in politics, the survival of the Tory Party, Nigel Farage, populism, Donald Trump, proportional representation, the legacy of Thatcherism, and what it was like facing Margaret Thatcher at the despatch box. In an emotional moment towards the end, Kinnock weeps as he remembers his late wife, Glenys, Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead.  (Note in reference to mention of Nigel Farage's plans for mass deportations, there was uncertainty about exactly which people illegally in Britain the Reform leader was referring to, and he made clear he didn't want a repeat of the Windrush scandal). 

Wow! What an extraordinary story Huey Morgan has to tell. Brought up on the rough side of New York by his mother, Huey got into trouble with the law before joining the US Marines. After leaving the military, he fell back into the criminal underworld before helping to establish the rap rock band, Fun Lovin' Criminals. His memoirs, Fun Lovin' Criminal, lift the lid on his journey towards stardom and the challenges he faced along the way. Here Huey offers insights into his life on and off the stage and the road from criminality to married life in Bath, with a dog and two children, and his own BBC 6 Music radio show.  (Explicit language)

Steve Richards gives his views on the state of British politics, some of the challenges facing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer - including the vital importance of communication skills - the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform UK, the shift towards a multi party landscape, and the urgent need, as he sees it, to improve public services. Richards has been a political journalist for decades and, during their time in government, regularly met both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. His new book, Tony Blair, is about to be published and in this podcast he also gives his verdict on the Blair years and compares him to Starmer. Whether you're a Westminster nerd or more loosely interested in the world around you, this is a riveting and insightful take on power, people and politics. 

As Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Paul Johnson was one of the most influential figures in British economics. Now Provost of Queen's College, Oxford, (as well as a Times columnist) having stepped down from the IFS this summer after a decade and a half of leading the independent think tank, Johnson offers his verdict on the British economy, what he makes of some of the choices facing Starmer's Labour government (including the possibility of a change to property taxes), his views on some of the decisions they've made so far (including Chancellor Rachel Reeves's raising of employer National Insurance contributions), how much credibility he gives to fears of an IMF bailout, the levels of taxation in the country, the financial policies of Reform UK and the Greens, comparisons between the cost of borrowing under Reevs and Liz Truss, and what he'd do if he were a benign dictator. 

Opera singer Freddie de Tommaso is only 32 but he's already a star and about to play a lead role in Tosca at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. From there he travels to New York to sing in La Bohème at The Met before his role debut in Verdi's Luisa Miller in Valencia. In this episode of 20 Questions, Freddie takes us behind the scenes of his success, explains how he sprang to fame, speaks of his days playing rugby, explains why body-building helps his voice, reveals how much he can bench press, reflects on the role of looks in modern day productions and the greater power of the director, and remembers a childhood growing up in Tunbridge Wells where his late father ran a fine dining Italian restaurant. 

Why is Test cricket loved so much? What makes it so special? Telegraph cricket writer, and author of 'Test Cricket A History', Tim Wigmore takes a deep dive into what many insist is the greatest game on earth. Whether you're a lifelong fan or merely tempted to dip your toes into a sport that grips hundreds of millions around the world, this is a passionate guide to the thrills and spills of an unique contest that began almost 150 years ago. 

Author, writer, broadcaster and podcaster Rache Johnson talks about self-doubt, hard work, hustling, what it was like being the Prime Minister's sister, a challenging childhood, her love of learning new skills, juggling parenthood with her career, "difficult women", mortality, declining opportunities for younger generations, the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, and the responsibility of owning a dog.