The Savoy Originals

Despite a childhood imagining past worlds, it has taken Tom Holland a couple of careers to become one of the world’s most successful historians with his podcast The Rest Is History, and a string of historical novels.In this in-depth interview with Alex Zane, Holland discusses his journey from literature to historical storytelling, the nuances of representing historical events, and the unexpected success of his podcast. Join us for a glass of bubbles at the iconic Savoy London as we toast Holland's achievements: from winning the coveted Apple Podcast Of The Year Award to the rich, historical anecdotes that have shaped his professional life.– This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity.For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com.–Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio.

Her adoptive parents ushered her into two successful careers: from competitive swimming led to BAFTA-winning documentary maker. But how did these formative experiences shape her attitude to success?This week, Alex Zane dives deep with Ellie Simmonds MBE, the five-time Paralympic gold medalist, to explore her journey from Olympic pools to the television screen. Over a glass of Champagne, Ellie opens up about the pressures of representing Great Britain, the challenges of transitioning to post-athletic life, and her adoption story that became a heartfelt documentary.– This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity.For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com.–Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio.

A last-minute casting change led to a breakout role that transformed the career of one of Britain's beloved comedic actors.   In this candid interview, Matthew Horne opens up to host Alex Zane, recounting his career journey from early comedy sketches to the events of 2009 - a manic year that proved too much.   Learn about the highs and lows of his path, including his iconic role in 'Gavin and Stacey, collaborations with Catherine Tate, and reflections on working with Sigourney Weaver and James Corden, all set against the illustrious backdrop of The Savoy. This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity. For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com.Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio.

Tracking missiles whilst leaning out of a warplane isn’t in the job description for becoming the host of the BBC’s 'The Sky at Night' - but then nothing about Dame Maggie’s CV is ordinary.  In this detailed interview with Alex Zane, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock shares her journey from a 14-year-old building telescopes to becoming one of Britain's most prominent science communicators.  Join us for a glass of bubbles at the iconic Savoy London, as we hear about her groundbreaking work in astronomy, adventures in Chile and Hawaii, and how she overcame personal and professional hurdles, all while promoting a passion for science and education. This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity. For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com.Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio.

She describes herself as stubborn; we call it tenacity. Either way, Elizabeth Day’s journey from a childhood in The Troubles, to award-winning journalist and author, is quite the ride.   Elizabeth shares with host Alex Zane her instinct for honesty and how it shaped her illustrious career: standing up to newspaper editors, advocating for female voices, and getting something unique out of every interview.  Join us as we delve into her popular podcast 'How to Fail', her bestselling books, and the inspiration behind her relentless pursuit of success - all over a glass of bubbles at the iconic Savoy London. Cheers! This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity. For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com.Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio.

After receiving harsh criticism in the modeling industry, Emily English decided to transform her love for food and science into a groundbreaking career in nutrition.   In this in-depth interview with host Alex Zane, she discusses building her personal brand, the family bakes that influenced her approach to recipes, and the tough choices she made to build her business.   Join us for a glass of bubbles at the iconic Savoy London as we toast her achievements: from her recent homecoming at Kings College London to the innovative Deliveroo dark kitchen that shaped her craft. This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity. For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com.Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio.

He spent weeks in a car park writing Paddington the Musical - all while Buzz rehearsed for his debut in Starlight Express - and now Tom Fletcher celebrates rave reviews for both his work... and his son’s.  In this in-depth interview with host Alex Zane, he discusses the behind-the-scenes process, how his early memories performing with his dad led to an iconic moment on 2025’s BBC Children In Need, and how his ‘brutal’ rejection from Busted led to the formation of McFly. Join us at the iconic Savoy London as we toast to Fletcher's achievements in music, theatre, and children's literature.  This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity.  For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com.  Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio. 

A childhood obsession with magic has led Nick to pursue a warm, open-hearted style of comedy that hasn’t always had a home on modern British television. But the actor and comedian has really found his groove: and in this in-depth interview with Alex Zane, he tells us about performing with David Schwimmer in Intelligence; how his twice Emmy-nominated role in Ted Lasso almost never happened; and how a difficult performance at last year’s BAFTAs has produced another 5-star outing for his alter ego, Mr Swallow.– This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity. For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com.–Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio.

From a young girl inspired by Sebastian Coe to conquering the 2004 Olympics with two gold medals, Kelly opens up about her incredible rise to the top of the athletics world. She shares the defining moments of her journey, from the PE teacher who spotted potential when others could not, to the personal battles with injuries and mental health that almost cost her everything. Kelly reveals the relentless drive, resilience, and unshakable self-belief that has propelled her through it all. She explains how ‘flow state’ fueled record-breaking performances and why staying true to herself - no matter the obstacle - has been the key to her success. Through this powerful conversation Kelly Holmes offers an unforgettable look at the spirit and qualities that make not just a champion, but a true original.– This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity.For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com.–Produced by Lauren Armstrong-Carter at Rethink Audio.

From his early days on the set of Eastenders, to working alongside some of the biggest filmmakers in the world, Daniel Mays shares how a relentless dedication to craft and an insatiable curiosity have fuelled his career. Along the way, Daniel opens up about his intense approach to roles, his return to musical theatre from decades of being away, and what might just be one of his most exciting projects to date. But he also reflects on the lessons taught to him by working class parents, the power of reinvention and the passion that drives him. – This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity.For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com.–Produced by Lauren Armstrong-Carter at Rethink Audio.

She grew up ‘a Saffy’ but became a model that defined our times - Daisy Lowe has railed against the love of the ‘size zero’ look in a life that has been full of rebellion.In this wide-ranging interview with Alex Zane, Daisy reveals how her unconventional childhood, as part of the Primrose Hill set, gave her a unique set of skills to navigate a still-toxic fashion industry.Over a glass of champagne, we toast icons including Paloma Faith and Vivienne Westwood for their inspiration and advice  - and discover the challenges that shaped Daisy’s journey to the very top of her industry.– This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity.For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com.–Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio.

From humble beginnings to eight Michelin stars, Gordon shares how relentless drive and calculated risk have shaped his path to success. Along the way, Gordon reveals his secret to staying one step ahead in a rapidly evolving industry, his personal war against complacency, and the lifelong values which inform every decision he makes - gifted to him by his mother. This conversation offers a glimpse into what it takes to reach the top, and thrive in one of the most competitive and demanding professions in the world. – This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity.For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com.–Produced by Lauren Armstrong-Carter at Rethink Audio.

The village that raised Layton Williams begins in Bury and stretches to the London home of Val and Maria, who took him in when his first career as a child star looked all but over.Now, as an Olivier-winning musical star, Strictly Come Dancing favourite and TV writer, Layton sits down with Alex Zane to toast his success - and the decisions that almost cost him it all.– This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity.For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com–Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio

From early beginnings in S Club Juniors to chart-topping success in The Saturdays, Frankie reflects on a life in the spotlight, her perfectionist nature, and the resilience that has defined her career. Host Alex Zane discovers her plan for navigating the pop machine, establishing creative control and uncovering a voice beyond the stage - as a best-selling author, by treading the boards on the West End and as an opinionated panellist on Loose Women. It’s a compelling look at what it takes to build a lasting career in one of the most fickle industries on the planet - all over a glass of bubbles at The Savoy London. Cheers!– This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity. For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com.–Produced by Lauren Armstrong-Carter at Rethink Audio.

A chance encounter at The Savoy led Rob Brydon to meet his wife - and now the broadcaster and comedian returns to face Alex Zane as we explore the life choices that have shaped his incredible career.What propelled Rob to leave Wales to pursue a showbiz life in London? And how did he keep going when it seemed the moment had passed... and his idol, Steve Coogan, went to more dizzying heights?Along the way we learn about the Empire Magazine review that turned it all around, the comedy gig that almost made him quit - and the work he is most proud of in his versatile career on stage and screens big and small..Join us for a glass of bubbles at the iconic Savoy London as we toast one of our most gifted entertainers. Cheers!– This episode is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity. For more information go to www.laurent-perrier.com.–Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio. 

Join journalist Alex Zane in the luxurious suites of The Savoy as he uncorks the stories behind some of the world’s most extraordinary creatives. Over a glass of Laurent-Perrier, Alex dives deep into what truly defines an artist - not just their craft, but their humour, style, inspirations, and the relentless drive that fuels their originality.Each episode is an intimate, unfiltered exploration of the unique experiences and perspectives that shape remarkable talents. A portrait of what makes an artist not just an artist, but a person too.This series is brought to you by Laurent-Perrier – a family-owned Champagne House, renowned as the region's great innovator and distinguished for its unique style of freshness, elegance, and purity.For more information go to laurent-perrier.com.Produced by Lauren Armstrong-Carter and Matt Hill at Rethink Audio.