Former X Factor winner and multi-million selling singer-songwriter James Arthur reveals all about violent outbursts, Twitter storms and regrets in this frank chat with Tony Bellew. As well as being fans of each other, it’s clear Tony and James have loads in common. From a mutual love of boxing and music to tough upbringings as James talks about being sent to foster care as a teenager. They’re also both quick to react with anger, with James telling Tony about the time he smashed his arm through a window trying to ‘protect’ his sister. He opens up about angry social media fails as he tried to prove he wasn’t one of those ‘shiny popstars’. And he reveals his regret over using homophobic language in a rap battle, why it still affects his career today and why he’s thought about leaving the music industry for good. Full of revelations and deep chat. Not to be missed. Producer: Alice Lloyd
Audio editing: Mike Holt
Booker: Charlie Copsey
Social Media: Lucy Oliva An Orion Publishing Group production for BBC 5 Live and BBC Sounds

James Arthur

Tony Bellew is the world champion boxer who beat David Haye twice in front of an audience of millions. He's known to a generation of film fans as Ricky Conlan, the villain in the Rocky reboot Creed. He's an Everton-supporting dad of four boys who loves stand-up comedy. But Tony Bellew is also angry. Quite a lot. When you're a boxer that's no bad thing, but now he's not punching people for a living he's wondering what to do when the red mist comes down. In this podcast, Tony gets together with different guests to talk about times in their lives when they've been really angry. They could be life-changing pivotal moments or the day-to-day stuff that gets us all riled. Tony finds out how they have dealt with it, what they've learnt and see if along the way he can get some tips on dealing with his own anger. Expect tears, laughter, anger (obviously) and some stories from his guests that you won't have heard before!

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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

Introducing... Powerplay: The House of Don King

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.

Ant Middleton

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.

Joey Barton

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.

Millie Bright

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.

James Arthur

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