Dame Esther Rantzen, ‘proper legend’ of broadcasting, is whisked from the pizza and into a private room in Broadcasting House for a chat with Fi and Jane. Over hot chocolates, they discuss how Esther went from studio manager and sound effects wizard, to producing and presenting her own TV shows. It’s not long before she’s put on the Fortunately naughty step. Plus, Esther reveals how a conversation with Jane inspired her to found The Silver Line charity, and why 78 is the new 78. From November 2018

‘A burst of hamstery energy’, with Dame Esther Rantzen

A frank look behind the scenes with broadcasters Jane Garvey and Fi Glover as guests from Radio, TV and podcasting share stories they probably shouldn't. Released every Friday.

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This week, after five years and over 250 episodes, Fi Glover and Jane Garvey present the final Fortunately...with Fi and Jane podcast.  Their last guest is the broadcaster Eleanor Oldroyd, star of BBC Radio 5 Live, ceremonial commentator and 'first lady' of Fighting Talk. Eleanor reveals that she may have been the first person to discover the potential of our dynamic duo, and also recalls sharing an anaesthetists' table with Jane. Alongside Eleanor, Fi and Jane pick some listener emails and reflect a little on their meandering podcast journey.  Thanks for listening.

253. 99% of the Time You've Been Really Good Company: The Last Episode, with Eleanor Oldroyd

Fi and Jane welcome the actor David Harewood this week on the Fortunately Podcast. The star of stage and screen discusses his book 'Maybe I Don't Belong Here: A Memoir of Race, Identity, Breakdown and Recovery', which includes his experience of psychosis. He also offers his opinion of a reading by Fi and helps Jane with her pronunciation. Alongside their chat with David, Jane reveals the last time she rode a bike and Fi's Larry the Cat conspiracy is debunked. Get in touch: fortunately.podcast@bbc.co.uk

252. Vole Sightings and CIA Directors, with David Harewood

This week on Fortunately, Fi and Jane are joined by the writer Abi Morgan. Abi's work includes TV dramas like The Split and The Hour as well as films such Suffragette and The Iron Lady. She speaks to Fi and Jane about her recent book This Is Not A Pity Memoir, tracing a tragic and unpredictable change in her family circumstances. Outside their chat with Abi, Jane is doing a bit of long term digestion and Fi has some tips when it comes to booking a certain loose cannon national treasure. Get in touch: fortunately.podcast@bbc.co.uk

251. Hospitality Bunkers and Emotional Hiccups, with Abi Morgan

This week on the podcast Fi and Jane are visited by writer and broadcaster Danny Robins, host of the upcoming series The Witch Farm. The man behind hits such as The Battersea Poltergeist and Uncanny discusses his latest ghostly exploration, which heads inside 'Britain's most haunted house'. Danny helps Fi and Jane with their own supernatural encounters, including a presence in Fi's childhood home and Jane's spooky moment at the Tower of London. Before their guest appears, Jane perks Fi up after some sad news and there's praise for the PR behind a certain leafy green. The Witch Farm begins Monday 17th October and you can subscribe on BBC Sounds. Get in touch: fortunately.podcast@bbc.co.uk

250. The Chilly Reality of Contactless Payments, with Danny Robins

Fi and Jane catch up on Fi's frozen shoulder, Jane's latest golfing triumphs, and discuss their decision to leave the BBC. They're also joined by journalist and television presenter for ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Ranvir Singh as she embarks on fronting new ITV quiz show 'Riddiculous'. Get in touch: fortunately.podcast@bbc.co.uk

‘A burst of hamstery energy’, with Dame Esther Rantzen

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