Distinct Nostalgia

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Coming soon - in conversation with the stars of Magpie .. listen to teaser 

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Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

Casualty and Heartbeat star Jonathan Kerrigan sits down for a fun chat with Ashley Byrne. The conversation ventures into his early years, his time on two of Britain's biggest drama series, being described as a heartthrob, working in the States and his musical talents. Jonathan remains one of the UK's most talented drama actors but is it time for him to try his hand at a bit of comedy?

And don't forget there's dozens of interviews on DN with stars of British TV drama and film on DistinctNostalgia.com including Jack Davenport, James Wilby, Carol Drinkwater, Stephen Tompkinson, Jason Hughes and many, many more. Scroll through the Distinct Nostalgia feed now. 

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Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

Coming soon - in conversation with Jonathan Kerrigan .. listen to teaser 

Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

Alyson Spiro was no stranger to soap when she took on the role of Sarah Sugden in Emmerdale in 1994. She'd previously starred for a year in Brookside. But the role of Sarah was a special one for Alyson and here she tells Ashley all about the ups and downs of starring in a major UK tv serial.  After listening to Alyson, why not catch up with other former Emmerdale actors?! - Ian Sharrock, Jean Rogers, Freddie Pyne, Deena Payne and Roberta Kerr can all be found chatting about their time in the Dales on Distinct Nostalgia.

And don't forget Distinct Nostalgia has a plethora of other soap treats in our archives. Trawl through the player where you will find a catalogue of interviews and hours of soap history from Corrie, EastEnders, Hollyoaks, Brookside, Crossroads and more....

If you'd like to suggest an interview (or reunion) with a past star/stars of any soap, comedy, drama. children's series, quiz show or film, then please drop us a line via the contact us page on the Distinct Nostalgia website at www.distinctnostalgia.com 

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Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

Roberta Kerr has starred in most of the soaps - Corrie as Wendy Crozier, Brookside, EastEnders, The Archers - and of course as Jan Glover in Emmerdale. Roberta really enjoyed her time in the Dales because it gave her a character to really get her teeth into and explore all Jan's nuances. She's been remembering those four years in the mid 90s with Ashley. This episode of Distinct Nostalgia is part of an Emmerdale weekend double bill with our interview with Alyson Spiro being released on Sunday, Feb 28th 2021.

And don't forget Distinct Nostalgia has a plethora of soap treats in our archives. Trawl through the player where you will find a catalogue of interviews and hours of soap history from Corrie, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Brookside, Crossroads and more....

If you'd like to suggest an interview (or reunion) with a past star/stars of any soap, comedy, drama. children's series, quiz show or film, then please drop us a line via the contact us page on the Distinct Nostalgia website at www.distinctnostalgia.com 

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Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

June Brown is 94 today. So to mark her birthday we're re-releasing our special drama 'Missing You' starring June Brown and Sam Barnard. And we're adding a bonus interview with the writer Richard Vergette after the show. Missing You was written specifically for June and Sam - and based on Richard's own personal experience of having a son with Down's Syndrome.

Distinct Drama presents...
MISSING YOU by Richard Vergette
Starring June Brown MBE and Sam Barnard
Produced by Ashley Byrne, Iain Mackness and James Brown
An MIM Production for Distinct Nostalgia - More than a Podcast!

This 30 minute drama kicks off ‘Generation Games’, a new series of occasional monologues and duologues exploring relationships, friendships and connections across the generational divide. 

June plays Margey, who against advice, refused to give her son up for adoption when she was told he had Down's syndrome.  She has protected William fiercely throughout his life, even when William has preferred not to be protected. Despite the tensions that arose when William demanded his independence, both mother and son remain devoted to each other. Now they can’t see each-other due to the pandemic and the enforced separation causes each of them to reflect on their shared past. 

Missing You is written by Richard Vergette who says: ‘Being the parent of a young man with Down’s Syndrome I’m aware that the compassionate response we received by medical staff at our son’s birth, wasn’t always the experience of parents from previous generations. Parents like Margey had to fight just for the right to bring up their own child. William is equally formidable and needs to lead his own life – away from his Mother. 

Richard continues: ‘I’m fortunate enough to have worked with the excellent actor, Sam Barnard, so was delighted when he agreed to play the role of William. When writing the role of Margey I had the voice of June Brown in my head and so asked the producer, Ashley Byrne, “Can we find a June Brown type of actress?”. “How about June Brown?” he replied! I still can’t quite believe that a living legend is playing in a piece I’ve written. They are both brilliant in their respective roles and bring home the frustrations as well as the joys of their characters’ relationship.’

Actor Sam Barnard commenting on his part says: "June is such a legend and a hero of mine since I was little. When I was asked to play this role I said "OOH I SAY" and did a little dance of joy!"

MIM and Distinct Nostalgia Creative Director Ashley Byrne adds: ‘This is a very touching and thoughtful portrayal and is a tremendous story to kick off our series exploring relationships across the generations.  We’ll be bringing more established names together with not so well known talent in a bid to tackle ageism in our society. In broadcasting the trend is to increasingly shove people in age silos and never the twain shall meet but we feel the portrayal of relationships with people across the generations is crucial for social cohesion.’

Distinct Nostalgia began in January 2020 and regularly charts. Its main content includes interviews and reunions with famous tv and movie stars and regularly celebrates the soaps, comedy and British film.  Distinct Nostalgia also includes new drama and comedy. 

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Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

Annette Badland is a prolific character actor with an eclectic mix of fabulous credits to her name over many decades but she's probably best known (certainly in recent years) for her role as Aunt Babe in EastEnders. Here she tells Ashley about the challenges of playing such a manipulative character. Banished by the Carter family for her evil deeds but could Aunt Babe return one day to seek revenge in Albert Square?

And don't forget Distinct Nostalgia has a plethora of soap treats in our archives. Trawl through the player where you will find a catalogue of interviews and hours of soap history from Corrie, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Brookside, Crossroads and more....

If you'd like to suggest an interview (or reunion) with a past star/stars of any soap, comedy, drama. children's series, quiz show or film, then please drop us a line via the contact us page on the Distinct Nostalgia website at www.distinctnostalgia.com 

Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

She's one of the greats of British acting - and comedy! Felicity Kendal has been part of the fabric of British life for decades. She rose to fame in the 1970s sitcom The Good Life, alongside Richard Briers, Penelope Keith and Paul Eddington. She's also well known for Rosemary and Thyme, the Carla Lane sitcom 'Solo' and a plethora of other parts over the years. Here she talks to Ashley Byrne about how it all began as well as great with memories of her co-stars. 

And don't forget there's loads of other comedy interviews on Distinct Nostalgia including Wendy Craig on Butterflies, Doreen Mantle on playing Mrs Warboys in One Foot in the Grave, Jeffrey Holland on his time in Hi-De-Hi, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph on Birds of a  Feather and Christopher Strauli on his role as Norman in Only When I Laugh. Not to mention our Comedy Writing Legends series which so far includes Jan Etherington wrote Second Thoughts and Marks and Gran who penned, among others things, Goodnight Sweetheart, Birds of a Feather, Shine on Harvey Moon and The New Statesman with Rik Mayall. 

Plus 'Down Comedy Lane' as Little Remembers Large (Syd Little reminisces about his life as one of half of a comedy double act with Eddie Large).

All these delights - and much more can be found by trawling through the Distinct Nostalgia feed. Have fun!

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Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

Ian Sharrock played Jackie Merrick - Emmerdale Farm's early heartthrob and poster boy. He joined the cast in 1980, eight years into the show's run.  Having some young blood in the show was something of a revolution and he quickly became popular with both fellow cast members and the public at large. In a special two part interview, Ian reflects on his Emmerdale days and working with some great actors including his close friend Stan Richards who played Seth. Across the two programmes we also touch on the rest of his career including  working with the likes of  Danny Kaye, Jodie Foster and David Niven among others. 

And don't forget Distinct Nostalgia has a plethora of soap treats in our archives. Trawl through the player where you will find a catalogue of interviews and hours of soap history from Corrie, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Brookside, Crossroads and more....

If you'd like to suggest an interview (or reunion) with a past star/stars of any soap, comedy, drama. children's series, quiz show or film, then please drop us a line via the contact us page on the Distinct Nostalgia website at www.distinctnostalgia.com

Distinct Nostalgia - More Than A Podcast!

Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

Ian Sharrock played Jackie Merrick - Emmerdale Farm's early heartthrob and poster boy. He joined the cast in 1980, eight years into the show's run.  Having some young blood in the show was something of a revolution and he quickly became popular with both fellow cast members and the public at large. In a special two part interview, Ian reflects on his Emmerdale days and working with some great actors including his close friend Stan Richards who played Seth. Across the two programmes we also touch on the rest of his career including  working with the likes of  Danny Kaye, Jodie Foster and David Niven among others. 

And don't forget Distinct Nostalgia has a plethora of soap treats in our archives. Trawl through the player where you will find a catalogue of interviews and hours of soap history from Corrie, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Brookside, Crossroads and more....

If you'd like to suggest an interview (or reunion) with a past star/stars of any soap, comedy, drama. children's series, quiz show or film, then please drop us a line via the contact us page on the Distinct Nostalgia website at www.distinctnostalgia.com

Distinct Nostalgia - More Than A Podcast!

Support the show