Mo Gilligan: Beginning, Middle & End

From playing drums in church and youth clubs in Enfield to winning BRIT Awards and the Mercury Prize with Ezra Collective, Femi Koleoso joins Mo Gilligan for a powerful conversation about music, faith, friendship, and perseverance.

They discuss the early days of Ezra Collective, life on the road, performing at the BRITs, turning down opportunities that didn’t align with their vision, and why giving back to the next generation matters more than any award.

This is a conversation about staying true to yourself, building community, and creating something bigger than success.

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Dawn French is one of Britain’s most beloved comedians, but her journey to becoming a national treasure is far more surprising than you might think.

In this episode of Beginning, Middle & End, Dawn sits down with Mo Gilligan to reveal how a shared flat with Jennifer Saunders changed her life forever, the heartbreak she carried after losing her father, and the unexpected path that led her from teaching drama to performing comedy above a Soho strip club.

She shares never-before-heard stories from the birth of alternative comedy, working alongside legends like Rik Mayall and Robin Williams, The Vicar of Dibley, and the friendship that has kept her and Jennifer Saunders together for over four decades.

Funny, honest, moving and packed with incredible stories, this is Dawn French like you’ve never heard her before.

🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with the world’s biggest entertainers, comedians and cultural icons.

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From sofa surfing in London to chart-topping success — Maverick Sabre joins Mo Gilligan for a raw and inspiring conversation about music, hustle, and staying true to yourself.

Maverick opens up about being discovered by Plan B at 17, grinding through London’s open mic scene, navigating the highs and lows of the music industry, and why he walked away from major labels to reclaim his artistry. He also shares untold stories about mentoring Jorja Smith, life on chaotic early tours, industry “angels and sharks,” and how music gave him purpose.

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BAFTA-winning writer and comedian Sophie Willan joins Mo Gilligan for a brutally honest and hilarious conversation about turning real life chaos into award-winning TV.

From getting expelled from school after turning up drunk in a bikini, to building the hit series Alma’s Not Normal, Sophie opens up about the moments that shaped her career — including how her grandma inspired her creativity, the reality of writing a TV series from scratch, and why becoming a mother has completely changed how she looks at work.

Mo and Sophie also dive into stand-up nerves, Edinburgh comedy memories, growing up in Bolton, and the gritty early days of chasing a creative career.

Expect laughs, honesty, and a proper behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to turn life experience into comedy gold.

Topics in this episode:

• Becoming a BAFTA-winning writer
• Sophie Willan’s chaotic teenage years
• The truth about writing TV shows
• Edinburgh comedy circuit stories
• Parenthood and creativity
• Why stand-up comics are built differently

Subscribe for more conversations with the biggest voices in comedy, culture and entertainment.

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Vikkstar joins Beginning, Middle & End for a candid deep-dive into the journey behind one of the internet’s biggest success stories. From the early days of uploading videos and building Sidemen, to navigating fame, pressure, business moves, and staying relevant in a constantly changing digital world — this episode covers the real story behind the screens.

We talk ambition, burnout, money, friendships, discipline, and what it actually takes to stay at the top for over a decade. Honest, insightful, and packed with lessons for creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing something big.

Whether you know him as Vikkstar123, gamer, entrepreneur, or one of the OGs of UK YouTube — this is Vikkstar like you’ve never heard him before.

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From labouring jobs in London to building a multi-million pound fashion brand, Tommy Fordham’s journey is anything but normal.

In this episode, Tommy sits down with Mo Gilligan to talk about the reality behind success — from being cast on TOWIE and suddenly becoming famous, to building global sneaker brand Mallet and generating over £100M in sales.

But the story doesn’t stop there.

Tommy opens up about losing millions, starting again from scratch, being diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life, and why he believes failure was the best thing that ever happened to him.

This is a raw conversation about entrepreneurship, fame, mental health and what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you’re interested in business, fashion, or the mindset behind success, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

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What’s it really like growing up famous on one of Britain’s biggest TV shows?

This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy. From starting on the show at just 10 years old, to dealing with tabloid pressure as a teenager, Natalie opens up about the reality of growing up in front of millions.

They talk about the surreal moment she realised Walford wasn’t a real place, the pressure of filming 6 days a week, and why people still treat her like Sonya Fowler in real life.

Plus:

• The truth about soap rivalries
• Growing up on TV
• What life is really like behind EastEnders
• Why Natalie decided to leave after 30 years
• The weirdest fan encounters

This is one of the funniest and most honest conversations about fame, TV and growing up in the public eye.

🎧 Listen now.

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Manny Norte is known as “The Name You Can Trust” in UK music — but his story runs deeper than radio. In this episode, Manny sits down with Mo Gilligan to break down the untold journey behind UK nightlife, radio, fashion, and global culture. From dance battles and pirate radio to DJing for Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Drake and Kanye, Manny reveals how he became one of the most trusted tastemakers in the game. They talk about:

• The wild West End club era when DJs were superstars
• The truth about modern DJs vs vinyl culture
• Playing private parties for Dave Chappelle, Naomi Campbell & Stormzy
• Launching Kanye’s Yeezy in London
• Breaking artists on Capital XTRA radio
• The reality of staying relevant for 20+ years in music

Plus Manny reveals the industry secrets behind brand events, fashion circles, and celebrity after-parties. If you love music culture, UK nightlife history, and stories from behind the velvet rope — this one is special.

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Ovie Soko finally sits down with Mo Gilligan for a conversation that goes way beyond Love Island.

From playing basketball in America to suddenly becoming one of the most recognisable faces on British TV, Ovie opens up about the surreal moment he realised his life had changed forever — including fans literally stopping traffic when he walked into Selfridges.

They talk about the pressure of being a Black man in the spotlight, life on US college campuses, dating after reality TV, and why Ovie chose to go back to basketball instead of chasing the influencer lifestyle.

This episode is honest, funny and reflective — a rare look at what happens after the villa.

Expect stories about American culture shock, fame, identity and staying true to yourself when the whole world suddenly knows your name.

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East London storyteller Hak Baker joins Mo Gilligan to talk about the moments that shaped his life — from growing up on the Isle of Dogs to learning guitar in prison and becoming one of the UK’s most unique voices in music.

Hak opens up about redemption, staying loyal to lifelong friends, refusing to be boxed in as an artist, and the moment that changed everything.

This is a powerful conversation about mistakes, growth, music, and finding your voice when life forces you to sit down.

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