Dame Joanna Lumley and Gyles have known each other for over 50 years - and this is a chance to hear them reminisce about her incredibly rich, varied and star-studded life and career. Joanna spent her childhood in India, Hong Kong and then at boarding school in Kent and went on to become a model in swinging London in the 60s and then an actress on film, TV and stage. She is, of course, best known for her portrayal of the drink-addled, chain-smoking Patsy in Absolutely Fabulous. But she is much more than that - as her amazing performance at the very end of this podcast shows. We recommend that you listen up to the end... This episode was recorded in front of an audience at The Orange Tree theatre in Richmond, so it's another Rosebud on the Road. Enjoy.

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Lorraine Kelly is a journalist, writer, interviewer and broadcaster who has been a mainstay of ITV's morning TV landscape for over 30 years. Since working together on TVam in the 80s, she and Gyles are old friends and this is a chance to hear them talk and laugh about Lorraine's early years in the Gorbals, her amazing grandma who told tall tales and wore her best hat to put out the bins, her schooldays, her break into journalism and some standout memories from her career. Lorraine's novel The Island Swimmer is out in February 2024.

We want to hear your first memories - email [email protected]. Plus we're looking for memories of Christmas and new year for our festive shows.

We're on Twitter and Instagram @therosebudpod.

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This week's episode is different, and special. Gyles is talking to Anne, Lady Glenconner at a live event at The Barnes Book Fest. A socialite, aristocrat and best-selling author, Lady Glenconner was the best friend and Lady in Waiting to Princess Margaret for many years. She has also had a fascinating and dramatic life of her own, as wife to Colin Tennant, Lord Glenconner. Together they developed the Caribbean island of Mustique and turned it into a destination for the rich and famous. This show features fascinating reminiscences from a rich and long life spent among remarkable people - many of them royal. Anne's latest book Whatever Next, is about her turbulent marriage.

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Jay Blades tells his remarkable story - from Hackney council estate to MBE. Having been told he'd amount to 'nothing' by the careers advisor, suffering racism at the hands of school bullies and the police, Jay has gone on to become host of one of the UK's most popular TV shows: The Repair Shop. He talks to Gyles about his childhood memories, the tough times he's been through, and how he's kept his positive attitude. Jay's new book Life Lessons is out now.

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Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland, is arguably one of the most successful British politicians of her generation. But how did it all begin? And what will life be like once she steps away from the limelight? Gyles discusses all this and more with her in this fascinating conversation, which includes Nicola's reflections on meeting Queen Elizabeth II and what happened when she met a superfan... in the bath.

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Gyles's guest is the BAFTA-winning actress, best-selling writer, national treasure and force of nature Miriam Margolyes. Gyles and Miriam meet in Miriam's London flat, and chat about her first memories, her childhood, her love of white haired ladies, her passion for Charles Dickens and her delight in farting. As you might expect, this is slightly ruder than our usual shows, but there's no swearing - just some sexual references.

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Gyles talks to the best-selling writer, Rest Is Politics host, charity leader, ex MP and adventurer Rory Stewart. This is a fascinating and honest conversation - you'll find out about Rory's unusual childhood ambitions, his relationships with his parents, his unsuccessful early attempts at romance and the delivery of his son on the bathroom floor - and many other things. Rory Stewart's book, Politics on the Edge, is published by Jonathan Cape and is out now.

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It doesn't get much better than this - Ken Bruce: one of the best-loved radio DJs of all time, host of Popmaster, dad of six, and all round legend. Gyles and Ken talk about Ken's school days and what it was like being given "the belt" on a regular basis, his marriages, and his move to Greatest Hits Radio. Ken's show is on Greatest Hits every day from 10am til 1pm.

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Gyles Brandreth talks to fellow star of This Morning and host of Bake Off Alison Hammond. They discuss her childhood roots in Birmingham, her incredible talent for rounders, and whether Gyles is a breast or a leg man; all while sitting on Alison's double bed. Expect laughter, warmth and Gyles attempting to do a Brummy accent.

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In this first ever episode of Rosebud, Gyles talks to someone very special: the legendary actress Dame Judi Dench.

They chat about her happy childhood in York, her experiences growing up during WWII, her early forays into acting and her marriage to Michael Williams. She ends by impressing Gyles, as she recites a Shakespeare sonnet by heart. 

Join us again next week when Gyles will be snuggling up with Alison Hammond.

To get in touch with Gyles and tell him about your first memories, email: [email protected]

A 'Keep It Light Media' Production

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