the Actors Safe Space with Ore Oduba

KEVIN CLIFTON has been a household name for well over a decade... Donned "Kevin from Grimsby" by the legendary Sir Bruce Forsyth to accompany with his impressive, audience-whipping performances on Strictly Come Dancing, Kevin spent seven years as a professional dancer on the hit BBC TV show - including a long-awaited lift of the glitterball trophy in 2018 - before stepping away and building a hugely successful acting career.

Star turns in Strictly Ballroom, Everybody's Talking About Jamie, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and soon to strip off a layer or two in the upcoming tour of fan-favourite The Full Monty, Kevin has literally lived a lifetime on stage. Born into a professional ballroom dancing family, performing is what he has always known. Understanding who he is underneath it all has taken a lot longer. Indeed, discovering his true identity is a process Kevin is still navigating today.

I've known Kevin for 10 years. Dancing with his sister Joanne during a life-changing series in 2016 ensured we'd be brothers for life... but this was a conversation we'd never had together before. Now both fathers, life looks very different for us to how it was shaped when we first met. And Kevin is beautifully honest in describing how difficult it's been to find out who he really against the backdrop of life in the public eye.

We talk about his almost 'addictive' approach to preparing for a role, the struggles he's had living up to his on-screen persona and how life at home feels more settled than ever before.

This is a man who's been successful in everything he's ever turned his hand to. I'm so glad he's finding the internal balance he deserves... even if the quest to discover himself continues!

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This podcast was recorded at Dakota Hotels, luxury boutique accommodation outside of London. For more information or to book a stay, head to: https://dakotahotels.co.uk

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This video contains music from Shutterstock, licensed by Splice video editing app.

Jodie Steele is one of the most versatile human beings on the planet. As an actor, she is a master of the stage - from the West End to Broadway - television dramas and video game voiceovers... A qualified coach in fitness and nutrition, teacher to the next generation of young actors, singer, traveller, friend, daughter and dogmum there really is nothing Jodie cannot do.And like so many, behind the countless accomplishments is a woman who has picked herself up from many setbacks and personal heartbreaks. Jodie's is a story of resilience, family and how performing saved her life... and 'addiction' as she calls it that courses through her. Acting is less a job, but a way of life. And still she creates the time, and finds the capacity to give so much of herself to the many people and causes that make her feel at home.This conversation says everything about why I created the Actors Safe Space. A performer so renowned on the stage and speaks with so much passion and honesty off it. We discuss gender imbalance and ageism in the industry, managing mental health during a contract and the heavy expectation to perform perfection night after night. Jodie also beautifully shares how grief has shaped who she is today and the lasting advice she wants the young girls in her life to know.You won't miss the starring cameo from Buster the Dog and if Kleenex want to sponsor the podcast at all, please hit me up in the comments. We definitely needed the tissues for this one.Thank you Jodie for everything you are, all that you do and for an episode that will always stay with me._______________________________This video contains music from Shutterstock, licensed by Splice video editing app.

Joe Mcelderry has been lighting up stages with his insane vocal talent, his charm and infectious smile for years. Bursting into the public consciousness after winning The X Factor in 2009, he grew up through the highs and lows of showbusiness all in the spotlight of public eye.

17 years since that unforgettable night and Joe is no less grateful for the moment that sparked his career and the lessons he had to learn along the way. It’s obvious he was destined for great things long before he auditioned for Simon Cowell and Co.

This was an inspiring conversation about resilience, family and Joe’s unwavering connection to the North East. We discuss surviving in the music and television industries, his secret to success and what he would do if it all ended tomorrow. It’s fair to say I’ve never laughed so much in an episode… Joe is full of stories, advice and a joy that shines brighter than a technicolour dreamcoat!

One of my favourite episodes for sure.

Joe’s new single ‘Love Me Out Loud’ comes out June 19th. Click here for dates to his 2026 Live Tour: https://www.joemcelderryofficial.com/tour

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This podcast was recorded at Dakota Hotels, luxury boutique accommodation outside of London. For more information or to book a stay, head to: https://dakotahotels.co.uk

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This video contains music from Shutterstock, licensed by Splice video editing app.

Well this was an unexpected deep dive… When a guest pulls out at the last minute, there aren’t many options available (except for calling for Room Service at the Dakota Hotel lol!) but to turn the mic on myself!

Actually, in the end, it was a beautiful accident. A chance to ask myself some important questions and realise how deeply the answers had affected me and how proud I am of myself to have come through some very challenging periods of my life and live to tell you the tales.

It was also just desserts to get a sense of what my guests go through in the hot seat. And just like my guests, I had no idea what would come up.. but the results made for an amazing, eye-opening, healing episode.

From dealing with grief, the role the gym played in managing a hugely painful period in my life to fatherhood and the changes I had to make to save my relationship with my kids.. this was a delve into the unknown. But raised themes that might feel familiar to you. Enjoy.

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This podcast was recorded at Dakota Hotels, luxury boutique accommodation outside of London. For more information or to book a stay, head to: https://dakotahotels.co.uk

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This video contains music from Shutterstock, licensed by Splice video editing app.

Ben Joyce is one of the West End’s most accomplished musical theatre actors, nominated for multiple awards recognising his many notable performances including Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys, Marty McFly in Back To The Future: The Musical and Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

In early 2026, Ben landed arguably the biggest role of his career as Phillip Carlyle in the highly anticipated world premiere of The Greatest Showman Musical.

This interview was everything the Actors Safe Space set out to create… beautiful honesty and vulnerability from beginning to end. Ben gave such a sensitive insight into the mind of a stage actor, the fallibilities and the anxieties that come with performing live on stage every night. He also shared an insight into his early family life, who inspires him and how he’s learning every day: professionally and personally.

We talked about the two sides of the Strictly Come Dancing experience, including the pressure of finding something to wear in front of millions of people AND under the scrutiny of a fashion-conscious partner!!

Ben was such a ledge, letting me into his home in Bristol during rehearsals on the eve of his life-changing role. I’m so grateful for his openness, I know what we discussed will leave a huge impression, especially for aspiring young performers. Thanks so much Ben, you talented, gorgeous soul you.

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This video contains music from Shutterstock, licensed by Splice video editing app.

Faye Tozer is a tour de force. There really is nothing this wonder woman cannot do. Recognized around the world as 1/5th of the iconic STEPS, Faye's wide-ranging performances on stage since the band hung up their mics have been equally as relentless as they have been extraordinary. Currently starring in the UK and Ireland Tour of Mean Girls the Musical, Faye generously took time out of her busy touring schedule to talk on the podcast.

We talk about life growing up in Luton, having her mum as her hero and her experience as a woman in the world of entertainment. Her early dance inspirations, how Strictly REJECTED her for a decade and how life after the band led to guilt and insecurity as she forged ahead as a solo performer and a parent in the business.

Thank you Faye for being an inspiration to us and so many others on and off stage. And for providing an amazing, thought-provoking first EVER conversation on the Actors Safe Space.

If you haven't seen Faye and her incredible castmates in Mean Girls the Musical - or you have and desperately want to see it again (as you should!) - check out the website for tickets: https://meangirlsmusical.com

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This podcast was recorded at Dakota Hotels, luxury boutique accommodation outside of London. For more information or to book a stay, head to: https://dakotahotels.co.uk

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This video contains music from Shutterstock, licensed by Splice video editing app.

First episode coming soon...