This week on Channel Hopper, host and TV & film historian John Mabey is joined by comedian, writer and actor Vaun Norman for a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation covering the screen stories that shaped him. From favourite films and beloved television series to the realities of working in comedy and acting, Vaun reflects on his career with warmth, wit and plenty of behind-the-scenes insight. And, naturally, no episode would be complete without the obligatory ghost story — with Vaun sharing a spooky tale that might just leave listeners sleeping with the lights on.

This week on Channel Hopper, host and TV & film historian John Mabey welcomes writer and artist Stephen Brotherstone, best known as co-author of the critically acclaimed Scarred For Life series. Together, they take a fascinating, and often unsettling journey through the films, television, public information films, adverts, comics and cultural moments that traumatised a generation of children growing up in Britain.

From nightmare inducing kids’ TV to the strange darkness lurking beneath supposedly family-friendly entertainment, John and Ste explore why certain images and stories stayed with us long after childhood and what they reveal about the era that created them.

Please note: this episode contains discussion of disturbing media, horror themes, trauma, and other adult subject matter. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

This week on Channel Hopper, host and TV & film historian John Mabey welcomes actress Cathy Shipton, best known to millions as the much-loved Lisa “Duffy” Duffin from the iconic BBC medical drama Casualty.

In a warm, funny and deeply honest conversation, Cathy reflects on her remarkable career in television, the lasting legacy of Casualty, and life both on and off screen. Along the way, she shares some of her all-time favourite TV themes, discusses the films that have stayed with her over the years, and reveals the stories behind some unforgettable moments from her acting career.

The episode also explores more personal territory, with thoughtful and candid discussions on relationships, life experiences and the realities of working in the entertainment industry.

Please note: this episode contains some deep discussions of an adult nature. Listener discretion is advised.

This week on Channel Hopper, host and TV & film historian John Mabey is joined by legendary director Ed Bye for a fascinating look back at a remarkable career in British television comedy.

From ground breaking favourites like Bottom, The Young Ones, French and Saunders, The Detectives and My Family, Ed reflects on the iconic shows, unforgettable moments and creative partnerships that helped shape generations of comedy fans. He also shares his thoughts on what television and film have meant to him throughout his life and career, working alongside legendary talents including Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.

Packed with stories from behind the scenes and heartfelt memories from one of British comedy’s most celebrated directors, this is an episode comedy fans won’t want to miss.

This week on the Channel Hopper podcast, host and TV & film historian John Mabey sits down with acclaimed actor Glyn Baker for a fascinating look back at a remarkable career both on and off screen.

Glyn reflects on appearing in a host of cult classic films, including James Bond: The Living Daylights, The Wild Geese alongside Richard Burton and Roger Moore, Who Dares Wins with Lewis Collins, and Return of the Jedi. Along the way, he shares behind-the-scenes stories, memories from the industry, and insights into working with some of cinema’s most iconic names.

The conversation also turns personal as Glyn discusses his father, the legendary and greatly missed Stanley Baker, whose legacy continues to influence British film today.

A warm, entertaining and nostalgic episode packed with stories from the golden age of film. Enjoy!

This week on Channel Hopper, host and TV and film historian John sits down with writer, comedian and fellow nostalgia obsessive Bob Fischer for a gloriously overstuffed deep dive into the strange worlds of television, cinema, folklore and the uncanny corners of pop culture.

Naturally, there’s an obligatory ghost story along the way, but mostly this episode descends into a full-scale nerd off as John and Bob bounce from forgotten children’s TV nightmares to cult films, regional broadcasting oddities, strange theme tunes, public information films, and the sort of half-remembered television moments that haunt you for decades.

Fair warning: this one is epically long. We genuinely tried to edit it down, but every tangent somehow led to an even better tangent, and the banter was simply too good to lose.

If you enjoy passionate conversations about the weird and wonderful corners of British pop culture, this is absolutely the episode for you.

You can find all of Bob’s work over at The Haunted Generation.

In this brand new episode of Channel Hopper, our host—renowned TV and film historian—sits down with a true authority on vintage broadcasting, special guest Dick Fiddy. With decades of experience and an unrivalled depth of knowledge, Dick offers a fascinating window into the golden age of television and the cultural moments that defined it.

As a curator at the BFI, home to one of the world’s largest and most significant film and television archives, Dick brings both scholarly insight and personal passion to the conversation. Together, they explore a handpicked selection of his favourite TV theme tunes—those unforgettable melodies that instantly transport us back in time.

Beyond the music, this episode dives into what it truly meant to sit in front of “the box” in decades past: the rituals, the shared experiences, and the magic of a time when television felt like an event. Warm, nostalgic, and packed with behind-the-scenes knowledge, this is a must-listen for anyone who loves classic TV and the stories behind it.

This week on Channel Hopper, host John Mabey, TV and film historian, sits down with legendary actress Carolyn Seymour for a fascinating deep dive into her remarkable career.

From cult classics to enduring television favourites, Carolyn reflects on her roles in iconic series such as The Twilight Zone, Murder, She Wrote, Cagney & Lacey, Space: 1999, and Terry Nation’s Survivors. With candid insight and sharp wit, she shares behind the scenes stories, industry perspectives, and the realities of working across decades in film and television.

This episode doesn’t shy away from the tougher topics either, as the conversation turns to some hard-hitting moments from both her career and the wider entertainment world.

It’s an engaging, honest, and nostalgic journey through television history with one of its most memorable performers.

Enjoy.

This week on Channel Hopper, host and TV and film historian John Mabey welcomes a true multi-hyphenate guest: comedian, actor, writer, and lifelong Doctor Who devotee, Toby Hadoke.

Best known to fans for his deep involvement in the Doctor Who universe—both on stage and behind the scenes—Toby joins John for a wide-ranging and deeply engaging conversation that spans decades of television history, fandom, and performance. From his early memories of watching Doctor Who as a child to becoming a respected voice within its community, Toby reflects on how the show shaped his career and creative outlook.

The pair also explore Toby’s passion for classic British science fiction and horror, including his love of the Quatermass serials and the iconic Hammer film franchise. Together, they discuss the lasting influence of these productions on genre storytelling, their cultural impact, and why they continue to resonate with audiences today.

Along the way, Toby shares behind-the-scenes insights, anecdotes from the comedy circuit, and his thoughts on how Doctor Who continues to reinvent itself for new generations.

Insightful, funny, and packed with nostalgia, this episode is a must-listen for fans of classic television, British comedy, and anyone fascinated by the stories behind the screen.

In a brand new episode of Channel Hopper, host John Mabey—TV and film historian—welcomes a true cult favourite, actor Neil Dickson, for an engaging and deeply personal conversation that spans decades of screen history. Best known to many as the daring WWI pilot “Biggles” from the 1986 sci-fi adventure Biggles, Dickson reflects on the unique legacy of the film and how the role connected him with audiences across generations.

The discussion also dives into his appearances in iconic television series including Blake’s 7, Dynasty, and Baywatch, offering behind-the-scenes stories, reflections on working across British and American productions, and insights into how the industry has evolved over time. Dickson’s warmth and candour make for a compelling listen as he shares memories of working alongside legendary talents, including Peter Cushing.

The episode takes a poignant turn as Mabey and Dickson pay heartfelt tribute to two of Neil’s dear friends and fellow actors, Marcus Gilbert and Julian Sands. With sincerity and grace, Dickson recalls their kindness, talent, and lasting impact—both on screen and in his personal life—creating a moving segment that honours their memory.

Blending nostalgia, industry insight, and genuine emotion, this episode of Channel Hopper is both a celebration of a remarkable career and a touching reminder of the enduring bonds formed through film and television.