TV and film historian John Mabey sits down with acclaimed actor Vincent Franklin for a wide-ranging conversation about a remarkable career and the screen stories that shaped him. From growing up on formative TV and film to becoming a familiar face on some of Britain’s most loved (and sharpest) shows, Vincent reflects on the influences that guided his path into acting.

The pair dive into Vincent’s time in the thick of it on The Thick of It, his role in From Hell alongside Johnny Depp, and his work on Grandma’s House and The Office with Ricky Gervais. Along the way, Vincent also selects some of his favourite TV and film theme tunes, sharing the memories and emotions they still spark.

A warm, funny, and insightful episode about craft, collaboration, and the power of the shows we grow up with. 🎬📺

🎙️ Channel Hopper Podcast – New Episode

Host John Mabey, TV and film historian, is joined by British actor of stage and screen James Warwick for a conversation that truly could have gone on for hours.

James reflects on an extraordinary career spanning Doctor Who, Howard’s Way, Bergerac, and appearances within the Star Wars and Marvel universes, but this episode goes far beyond the credits. Together, John and James dive deeply into mental health, heartache, resilience, and the power of second winds, both in life and in creativity.

Honest, generous, and frequently moving, James proves to be an utter delight, open, thoughtful, and refreshingly candid.

A rich, human conversation about survival, reinvention, and the stories that shape us.

✨ We hope you enjoy this one as much as we did.

In a brand new episode of Channel Hopper, host and TV & film historian John Mabey sits down with cult British legend and screen icon Madeline Smith, who is also joined by her dear friend, fellow TV and film historian and writer Simon J Ballard.

With a career spanning more than 50 years, Madeline looks back on her remarkable journey through British film and television. From her role in the James Bond classic Live and Let Die to her unforgettable work with Hammer Films — including The Vampire Lovers and Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell — she reflects on becoming one of the defining faces of cult cinema.

Together, Madeline and Simon share warm memories and behind-the-scenes stories from a golden era, including Madeline’s work alongside some of Britain’s greatest entertainers such as Frankie Howerd, Kenneth Williams, and The Two Ronnies.

Along the way, Madeline also picks some of her favourite television theme tunes, each one unlocking stories from a career that helped shape British popular culture.

Step into the artwork behind the shows you love 🎨📺

In this new episode of Channel Hopper, host and TV & film historian John Mabey is joined by legendary artist Colin Howard, best known for his iconic Doctor Who VHS sleeve designs of the 1990s and the instantly recognisable Target Books covers of the 1980s.

Colin curates a selection of his favourite TV themes, using them as a jumping-off point to reminisce about a remarkable career that also includes artwork for Red Dwarf and Quantum Leap. Along the way, John and Colin dive deep into the creative process, the golden age of home video and book covers, and what it was really like shaping the visual identity of British and American TV for a generation of fans.

The conversation also turns deeply personal, as Colin speaks candidly about his MS diagnosis, the challenges it’s brought, and how art, memory, and television have helped him navigate that journey. Expect warmth, honesty, nostalgia, and a few emotional moments as two passionate TV lovers reflect on creativity, resilience, and the power of stories that stay with us.

A heartfelt, thoughtful episode, and one you won’t forget.

TV and film historian John Mabey is joined by legendary movie poster designer Graham Humphreys for a brand new episode of Channel Hopper.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Graham talks about his early artistic influences, his iconic work on The Evil Dead and A Nightmare on Elm Street franchises, and his more recent designs for episode posters for the BBC dark comedy Inside No. 9. Along the way, he also selects and discusses some of his favourite themes from the world of cinema, revealing the music and movies that have inspired his remarkable career.

Graham’s books, detailing his celebrated body of work, are available now from all good retailers.

🎧 Tune in and hop channels with us.

In this episode, John is joined by acclaimed actress Sarah Berger, known for her memorable roles across British film and television, including Minder, Casualty, and Doctor Who, where she portrayed the Cryon Rost in the 1985 story Attack of the Cybermen. Sarah also reflects on her work in the atmospheric and controversial 1990 ghost drama The Green Man alongside Albert Finney.

Sarah shares some of her favourite film and TV themes, offering personal stories and insights behind her picks. She also discusses her experiences working with screen legends Peter O’Toole and Rutger Hauer, revealing what it was like to collaborate with such iconic performers.

In a heartfelt moment, Sarah talks fondly about her close friend, actress Gene Marsh, who passed away last year, celebrating her life, her talent, and the legacy she leaves behind.

A warm, engaging, and thoughtful conversation for anyone who loves classic television, film history, and the people who make it unforgettable.

This week on The Channel Hopper Podcast, TV and film historian John Mabey sits down with actor and comedian Robin Sebastian, widely celebrated for his pitch-perfect portrayals of the legendary Kenneth Williams.

Expect an hour of deep-dive conversation, candid insights, and a lot of laughter. Robin shares what it’s like to inhabit the voice and spirit of one of Britain’s last great comedy icons, the craft behind character acting, and the joy (and occasional chaos) of keeping a comic legacy alive.

If you love classic comedy, behind-the-scenes stories, or simply want to spend an hour grinning, this is the episode for you.

Tune in, settle back, and ooh matron… enjoy! 🎙️✨

Host and TV historian John Mabey sits down with acting legend Gordon Warnecke for an intimate and heartfelt conversation that spans an extraordinary career. Warnecke reflects on his ground breaking breakthrough as Omar in Stephen Frears’ My Beautiful Laundrette, acting opposite a young Daniel Day-Lewis in a film that helped redefine British cinema.

From there, John and Gordon dive into his memorable appearances in much-loved British television classics, including Only Fools and Horses and Doctor Who, charting a journey shaped by versatility, resilience, and a genuine love of the craft.

Still acting today, Warnecke also shares insights into running his own production company, creating short films, and developing several exciting new projects now on the horizon.

This is one of the most personal and warm conversations to appear on The Channel Hopper Podcast, a reflective, inspiring look at a career that continues to evolve.

Channel Hopper is your weekly journey through the unexpected corners of television and film, hosted by TV & film historian John Mabey. Each episode, John invites listeners to rediscover the classics, revisit the cult favourites, and uncover the lost gems that shaped our screen culture.

In this episode, John is joined by cultural historian, and renowned Doctor Who and cult TV/film fan Matthew Sweet, who also discusses his new show Bookish, created with his writing partner Mark Gatiss. Together, they explore the stories, eras, and curiosities that continue to shape how we watch and why it matters.

Whether you’re a dedicated media buff or simply love a smart cultural deep dive, Channel Hopper offers fresh perspectives on the shows and films that have defined (and sometimes derailed) our viewing habits.

This week on Channel Hopper, host and TV/film historian John Mabey sits down with legendary set designer Richard Drew, the creative mind behind some of Britain’s most beloved television moments.

From the vibrant chaos of Top of the Pops, to the darkly comic world of One Foot in the Grave, to the painfully relatable halls of The Inbetweeners, and the poignant storytelling of Ricky Gervais’ After Life for Netflix. Richard’s work has shaped the look and feel of decades of iconic UK television.

In this intimate and insightful conversation, Richard shares behind the scenes stories, creative challenges, production secrets, and how set design can define the emotional heartbeat of a show. Whether you’re a TV history buff, a creative professional, or simply a fan of great storytelling, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the craft of a true industry legend.