Christmas Special: “Flying Again – The Wild Geese in 4K”
It’s a festive treat on The Channel Hopper Podcast as TV and film historian John Mabey welcomes movie critic, writer, and journalist Tony Earnshaw for a warm, nostalgic Christmas conversation filled with cinema love and behind-the-scenes stories.

In this holiday episode, Tony dives into his lifelong passion for film and television, sharing what first sparked his fascination with the screen and how it’s shaped his career. The spotlight then turns to the brand-new 4K restoration of the 1978 cult classic The Wild Geese, a project close to Tony’s heart. The release features his comprehensive book on the film, an in-depth exploration of its production, legacy, and enduring fandom.

Expect rich film history, personal reflections, and plenty of festive cheer as John and Tony unwrap what makes The Wild Geese soar for a new generation of viewers.

The Wild Geese – 4K edition and Tony Earnshaw’s accompanying book are available now.

Tune in, get cosy, and celebrate Christmas with a cinematic classic—and two passionate film lovers ready to talk all things movies and TV.

In this episode of Channel Hopper, host and TV/film historian John Mabey sits down with acclaimed writer Doug Naylor for a lively conversation spanning his remarkable comedy career and his latest creative leap.

Doug reflects on his past successes, including the cult sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf and the ground-breaking satirical series Spitting Image, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, early inspirations, and the quirky moments that shaped both shows.

He then introduces his brand-new children’s adventure novel, Sin Bin Island, a humorous and heartfelt story about a group of mischievous kids sent to an island where they must build their own world—chaos, creativity, and plenty of laughs included. Doug discusses the themes behind the book, the joy of writing for younger readers, and how his signature comedic voice carries into this new genre.

A warm, funny, and insightful conversation with one of Britain’s most inventive storytellers.
Sin Bin Island is available now.

In this episode of The Channel Hopper Podcast, host and TV/film historian John Mabey sits down with the brilliantly versatile Michael Fenton-Stevens, whose career has spanned radio classics, acclaimed comedy, drama, and beloved voice work.

From his iconic days with Radio Active and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy to his countless roles across British television and audio, Michael shares stories from a lifetime in entertainment, equal parts insightful, hilarious, and heartfelt.

Join us for a deep dive into the craft, career, and comedic legacy of one of Britain’s most distinctive performers.

A must-listen for fans of classic comedy, character acting, and the art of making audiences laugh across every medium.

Now a fellow podcaster with his critically acclaimed show My Time Capsule, which is available now with over 500 episodes available.

In this episode of The Channel Hopper Podcast, host and TV/film historian John Mabey sits down with acclaimed voiceover artist and actor Jonathan Kydd, son of beloved character actor Sam Kydd.

Together, they explore Jonathan’s multifaceted career, from his extensive voice work and acting roles to his unique experiences growing up with one of British cinema’s most recognisable faces. Expect warm anecdotes, behind the scenes insights, and a heartfelt look at the legacy of Sam Kydd, whose presence continues to echo through generations of film and television.

A must-listen for fans of classic cinema, voice acting, and the timeless stories that shape screen history.