The Third Act

Johnny Roxburgh is a party architect who has worked in the events industry for over 40 years. He has dreamt up parties around the globe for everyone from HM The Queen to Sting and played a key role in many landmark events such as Prince William's 21st birthday. With Catherine Fairweather, he discusses bringing his clients ideas to life including floating a tent on the Mediterranean for a dinner for 400 people, organising his own wedding and his secrets to living well.

The colourful and sometime controversial Lt Cl Tim Spicer is a 20 year veteran of the British Army who has found new success as an author. A former Commanding Office of the Scots Guards, Tim saw active service in the Falklands, the Gulf War and the Balkans. Along with An Unorthodox Soldier, an account of his military life, Tim's most recent book is A Dangerous Enterprise which tells the tale of a secret mission by the Navy during World War II to rescue agents from occupied France. With Catherine Fairweather, he talks about the balance between discipline and indulgence, his love of adventure and living life "on the sharp end of things".

One of the UK's most respected actresses, Dame Harriet Walter is currently enjoying great success with recent appearances in hit TV shows such as Succession, Killing Eve, The Crown and Downton Abbey as well as Ridley Scott's latest film The Duel. She talks with Catherine Fairweather about playing 'nasty characters', the secrets to ageing well, the perks of getting married in your 60's and why British stage actors do so well in Hollywood.

Former Arts Editor, John Preston's Third Act sees him enjoying huge success in his 60's. He is the author of books including A Very English Scandal, which became an award-winning TV series starring Hugh Grant, and The Dig, which was adapted into a film starring Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan. Drawn to writing about rogues and risk-takers, John talks about his work including The Fall, his recent book about Robert Maxwell, as well as about finding success later in life. He also discusses his latest work, an upcoming TV drama about Labour minister John Stonehouse which stars Matthew Macfadyen and Keeley Hawes.

Born in Tokyo, raised in Hawaii, Marie Helvin is one the most highly regarded supermodels who graced the cover of Vogue on multiple occasions. Well known for her work with photographer David Bailey, Marie talks about how excited she is for the next stage in her life as she approaches 70.

On this episode Catherine Fairweather chats with Carinthia West. A model, actress, photographer, writer and a muse to rock icons, she was discovered on Chelsea's King's Road. Carinthia always kept a camera by her side, capturing intimate moments of star-studded names who crossed her path such as The Rolling Stones, Carly Simon and Neil Young.

Described as "one of the most important characters in British design" Nicky Haslam is a man who needs no introduction. A friend to everyone from the Duchess of Windsor and Cole Porter to Paris Hilton, Nicky is a successful interior designer, author and raconteur. (Just don't call him a socialite!) Nicky chats to Catherine Fairweather about his life, relationships and work as well as his love of Sicily, surgery and The Times crossword.

Renowned designer Bruce Oldfield has dressed royalty of all sorts from Princess Diana and Diana Ross to Rihanna. He talks to Catherine Fairweather about having to restart his business during lockdown while also revealing the secrets to dressing well in later life, his fashion icons and the secrets to success.