Walking The Dog with Emily Dean

In part two of Emily and Ray's walk with Lisa McGrillis, there's plenty more gossip about Rivals, the gloriously outrageous drama in which Lisa plays Valerie, the fabulously snobbish wife of Danny Dyer's Freddie Jones.

Lisa shares more about her experience of working on the hit series, the attention that has come with its success and how she's adjusting to being recognised for a character that viewers love to watch.

There's also more about her latest role as Adrian Mole's mum in the BBC's forthcoming adaptation of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, and what it's been like bringing such a well-known character to the screen.

And away from all the television chat, there are some particularly sweet encounters at the park's tea hut, where Lisa and Raymond continue to charm everyone they meet.

If you haven't already, catch up on part one of Emily's walk with Lisa, where they discuss her early acting career, her breakthrough role in Mum and the rather unusual experience of working dressed as Pingu.

The second part of Rivals series two is available on Disney+ from 11 November, and The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole is coming soon to the BBC.

Follow Emily:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean

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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll through Wanstead Park with Lisa McGrillis, the actress behind one of Rivals' most deliciously snobbish characters, Valerie, the wife of Danny Dyer's Freddie Jones.

Lisa's journey into acting has been anything but conventional. She tells Emily about some of the more unusual jobs she took on before finding success, including a memorable stint standing outside a cinema dressed as Pingu. Her big break came in the BBC sitcom Mum, starring alongside Lesley Manville, before she went on to become a familiar face on British television.

Naturally, there's plenty of gossip about Rivals, the gloriously outrageous drama that's brought shoulder pads, scandal and eighties excess back to our screens. The second part of series two arrives on Disney+ on 11 November, and Lisa gives Emily a taste of what's in store.

She's also playing Adrian Mole's mum in the BBC's forthcoming adaptation of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, another role Emily is particularly excited about.

And Lisa proves to be an instant hit with Raymond. Between admiring the swans in Wanstead Park and discussing her career, she becomes completely besotted with him, even insisting that Emily buy him a puppuccino. It's a generous gesture, although Emily is now concerned that Ray will expect the same treatment from every future guest.

Follow Emily:

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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of Emily and Ray's walk with Anneka Rice, Anneka looks back on her extraordinary rise to fame, from becoming a household name on Treasure Hunt and Challenge Anneka to making the difficult decision to step away from the spotlight and concentrate on raising her family.

She reflects on what it was like to be one of the most recognisable women on British television, the pressures that came with that level of fame and why she ultimately decided that life away from the cameras was more important.

There's also the extraordinary story of Anneka's agent, who became so popular that she was almost recruited to play on a netball team. The only problem? She didn't actually exist. It's a brilliant glimpse into the more eccentric side of Anneka's career.

If you haven't already, catch up on part one of Emily's walk with Anneka, where they discuss her adventurous childhood, her move to Hong Kong and the beginnings of her television career.

Anneka's new memoir, Challenge, is available now, with all her proceeds going to Alzheimer's Research UK, a charity close to her heart after both her parents lived with dementia.

Follow Emily:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean

X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em

Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Follow Emily:

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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with TV presenter, author and national treasure Anneka Rice, whose extraordinary career made her one of the most recognisable faces on British television.

Anneka grew up in Surrey, but adventure was calling from an early age. Barely out of her teens, she packed her bags and moved to Hong Kong, where she managed to find somewhere to live simply by striking up a conversation with a stranger in an airport taxi queue. It was the beginning of a life full of unexpected turns.

Back in Britain, Anneka became a household name presenting Treasure Hunt and Challenge Anneka, with her boundless energy and willingness to throw herself into almost anything winning over millions of viewers. She tells Emily about the extraordinary fame that followed, including people naming their babies after her, and why she eventually decided to step away from television at the height of her success to concentrate on raising her family.

Her new memoir, Challenge, tells the story of those remarkable years and much more. Anneka is donating all her proceeds from the book to Alzheimer's Research UK, a cause particularly close to her heart after both her parents lived with dementia.

Challenge is available to buy now, with all of Anneka's proceeds going to Alzheimer's Research UK.

Follow Emily:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean

X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em

Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Follow Emily:

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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of Emily and Ray's walk with Mathew Baynton, it's time to talk Ghosts, much to Emily's delight, as she's an enormous fan of the show.

Mathew looks back on the creation of the much-loved BBC comedy, its extraordinary success and the characters who have become such firm favourites with viewers. There's also plenty about the new film, Ghosts: The Possession of Button House, which brings the gang back together for another adventure.

Emily is particularly excited to hear more about the world of Button House, having been a devoted viewer throughout the show's five series. And, of course, there's the small matter of her enduring crush on Robin the Caveman.

If you haven't already, catch up on part one of Emily's walk with Mathew, where they discuss his childhood in Southend-on-Sea, training at clown school in Paris and his journey into comedy.

Ghosts: The Possession of Button House is in cinemas now.

Follow Emily:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean

X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em

Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Follow Emily:

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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll through North London with actor, writer and star of Horrible Histories and Ghosts, Mathew Baynton.

Mathew grew up in Southend-on-Sea before heading off to Paris to train at clown school. He tells Emily about his childhood, his early ambitions and why he very nearly turned down the role in Horrible Histories that would help make him a favourite with an entire generation of viewers.

That show led to a string of much-loved comedies, including Yonderland, The Wrong Mans and, of course, Ghosts. Mathew and Emily discuss the extraordinary success of the series, its devoted fans and the new film, Ghosts: The Possession of Button House, which reunites the characters for a big-screen adventure. It's in cinemas now.

Mathew proves to be wonderfully easy company, although Emily gets a little too comfortable and starts calling him Matt, while Ray takes an even more familiar approach by doing a poo. Fortunately, Mathew seems entirely unfazed, and even compliments Emily on her impressive poo-bag technique.

There's also the revelation that Emily still has a bit of a crush on Robin the Caveman. Some things never change.

Follow Emily:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean

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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Follow Emily:

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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with Dr Amir Khan, Amir opens up about the pressures and pleasures of life as an NHS GP, and why, despite his increasingly busy television and writing career, he has absolutely no intention of giving up his Bradford practice.

He shares what makes being a doctor so rewarding, the challenges facing those working in the NHS and why the relationships he's built with his patients mean so much to him.

There's also more about the formidable Mama Khan, whose cooking inspired Amir's new book, The Doctor Will Feed You Now. He reveals more about the family recipes that shaped his childhood and how his mum's influence continues to play such an important part in his life.

If you haven't already, catch up on part one of Emily's walk with Amir, where they discuss his upbringing in Bradford, his journey into medicine and his rather magnificent family of cat lovers.

The Doctor Will Feed You Now is available to pre-order now, ahead of its publication in February. You can also listen to Amir and Cherry Healey on their podcast, No Appointment Necessary.

Follow Emily:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean

X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em

Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Follow Emily:

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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with NHS GP, bestselling author and resident doctor on Lorraine, Dr Amir Khan. Impeccably dressed and immediately besotted with Raymond, Amir proves to be excellent company, although his affection for Ray might have something to do with his own beloved cat, who is apparently every bit as much of a diva.

Amir grew up in Bradford alongside his six sisters and his formidable mother, Mama Khan. He shares stories of family life, including the extraordinary name of one of their cats: Princess Jessica Monica Princess Diana Khan. Emily is understandably impressed.

They also explore Amir's journey into medicine, why he chose to become a GP and how his work on Lorraine, his hugely popular social media accounts and his writing career have made him one of Britain's most familiar doctors. Throughout their conversation, his passion for helping people is unmistakable.

His new book, The Doctor Will Feed You Now, is inspired by the food he grew up eating in Mama Khan's kitchen and is available to pre-order ahead of its publication next February. You can also hear Amir alongside Cherry Healey on their podcast No Appointment Necessary, where they answer all those questions you've always wanted to ask about your health.

By the end of the walk, Emily has decided she'd quite like to move to Bradford and join Amir's surgery. Better still, she's secured an invitation for herself and Ray to sample his famous lasagna. There's just one condition: Mama Khan has to be there.

Follow Emily:

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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Follow Emily:

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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with William Hanson, William reveals more about his unlikely journey from a boy fascinated by good manners to one of Britain's most recognisable etiquette experts.

He discusses his rise to fame, the success of Help I Sexted My Boss with Jordan North, and how a lifelong passion for etiquette has turned into a career that's taken him in some rather unexpected directions.

There's also more about his latest projects, including a brand new course for BBC Maestro, exploring modern etiquette and social confidence, and his first foray into fiction with the crime novel A Fatal Forking. William shares more about the book and what inspired him to try his hand at writing a murder mystery.

If you haven't already, catch up on part one of Emily's walk with William, where they explore his childhood in Bristol and the etiquette book that started it all.

A Fatal Forking is available to pre-order now ahead of its release next May.

William's BBC Maestro course, Modern Etiquette and Social Confidence, launches on bbcmaestro.com on December 4th. BBC Maestro is the home of online courses taught by the world's leading experts, and William's is about helping people handle any social situation with confidence. To get 40% off the course, use the code - WALKINGDOG40

Follow Emily:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean

X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em

Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Follow Emily:

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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll through Hyde Park with etiquette expert, bestselling author and podcast host William Hanson.

Impeccably dressed, unfailingly polite and armed with plenty of advice, William was the perfect walking companion. Ray, meanwhile, chose to introduce himself by doing a poo. Not quite the first impression Emily had hoped for.

William grew up in Bristol, where a book on etiquette given to him by his grandmother when he was just 12 sparked a lifelong fascination with manners. He went on to become one of Britain's best-known etiquette coaches, sharing his expertise on programmes including This Morning and The One Show, and co-hosting the hugely successful podcast Help I Sexted My Boss with Jordan North.

Along the way, Emily discovers that William is considerably more than a man who knows which fork to use. They discuss his childhood, his extraordinary career and the finer points of modern etiquette, including whether it's acceptable to bring your dog as a plus-one. William has some thoughts.

There's also plenty to look forward to. William's first crime novel, A Fatal Forking, is available to pre-order ahead of its release next May, and he's been working with the BBC on a new Maestro course exploring modern etiquette and social confidence, available in December.

William's BBC Maestro course, Modern Etiquette and Social Confidence, launches on bbcmaestro.com on December 4th. BBC Maestro is the home of online courses taught by the world's leading experts, and William's is about helping people handle any social situation with confidence. To get 40% off the course, use the code - WALKINGDOG40

Follow Emily:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean

X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em

Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Follow Emily:

Instagram

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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.