Yorkshire Talks

Bradford lad Gareth was first interviewed by Christine for a YTV talent show for young people nearly 30 years ago — so this episode was a bit of a reunion.

Now all grown up, Gareth joins Matt and Christine to talk openly and honestly about his journey: from being bullied at school and living with a debilitating stammer, to reaching the final of the very first Pop Idol and having his whole life changed overnight.

Gareth explains how taking part in the McGuire Programme has helped him manage his stammer, and how his experiences have shaped the work he does today. He also talks about his role in Boyband in the Buff, currently touring, his journey into becoming a music producer and entrepreneur, and his exciting new project — Speechless, a musical about stammering, due to hit the stage next year.

Now a dad himself, with a daughter the same age he was when he first found fame, Gareth reflects on the last few decades with warmth, honesty and plenty of Yorkshire humour. It's a fascinating, funny and incredibly inspiring conversation — and a brilliant way to close Series Three.

Follow Gareth:

Instagram: @gareth_gates

See Gareth on tour:

Boyband in the Buff is currently on tour. Find tour dates here: [paste official tour dates link]

See Gareth in Beauty and the Beast:

Gareth stars as the Beast in Beauty and the Beast at the Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth, 8–31 December: https://www.britannia-pier.co.uk

Follow the hosts:

Matt Jameson: @matt_d_jameson

Christine Talbot: @christineetalbot

I

f you enjoy the episode, please follow the show, and leave a rating or review — it really helps new listeners find us.

Yorkshire Talks is presented by Christine Talbot and Matt Jameson, and produced by Simon Fogal at Chapter 81 Studios in Leeds. Proudly sponsored by Patient.info.

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

Fresh from filming the groundbreaking new feature film Hot Flash — a female-led comedy about the realities of midlife and menopause, shot in Yorkshire — Gaynor joins us for a warm, honest and fascinating conversation.

Millions know her as Megan Macey in Emmerdale and Judy Mallett in Coronation Street, and she has starred in much-loved dramas including Fat Friends, Playing the Field, The Syndicate and The Chase. Alongside her acting career, Gaynor has continued the remarkable legacy of her late mother, the acclaimed writer Kay Mellor, at Rollem Productions, recently bringing Kay's final project, The Syndicate, to the stage.

In this episode, Gaynor opens up about filming Hot Flash, navigating her own experience of midlife and menopause, coping with the devastating loss of her mum, and carrying her legacy forward at Rollem. She also shares why fitness has become such an important part of her life, how Buddhism has kept her grounded throughout her career, and even reveals how it helped her land her iconic role in Coronation Street.

It's an inspiring, funny and deeply honest conversation with one of Yorkshire's most admired creative talents. Grab a brew and get comfortable.

Follow:

Gaynor Faye: [handle to add]

Matt Jameson: @matt_d_jameson

Christine Talbot: @christineetalbot

If you enjoy the episode, please follow the show, and leave a rating or review — it really helps new listeners find us.

Yorkshire Talks is proudly sponsored by Patient.info and produced by @chapter_81

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

At just 21 years old, Matthew travelled halfway around the world, lived on a remote beach, battled the elements, built crucial alliances and outplayed every other contestant to become the sole survivor — walking away with the £100,000 prize.

In this episode he talks about what it was really like competing on Survivor; the strategy behind winning without creating unnecessary drama; life after the show and building a successful outdoor adventure platform on social media; why he's passionate about supporting young men's mental health; the lessons resilience, teamwork and adversity have taught him; and his love of football and family, including a lovely bond with his late gran — listen out for his emotional special item at the end.

Whether you're a fan of Survivor, love stories of resilience and adventure, or are interested in honest conversations about mental health, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Follow:

Matthew Haywood on TikTok: @matthewhaywoodx

Matthew Haywood on Instagram: @matthewhaywoodx

Matt Jameson: @matt_d_jameson

Christine Talbot: @christineetalbot

If you enjoy the episode, please follow the show, and leave a rating or review — it really helps new listeners find us.

Yorkshire Talks is proudly sponsored by Patient.info and produced by @chapter_81

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

Welcome back to Yorkshire Talks, the podcast where we meet a new generation of Yorkshire folk, each with an incredible story to tell, hosted by Matt Jameson and Christine Talbot.

In this episode, Matt and Christine sit down with Billy Bowness, who shot to fame on ITV's Nobody's Fool — the reality series dubbed ITV's answer to The Traitors, where he certainly made a lasting impression.

But there's so much more to Billy than what viewers saw on screen. He talks about his journey into acting, a fascinating career that has included working in criminal law and as a biochemist, and the experience of coming out as gay to his Yorkshire trucker dad.

Billy also opens up with remarkable honesty about the heartbreaking loss of his 19-year-old son, Alex, in a tragic drowning accident, and how that devastating experience intensified his battle with thanatophobia — a rare and often misunderstood fear of dying — and why he's passionate about raising awareness of the condition.

It's a powerful, emotional and inspiring conversation that will stay with you long after you've finished listening.

Follow:

Billy Bowness on Instagram: @billy_bowness

Matt Jameson: @matt_d_jameson

Christine Talbot: @christineetalbot

Nobody's Fool is available to stream on ITVX.

If you enjoy the episode, please follow the show, and leave a rating or review — it really helps new listeners find us.

Yorkshire Talks is proudly sponsored by Patient.info and produced by @chapter_81

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

Christine and Matt talk to the consultant neurologist who became known across the UK and beyond for the exceptional care she gave rugby league legend Rob Burrow following his motor neurone disease diagnosis. She also played a leading role in creating the Rob Burrow Centre for MND, helping raise millions of pounds to make the centre a reality.

Her remarkable relationship with Rob was captured in two acclaimed BBC documentaries, revealing a partnership built on determination, hope and an unwavering belief that anything was possible. Together, they refused to accept "no" for an answer — they dared to dream, and they made those dreams come true.

In this inspiring conversation, Dr Agam reflects on her time caring for Rob Burrow, the journey to opening the Rob Burrow Centre for MND, the latest hopes for MND research and a future cure, her experiences as an Indian woman in a male-dominated profession, and why listening to your inner voice and embracing adventure can change your life. She also reveals how a piece of history from her past became her special item.

Dr Agam was an absolute joy to meet, and this is a conversation full of inspiration, courage and hope.

Follow:

Dr Agam Jung: NHS

Matt Jameson: @matt_d_jameson

Christine Talbot: @christineetalbot

If you enjoy the episode, please follow the show, and leave a rating or review — it really helps new listeners find us.

Yorkshire Talks is proudly sponsored by Patient.info and produced by @chapter_81

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

Matt and Christine are joined by Alexis Blake — a Doncaster-based content creator, influencer and transgender advocate who has built a huge online following by sharing her experiences of transition, identity and everyday life with honesty, humour and authenticity.

Through her videos, social platforms and podcasting work, Alexis has become a prominent voice in conversations around transgender visibility, relationships and modern life, and was recently named Gaydio Influencer of the Year. Alongside her husband, Liam Blake, she co-hosts The Blake Debate, an open and candid podcast exploring current issues and the topics that spark conversation across the UK.

In this honest conversation, Alexis talks about coming out as a gay man before realising she needed to transition after delaying the decision for many years; working as a trans woman in a tough Yorkshire warehouse environment; Liam's reaction to her transition and how it strengthened their relationship; their decision to share their journey publicly; Liam's own mental health breakdown and recovery; gender-affirming surgery and life after transition; their hopes of adopting in the future; the times she has felt unsafe as a trans woman; and why she believes support for the LGBTQ+ community has declined in recent years.

Follow:

Alexis & Liam on YouTube: @AlexisBlakeOfficial

Alexis on Instagram: @alexisblakeofficial

Matt Jameson: @matt_d_jameson

Christine Talbot: @christineetalbot

If you enjoy the episode, please follow the show, and leave a rating or review — it really helps new listeners find us.

Yorkshire Talks is proudly sponsored by Patient.info and produced by @chapter_81

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

Jamie dedicated his entire playing career to his beloved Leeds Rhinos, becoming one of the defining figures of the club's most successful era. As part of the famous "Golden Generation" alongside the late Rob Burrow, Kevin Sinfield and so many other greats, he helped the Rhinos win seven Super League Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges and a Challenge Cup, while also representing England and Great Britain. His contribution to the game was recognised with an MBE.

Known for his determination, leadership and relentless work ethic, Jamie has remained a hugely popular figure long after hanging up his boots, and continues to make an impact at Leeds Rhinos and in communities across Yorkshire as a speaker, broadcaster and advocate for positive change.

In this episode, Jamie shares how his career almost ended before it had really begun, why resilience and mindset became the foundations of his success, and what it was really like to be part of one of rugby league's greatest-ever teams. He also talks about the importance of family and faith, the legacy of the Golden Generation, and his vision for the future of the sport and the communities it serves.

Whether you're a lifelong rugby league fan or simply looking for inspiration, this is a fascinating conversation about leadership, resilience and finding purpose through life's challenges.

Follow:

Jamie Jones-Buchanan: [handle to add]

Matt Jameson: @matt_d_jameson

Christine Talbot: @christineetalbot

If you enjoy the episode, please follow the show, and leave a rating or review — it really helps new listeners find us.

Yorkshire Talks is proudly sponsored by Patient.info and produced by Chapter 81

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

Amy recently filmed Tracy's emotional exit from the village — but only temporarily, as she takes a well-earned break to welcome her second baby, Nell, who makes her own gurgling debut during the recording.

In a warm and honest conversation, Amy tells Matt and Christine about becoming a mum for the second time, how Emmerdale viewers reacted to her pregnancy news, and what it's been like bringing the complex character of Tracy to life.

She shares hilarious stories about growing up in Bradford with her famous sisters — Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh and former Emmerdale actress Sally Walsh — including the unforgettable moment they "trained" her to cry.

Amy also reflects on forging her own path as an actress, tackling Tracy's powerful postnatal depression storyline, and why she and her husband, actor Toby-Alexander Smith, felt compelled to make a new film about the impact of depression on young fathers. Plus her time as a Celebrity MasterChef finalist, her love of cooking, and the surprising way she first met Toby — in the audience of Strictly Come Dancing.

Follow:

Amy Walsh: @amyvwalsh

Matt Jameson: @matt_d_jameson

Christine Talbot: @christineetalbot

If you enjoy the episode, please follow the show, and leave a rating or review — it really helps new listeners find us.

Yorkshire Talks is proudly sponsored by Patient.info and produced by @chapter_81

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

Matt Jameson and Christine Talbot return for a brand-new run of the podcast, proudly sponsored by Patient.info — two friends from very different worlds, Matt from reality TV and Christine from decades of TV news.

Before the new guests arrive, they look back at an unforgettable Series Two, which passed more than one million views and listens across all platforms. Thank you to everyone who has listened, shared and supported the show.

In this episode, Matt and Christine catch up, reflect on the highs of the last series and reveal what they've both been working on — including appearing together in the new feature film Hot Flash, in cinemas this autumn.

They also revisit some of the guests who made Series Two: Lisa Riley, who went on to reach the final of I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!; Dr Amir Khan on the cheeky way he landed his TV career; Lindsey Burrow on life with her late husband Rob during his battle with MND; Yorkshire musician Kuill, who performed live in the studio; Claire Warren, aka My Kinda Mum, on the realities of influencing; Radio 1 DJ, artist and designer Rosie Madison; Danny Malin on leaving Rate My Takeaway and on his mental health; and Jono Lancaster, whose story of living with Treacher Collins syndrome produced one of the most powerful conversations the show has ever had.

If you've been with us from the beginning, thank you. If you're new here, welcome — there are brilliant conversations, inspiring stories and plenty of laughs ahead in Series Three.

Follow the hosts:

Matt Jameson: @matt_d_jameson

Christine Talbot: @christineetalbot

If you enjoy the episode, please follow the show, and leave a rating or review — it really helps new listeners find us.

Yorkshire Talks is proudly sponsored by Patient.info and produced by @chapter_81

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

This week on Yorkshire Talks, Matt and Christine welcome the brilliant, multi award-winning radio presenter Rosie Madison for a joyful, high-energy conversation you’ll absolutely love.

You may recognise Rosie best by her voice — especially if you tune into BBC Radio 1, where she can be heard on weekend afternoons and recently on the iconic Radio 1 Breakfast Show.

🎧 From Yorkshire Airwaves to National Radio Alongside her long-time presenting partner Danny Mylo, Rosie took the much-loved Mylo and Rosie show national — a genuine dream come true after more than a decade entertaining listeners on Hits Radio West Yorkshire.

💥 More Than a Radio Star Radio might be where many know her from, but it’s just one string to Rosie’s bow. She’s also:

• Arena warm-up presenter for the BBC’s hit show Gladiators

• A sought-after live event host

• A creative force beyond the microphone

🎨 Fashion, Art & Creativity Rosie also adds model and artist to her ever-growing CV — and has recently launched her own fashion label, Dorothy and Rose. The brand is proudly size-inclusive, featuring reimagined vintage pieces and unique, one-off designs inspired by Rosie’s own artwork.

✨ Funny, warm and endlessly entertaining In this episode, Rosie brings infectious energy, honesty and humour as she chats with Matt and Christine about creativity, confidence, carving out a career you love — and saying yes to unexpected opportunities.

We’re proud to bring you this week’s Yorkshire Talks guest — the wonderful Rosie Madison 💙

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe and comment to let us know your favourite moment.

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