Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?

40 Episodes
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By: Global

The Ultimate Fantasy Guest List podcast with Classic FM’s Tim Lihoreau. Each week, Tim welcomes a VIP guest to curate their dream dinner party, revealing a list of five fantasy invitees—living or dead, real or fictional, controversial or beloved. But there’s always a twist... will they accept Tim’s ‘gatecrasher’?

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Rob Auton
Rob Auton episode artwork
#19
Yesterday at 11:15 PM

“Do you wan’t to come on your with me?”

Writer, comedian and, let’s face it, philosopher Rob Auton brings his unique look on life to the Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? pod studio. He’s chose his UNIQUE line of fantasy guests - in time as well as space - and he recounts the reasons why in a fascinating episode. Host Tim Lihoreau would have gladly locked the doors and never let him leave. But will he take The Gatecrasher? Find out and hear the whole genius episode on Global Player.

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Harriet Tyce
Harriet Tyce episode artwork
#18
06/22/2026

“I get these screams… as the jump-scares happen!”

There is a sleuth in the studio. Crime writer and The Traitors' in-castle detective, Harriet Tyce goes head to head with Tim Lihoreau to present her DREAM dinner party guest list! She comes armed with five fantasy guests for Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? - and they are an interesting quintet.

The big question for host Tim Lihoreau, though, is…will she let The Gatecrasher in? Find out and listen to the full fab episode at Global Player.

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@classicfm

@timl...


Michael Spicer
Michael Spicer episode artwork
#17
06/15/2026

“I’m being really cultural here!”

The Man in the Room Next door…has left his safe haven and is now…in the Global Studios.

Michael Spicer came to wider fame with his earpiece and his notes, desperately attempting to keep people on track. Now, with no help from next door, he chooses his five fantasy guests for Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? - and they are TRULY an eclectic bunch. The big question for host Tim Lihoreau, though, is…will he let The Gatecrasher in? Find out and listen to the full fab episode at Glo...


Andi Oliver
Andi Oliver episode artwork
#16
06/10/2026

“I’m a punk!”

You may know her from the Great British Menu, or maybe from her sofa assessments on Celebrity Gogglebox with her daughter. If you are

TRULY lucky you may have even sampled her food at Wadadli Kitchen or via a recipe in The Pepperpot Diaries.

‘Punk’ chef, Andi Oliver is in the Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? Hottest this week, choosing five fantasy guests.

As you might imagine, it’s a SCRUMPTIOUS episode with host Tim Lihoreau touching on her run in with a legend, the secrets of a great gum...


Mike Batt
Mike Batt episode artwork
#15
06/01/2026

“HELLO, public!”

An extraordinary conversation with one of the most versatile, brilliant, and fiercely independent forces in British music history. Mike Batt, LVO is offering up his five guests this week on the pod, bringing his five-time Ivor Novello Award-winning singer-songwriter, conductor, and producer FIVE-DECADE career to bear on all things ‘fantasy dinner’ - one decade for each guest. Mike's melodies are woven directly into the fabric of global pop culture, from Katy Melua ('Closest Thing to Crazy’), through Art Garfunkel (‘Bright Eyes’), right back to the British establishment that is…The Wombles (‘Remember you’re a…’).

Now he’s back in th...


Monty Don
Monty Don episode artwork
#14
05/26/2026

“This is a RIDICULOUS podcast!”

The nation’s favourite gardener launches Season 6 of the pod. Legendary horticulturalist Monty Don chooses his 5 fantasy dinner guests. Along the way he talks jewellery design, taking his top off and curtains made out of trousers. So it’s all to play for. Tim Lihoreau discusses who’s sitting where and, of course, whether The Gatecrasher makes it through the door.

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@timlihoreau

@classicfm

@guesswhoscomingtodinner


Chesney Hawkes
Chesney Hawkes episode artwork
#13
04/20/2026

“I asked him..”Did he know kangaroos can’t fart?…"”

On the pod this week, the one and only Chesney Hawkes. The pop and rock legend chooses his ideal dinner party line up this week on Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?. It’s an eclectic and at times moving list where friends rub shoulders with presidents and music… is everywhere. Join Tim Lihoreau to see if he can get his Gatecrasher on the list, too.

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@classicfm @timlihoreau

@guesswhoscomingtodinner_pod


Ben and Max Ringham
Ben and Max Ringham episode artwork
#12
04/15/2026

“Aged steaks. And I’m next to Tom Hiddleston”

On the pod this week, two legends in one. If you’ve been to the theatre in the last 15 years, chances are you’ve experienced one of the works of Ben and Max Ringham. Waiting for Godot on Broadway, Inter Alia at the National, Cyrano in the West End: just the tip of the iceberg.

They are the recipients of 5 Olivier Nominations, two Tony noms and so much more more. This week on Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?, they’re picking their fantasy dinner line up. Join Tim L...


David Essex
David Essex episode artwork
#11
04/07/2026

‘Hello, Jim.

Nice to see you….

Ernesto, SIT DOWN!'

LEGEND ALERT, LEGEND ALERT. Original Evita ‘Che’ and Rock On superstar, David Essex is in the studio this week. He has chosen 5 unique fantasy dinner guests and so Tim Lihoreau discusses who’s invited, who’s sitting where and the whys and wherefores of the fabulous line-up. Along the way, they talk Krays, the pros and cons of black polo necks and the most UNLIKLEY Che understudy ever.

From the iconic to the unexpected — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversi...


Ellie Simmonds
Ellie Simmonds episode artwork
#10
03/31/2026

“I’m happy here on earth. On land!”

Olympic swimming legend Ellie Simmonds joins the podcast to choose her 5 fantasy dinner guests. And in a first for the pod, all her guests are alive and kicking and could show up at any moment.

Ellie and host Tim Lihoreau discuss dancing, spaceships and, of course, dogs! But will she allow The Gatecrasher to stay?

Listen to the the entire championship episode to find out. Follow on Instagram: @classicfm, @timlihoreau, @guesswhoscomingtodinner_pod


Susan Calman
Susan Calman episode artwork
#9
03/23/2026

“This lady’s not for turning EITHER!”

She is one of the great comedians of our time; she is a formidable traveller; and she has a unique relationship with ‘Helen Mirren’. Susan Calman is our vip choosing her five fantasy dinner guests. In the course of the episode, Tim Lihoreau touches on horror, conspiracy and what it is that makes Susan feel like a Queen! But will she take The Gatecrasher, chosen for her by Tim? Find out by listening to the full fabulous episode Global Player.

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@classicfm

@timlihorea...


James Phelan
James Phelan episode artwork
#8
03/16/2026

‘She hasn’t invited me round yet!”

One of the Magic Circle’s most lauded magicians is in the studio this week. James Phelan, magic royalty, is pulling his five unique guests out of the hat for inclusion in his fantasy dinner party. Tim Lihoreau discusses who’s invited, who’s sitting where and the whys and wherefores of the fabulous line-up. Along the way, they talk Uncle Paul Daniels, Auntie Debbie McGee, Amanda Holden…and how to predict the National Lottery numbers!!

From the iconic to the unexpected — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or contr...


Ray Bradshaw
Ray Bradshaw episode artwork
#7
03/09/2026

"The good thing is you can chat and bitch about them on a podcast!”

Beloved by his fellow comedians (“A hilarious natural funny storyteller” * “One of the best comedians in the country!” **) the VIP this week is Ray Bradshaw on "Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?" Ray reveals his five amazing guests who have been granted a spot around his fantasy dinner party - and it’s a unique line-up. Tim Lihoreau discusses who’s invited, who’s sitting where, who’s real and who’s not. Along the way, they talk ‘Posh Partick’, being a CODA comedian, how to cater a c...


James O’Brien
James O’Brien episode artwork
#6
03/02/2026

‘John Major saved my life!”

A radio and podcast legend is in the 'hot table’ this week: James O’Brien is the VIP on "Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?’.

James unveils his five fave guests who have passed muster for inclusion in his fantasy dinner party - and we can safely say you might be surprised at who gets the nod. Tim Lihoreau discusses who’s invited, who’s sitting where and the whys and wherefores of the stellar line-up. Along the way, they talk writers, they talk weddings, they even talk gaming.

From the iconi...


Ardal O’Hanlon
Ardal O’Hanlon episode artwork
#5
02/23/2026

“Giles and Sinead O’Connor… singing duets!”

Star of Father Ted, Death in Paradise, Derry Girls and My Hero, the award-winning stand-up, author and broadcaster Ardal O’Hanlon is the VIP this week, inviting you to Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? Tim Lihoreau hears the amazing tales and life stories from one of the UK's best-loved comedians and, when it comes to the final Gatecrasher guest, he throws away the rule book.

From the iconic to the unexpected — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial— who will receive an invite? You’ll have to listen to...


Emma Doran
Emma Doran episode artwork
#4
02/16/2026

“Caroline and Miss Piggy might get on quite well!”

Sell-out stand-up and ‘Last One Laughing’ (Ireland) star Emma Doran is Tim Lihoreau's VIP on the pod this week. She not only chooses her five fantasy dinner guests, she also brings masses of what The Guardian called her “pleasing streak of wickedness” to the table. “You’d be mad to miss her”, as the Standard chimed in.

From the iconic to the unexpected — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial—who will receive an invite? And will she allow the wildcard “Gate-crasher” to stay? You’ll have to listen to f...


Emmanuel Sonubi
Emmanuel Sonubi episode artwork
#3
02/10/2026

“This guy’s hilarious. We should be best friends."

To mark the 50 episode milestone, it's a double issue day. Comedian Emmanuel Sonubi joins host Tim Lihoreau for a revelatory chat about his five fantasy dinner party guests.

Emmanuel talks heroes and legends as well as the small matter of, quite literally, dying on stage - and still manages to hand out the place cards to 5 fantasy guests who he would love to have around the table. And they are amazing!

From the iconic to the unexpected — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or con...


Josh Widdicombe
Josh Widdicombe episode artwork
#2
02/10/2026

“If you hear me say ‘jeepers’, this is where it started!”

A milestone guest! JOSH WIDDICOMBE becomes Tim Lihoreau’s FIFTIETH vip on the Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? podcast, choosing his five fantasy dinner guests. In a unique spin, he is offered not one, not two but THREE Gatecrashers to complement his own choices. Will he take ANY of them? And will he ever stop saying his new favourite word - jeepers!

From the iconic to the unexpected — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial— who will receive be around the podcast table? Y...


Ross Noble
Ross Noble episode artwork
#1
02/02/2026

“I could’a been a serial killer!”

Kicking off SEASON 5 of the pod is a comedy legend. Ross Noble joins host Tim Lihoreau for a fabulous, frantic filibuster about his five fantasy dinner party guests.

Ross talks heroes, heartaches, birthday cakes and sausages while handing out the place cards to 5 fantasy guests who he would love to have around the table. And they are an amazing crew!

From the iconic to the unexpected — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial—who will receive an invite? And will he allow the wildcard “Gate-crasher...


Shirley Ballas
Shirley Ballas episode artwork
12/22/2025

“It’s not unusual!”

The queen of the dancefloor herself Shirley Ballas joins Tim Lihoreau for a flamboyant and forthright pod to choose her 5 fantasy dinner party guests. Author, TV presenter and, of course, champion dancer, Shirley choose her quality quintet of quintessentialists - and with one of them…she has a bone to pick!

From the iconic to the unexpected — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial—who will make the cut? And will he choose the wildcard “Gate-crasher?” You’ll have to listen to find out!

Follow on Instagram:

@classicfm


Ben Miller
Ben Miller episode artwork
12/16/2025

This week we have an actor, a broadcaster, a comedian, a writer, a children’s author - all in one. The multi-talented Ben Miller is Tim Lihoreau's VIP on Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?, choosing his 5 fantasy dinner party guests. 

Along the way we will hear how chauffeuring… drove him to acting; which legendary American he is related to; and whether or not his supergroup Strijka (with Alexander Armstrong) will ever get back together.

As for his guests, from the iconic to the unexpected — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial—who will make the lis...


Tom Cullen
Tom Cullen episode artwork
12/08/2025

“Excuse me… for sounding like a right old nobber!”

Fans of Downton Abbey are in for a treat as actor Tom Cullen joins host Tim Lihoreau for a thrilling and thoughtful conversation to reveal his five fantasy dinner party guests.

Currently wowing audiences in Channel Four’s nail-biting Trespasses, Tom Cullen share some wonderful stories from his glittering career. He takes Tim on an experience-led tour of his ‘famous five’ guests.  They can be living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial – all that’s guaranteed is they are made welcome. It’s a considered, eloquent and insi...


Bimini Bon Boulash
Bimini Bon Boulash episode artwork
12/01/2025

“Patsy and Edina…they made me gay!"

Having a blast on the cast this week is RuPaul legend, Celeb SAS veteran and unique drag queen Bimini Bon Boulash, joining host Tim Lihoreau for a full and frank conversation about their five fantasy dinner party guests.

The musician and icon chooses who they would want at their FANTASY dinner party — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial. Who will make the dinner table? Will they keep the wildcard “Gate-crasher”? And WHAT…is the dress code? You’ll have to listen to find out!

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Paul Burrell
Paul Burrell episode artwork
11/25/2025

"Harry went feral! We all watched it!"

Writer, media personality and former Royal butler, Paul Burrell joins host Tim Lihoreau for a fascinating conversation about his five fantasy dinner party guests.

Paul talks about his extraordinary relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth the Second while handing out the place cards to 5 fantasy guests who he would love to have around the table. And just how many of them…are Royal?

 From the iconic to the unexpected — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial—who will receive an invite? And will he allow t...


Ann Hampton Callaway
Ann Hampton Callaway episode artwork
11/17/2025

“I’m very sassy when I’m tired”

Having a blast on the cast this week is jazz singer and all-round diva legend, Ann Hampton Callaway, joining host Tim Lihoreau to riff the conversation about her five fantasy dinner party guests.

The singer, songwriter and actor talks musical heroines, drama influences and what’s in Barbra Streisand’s basement! 

Her guests range from iconic to even more iconic— living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial—who will make her dinner table? And will she keep the wildcard “Gate-crasher” ? You’ll have to listen to find out!<...


Adam Riches & John Kearns
Adam Riches & John Kearns episode artwork
11/10/2025

“I want Zeus out! He’s been doing my head in since he walked in!”

It’s a FIRST for the Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? podcast. Tim Lihoreau has not one but TWO guests choosing their fantasy dinner guests. Legendary stand-up comedians and writers, Adam Riches and John Kearns are Tim Lihoreau’s VIPs, this week, sharing an anarchic hour of podcast pleasure.

How will they decide on their guest list? Will they agree? Along the way we find out about John and Adam’s mythical singing prowess, their heroes and their vague infatuation with...


Joey Batey
Joey Batey episode artwork
11/03/2025

“You look like you’re carrying around a DEAD GOOSE!”

Bewitching Tim Lihoreau in the pod studio this week is actor and musician Joey Batey, joining for a beguiling conversation about his ideal fantasy dinner party guests.

The star of the hit series The Witcher talks about his music, his writing and of course his acting; and his guests are all chosen with a very particular theme in mind. 

Prepare yourself for a heart-warming roll call of fabulous names — they can be living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial. Plus, will he welcome th...


Pete Firman
Pete Firman episode artwork
10/27/2025

“I used to grow my hair quite long. Hence…Tufty was born!”

Something mystical and magical for Halloween as magician and comedian Pete Firman who joins Tim Lihoreau for a revealing pod to conjure up five fantasy dinner party guests.

Pete is a magic megastar of Instagram and talks touring and magic heroes and more. He even sheds light on his relationship with maggots.  

 Discover his ‘famous five’ guests.  They can be living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial – all that’s guaranteed is they are made welcome. Plus, can we sneak in…a “Gate-cr...


Toyah
Toyah episode artwork
10/20/2025

“I spent a lot of time chasing Ian Lavender….He was always in his underpants."

Get between ears with a real legend. Punk princess and cult actress Toyah joins Tim Lihoreau for a unique and often eye-widening chat to reveal her five fantasy dinner party guests.

Star of classic film Quadrophenia and veteran of hits like I Wanna Be Free, the boss of ‘Toyah’s Wonderful World of Weird” takes us through her one-off list of just five people she wants around the dinner table. And is there an invite there for rock-legend husband Robert Fripp?

Dis...


Alexander Armstrong
Alexander Armstrong episode artwork
10/13/2025

“I’d be bricking it! I’d probably have gotten quite drunk!”

Getting the nod for the pod this week is the living legend Alexander Armstrong joining host Tim Lihoreau for a laid-back chat about his five fantasy dinner party guests.

Comedian, author, presenter, author and of course Pointless paladin, Alexander Armstrong hands out the placements to 5 fantasy guests who he can’t dine without – and what an unexpected bunch they are!

From the iconic to ironic — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial—who will make the table? And will he allow the wildca...


Oti Mabuse
Oti Mabuse episode artwork
10/06/2025

Kickstarting season 4 of pod this week is the effervescent Oti Mabuse, joining host Tim Lihoreau for a fiery, sometimes spicy conversation about her five fantasy dinner party guests.

Dancer, choreographer, judge, author and champion, Oti hands out the place cards to 5 fantasy guests who she can’t dine without – and what an amazing bunch they are!

 From the iconic to the unexpected — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial—who will make the table? And will she allow the wildcard “Gate-crasher” to stay? Or maybe she’ll even go one better?? You’ll have to listen to f...


Adam Kay
Adam Kay episode artwork
09/01/2025

“Oh, no!... We’re in strip-lit squalor!”

Padding steadfastly into the podcast studio is Bafta-winning, multi-million best-selling author, TV writer and performer, Adam Kay.

He joins host Tim Lihoreau for a Season-finale conversation about his truly unique five fantasy dinner party guests.

From This is Going to Hurt, through to his Undoctored stand-up (best-selling show of the Edinburgh Fringe 2023) Adam’s career as a comedian, writer, and broadcaster is brought to bear on his idiosyncratic guestlist which will delight and inspire in equal measure.

 From the iconic to the very unexpected — living or dead, rea...


James Pearson
James Pearson episode artwork
08/26/2025

“The Krays… took them for a little ride!"

This week, we are improvising! The artistic director of the world’s most famous jazz club, Ronnie Scott's, joins Tim Lihoreau for an amazing dinner party line up and conversation about life and music.

Pianist, composer and creative tour de force James Pearson comes into the Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? studios to talk music, jazz and East End visitors!

He takes Tim on a whirlwind tour with his ‘famous five’ guests.  They can be living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial – all that’s guarante...


Kelly Hoppen
Kelly Hoppen episode artwork
08/18/2025

“They are NINJA hydrangeas!”

Joining the pod this week is interior designer, author, former Den Dragon and all-round business genius Kelly Hoppen. She catches up with host Tim Lihoreau for a delightful conversation about her five fantasy dinner party guests.

The Queen of Taupe and designer-to-the-stars hands out polished placements to 5 unique guests, all invited for the dinner of a lifetime. And Kelly invites a genuinely wonderful quintet! 

From the iconic to the unexpected — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial—who will make the table? And will Kelly allow the wildcard “Gate...


Tom Kerridge
Tom Kerridge episode artwork
08/11/2025

“He told he couldn’t tell me about it… he’s got snipers!”

Season three continues with a banger on GWCTD? when chef Tom Kerridge joins host Tim Lihoreau for a fabulous conversation about his five fantasy dinner party guests.

Tom is the genius behind the Two Michelin Starred ‘Hand & Flowers” in Marlow – not to mention The Coach, and Kerridge’s Bar and Grill, and The Butchers Tap – everything he touches turns to gold. His guest list is inspiring and will surprise, delight, and cheer in equal measure.

From the iconic to the unexpected — living or...


Fern Britton
Fern Britton episode artwork
08/04/2025

”Judy Dench, Judy Dench, Judy Dench Dench Dench!”

This week it’s a great Britton! On the podcast this week is broadcaster and author Fern Britton, joining host Tim Lihoreau for a unique conversation about her five fantasy dinner party guests.

From This Morning to Ready Steady Cook through Strictly challenges and watercolour challenges, Fern sets a table for the quintet of uniquely-chosen guests who have inspired her so much they gain an invite to the GWCTD? studios.

From the iconic to the unexpected — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial—who will m...


Philippe Sands
Philippe Sands episode artwork
07/28/2025

“She makes me octopus stew!”

In the pod squad this week is lawyer and writer Philippe Sands KC, joining host Tim Lihoreau for a fascinating conversation about his five fantasy dinner party guests.

The specialist in international law and author of seventeen books hands out the placements to 5 unique guests all invited for the dinner of a lifetime - and Philippe invites a truly eclectic bunch. 

 From the iconic to the unexpected — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial—who will make the table? Philippe definitely takes Tim up on the ‘beloved or c...


Josh Jones
Josh Jones episode artwork
07/21/2025

“I basically shagged my way into a better postcode!”

It's a captivating, crazy comedian - JOSH JONES - who joins Tim Lihoreau for a swaggering, sweary chat to unveil his 5 fantasy dinner party guests.

You may know him from 8 out of 10 Cats, from Dancing on Ice or even from his many appearances at the Edinburgh festival. Now, discover his ‘famous five’ guests.  They can be living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial – all that’s guaranteed is they are made welcome. Plus, can we sneak in… a “Gate-crasher”? You’ll have to listen to find out! 


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Richard Coles
Richard Coles episode artwork
07/15/2025

“She’s a very difficult dog to keep on the porch, if you know what I mean?!”

Getting the nod for the pod this week is the warm, friendly fluffy Rev. Richard Coles, joining host Tim Lihoreau for a feel-good conversation about his five fantasy dinner party guests.

TV and radio presenter, raconteur - former Communard! – and let’s not forget Jungle legend, Rev. Richard Coles hands out the place cards to 5 fantasy guests who he can’t dine without – and what a great bunch they are!

 From the iconic to the unexpected — living or dead, r...


Debbie Wiseman
Debbie Wiseman episode artwork
07/07/2025

“Throw a toolbox down the stairs!”

Debbie Wiseman joins Tim Lihoreau this week to talk composers, cartoons and all things creative. The Classic FM Composer in Residence reveals her five fantasy dinner party guests and they’re a great bunch. Along the way, they chat about Chopin, Leeds United and, of course, hats! Discover her amazing guest list — they can be living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial. Who will make the cut? And how will she react to the wildcard “Gate-crasher”? You’ll have to listen to find out!

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@classicfm 

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