Distinct Nostalgia
Exclusive interviews and reunions celebrating some of the biggest names in TV and film. A TV enthusiast’s paradise. There's also special shows and series and a regular Distinct Nostalgia Mind of the Month Quiz. Plus every now and then some original fresh comedy and drama. This is pure entertainment and fun. Enjoy! Definitely ‘more than a podcast’.
Exclusive New Landmark Drama: The President and the Emperor - Episode Three: BABY SATISFACTORILY BORN
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The extraordinary inside story of the most controversial decision in the history of modern warfare - the order to drop the atomic bomb. Drawn from first-hand accounts of those involved and declassified top secret American and Japanese documents from 1945, this documentary drama unfolds through the eyes of the two people at the centre of this world changing event - President Harry S. Truman and Showa Emperor Hirohito of Japan
Episode 3: BABY S...
The Great Angels Reunion - 50 Years on we reunite 4 of the original cast of the ground breaking nurses series (ahead of the launch of Distinct Radio in 2026)
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Four of the original cast of Angels plus the creator join us to look back at one of the ground breaking series of British television - Angels - which began in 1975.
First we hear from Paula Milne about how she created the show before four of the actors who got together as young women reunite to talk us through exactly what is was like to be thrust into the prime time...
The Game On Reunion 30 Years On - the cast reminisce about the show's heyday (ahead of the launch of Distinct Radio in 2026)
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Two of the cast of 90s sitcom Game On remember the show’s heyday 30 years after it began in 1995.
Matthew Cottle and Neil Stuke chat to Ashley about how it all began and how it tackled taboos and became a must watch for 20 somethings on a Friday night.
And don’t forget we’re marking more anniversaries. Look in the feed for a chat with Derek Griffiths about 50...
An exclusive first celebration of BOD at 50 with the legendary Derek Griffiths (ahead of the launch in 2026 of Distinct Radio)
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Ahead of the launch of Distinct Radio, the new 24 hour station where you're encouraged to discover the things you never knew you loved, we're treating you to one of the first Distinct Nostalgia episode highlights on that new station - a short celebration of all things BOD with the legendary performer and creator of the music for that iconic children's show, the brilliant Derek Griffiths. We're ahead of the game. BBC 4 is celebrating BOD tonight (D...
The President and the Emperor Episode Two
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The extraordinary inside story of the most controversial decision in the history of modern warfare - the order to drop the atomic bomb. Drawn from first-hand accounts of those involved and declassified top secret American and Japanese documents from 1945, this documentary drama unfolds through the eyes of the two people at the centre of this world changing event - President Harry S. Truman and Showa Emperor Hirohito of Japan
Episode 2: THE A...
EXCLUSIVE: The President And The Emperor Part 2 Trailer
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First Look Trailer for Part 2 of The President and the Emperor starring Clifton Truman Daniel as President Harry S Truman, Sadao Ueda as Emperor Hirohito and Samuel Barnett as Phillip Oppenheimer.
Episode 2 coming soon.....
The President and the Emperor is written by
Guy Smith.
The director is Jonathan Kydd.
Produced by Ashley Byrne
Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes
A Made...
EXCLUSIVE NEW DRAMA - The President and the Emperor - In Conversation with Samuel Barnett who plays Robert Oppenheimer
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As we await the arrival of Part 2 of The President and the Emperor, acclaimed actor Samuel Barnett who plays 'father of the bomb' Robert Oppenheimer chats about taking on historical figures as characters - and what it means to play the famous nuclear scientist. Sam also reflects on the meticulousness of the script by Guy Smith and what he hopes listens around the world draw from this epic seven part drama.
Samuel Barnett is I...
Exclusive New Drama: The President and the Emperor - Episode One
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The extraordinary inside story of the most controversial decision in the history of modern warfare - the order to drop the atomic bomb. Drawn from first-hand accounts of those involved and declassified top secret American and Japanese documents from 1945, this documentary drama unfolds through the eyes of the two people at the centre of this world changing event - President Harry S. Truman and Showa Emperor Hirohito of Japan
Episode 1: THE N...
EXCLUSIVE NEW DRAMA - The President and the Emperor - In Conversation with Sadao Ueda who plays Emperor Hirohito
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Ahead of the launch tomorrow (Sunday August 31st) of the epic new landmark drama about the decision to drop the first atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, Sadao Ueda chats to Ashley Byrne about playing Emperor Hirohito. Sadao grew up in Japan and here he talks about what he was taught about the devastating events at school in the 1970s. He also reflects on taking on a part he's really wanted to play all his...
First look Trailer 2 - The President and The Emperor....Coming Soon starring some big name British actors including Christopher Strauli, Samuel Barnett, Mike Grady & Jonathan Kydd as well as President Truman's grandson as his grandpa
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First Look Trailer 2 for The President and the Emperor starring Clifton Truman Daniel as President Harry S Truman, Sadao Ueda as Emperor Hirohito and Samuel Barnett as Phillip Oppenheimer.
Episode 1 coming soon.....
The President and the Emperor Cast - Episode One
Clifton Truman Daniel - President Harry S Truman
Sadao Ueda - Emperor Hirohito
Christopher Strauli - Secretary of War Henry Stimson
<...First Look Trailer - The President and the Emperor ....coming soon
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A First Look Teaser for The President and the Emperor starring Clifton Truman Daniel as President Harry S Truman, Sadao Ueda as Emperor Hirohito and Samuel Barnett as Phillip Oppenheimer.
Episode 1 coming soon.....
The President and the Emperor Cast - Episode One
Clifton Truman Daniel - President Harry S Truman
Sadao Ueda - Emperor Hirohito
Christopher Strauli - Secretary of War Henry Sti...
Coming Soon - Exclusive New Drama - The President and the Emperor - Here's Clifton Truman Daniel who plays his grandfather President Harry S Truman in conversation with Ashley Byrne
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Ahead of the launch of the epic new landmark drama about the decision to drop the first atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, Clifton Truman Daniel chats to Ashley Byrne about playing his grandfather in The President and the Emperor. Clifton talks candidly about his relationship with his grandpa and how he learned about his family history when he was growing up. He also reflects on the impact the decision his grandfather made has had...
Andy Peebles Last Interview - Ashley chats to the legendary former Radio 1 DJ who was the last to interview John Lennon
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Ashley had the pleasure of interviewing the legendary Andy Peebles just weeks before he died for a programme about Steve Strange. Though the interview was about Steve, the conversation included many anecdotes related to Andy's long career overall including his famous interview with John Lennon. Here we play most of the interview in tribute to Andy and his memory.
Enjoy and RIP Andy!
Support the show
40 Years of EastEnders - In conversation with former Albert Square storyliner David Payne
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In the fourth episode of Distinct Nostalgia's EastEnders at 40 series, Ashley sits down with former Albert Square storyliner David Payne. David, who worked on the show from 2015 to 2017, offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind some of EastEnders' most gripping storylines. From the homophobic murder of Paul Coker to Stacey Fowler's postpartum psychosis, David shares the challenges and triumphs of crafting compelling narratives for one of Britain's most beloved soaps. Tune in to...
40 Years of EastEnders - back to the early 2000s when Dame Sheila Hancock played Steve Owen's disturbed mum Barbara
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Join us for the third episode of Distinct Nostalgia's special series celebrating EastEnders at 40. In this episode, Dame Sheila Hancock, who brought the unforgettable Barbara Owen to life in 2000 and 2001, sits down with Ashley to discuss her time on the show. Barbara, a complex character with a troubled relationship with her children, especially her son Steve, left a lasting impact on Walford. Sheila shares behind-the-scenes stories, her thoughts on Barbara's dramatic storylines, and what it...
40 Years of EastEnders - in conversation with the show's longest serving writer Rob Gittins
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In the second episode of Distinct Nostalgia celebrating EastEnders' 40th birthday, Ashley sits down with Rob Gittins, the show's longest-serving writer. Rob has been a pivotal figure in the EastEnders writing team since its early days, contributing to over 300 episodes. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the show's characters and storylines have made him an invaluable asset to the series. During the interview, Rob shares his journey as a key player in one of...
40 Years of EastEnders - back to 2006 as we meet Sophie Thompson who played evil Stella
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In celebration of EastEnders' 40th birthday, Distinct Nostalgia kicks off with an exclusive interview featuring Sophie Thompson, who portrayed the infamous Stella Crawford. Sophie sits down with Ashley to reminisce about her time on the show and her character's dramatic storyline. Stella, introduced as Phil Mitchell's new lawyer, quickly became one of the soap's most memorable villains. Her relationship with Phil took a dark turn as she began to mentally and physically abuse his son...
Original Christmas Comedy - Florrie and Dotty are back as ‘Winter Drawers On’ - the very latest from our 60 something northern gossips
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Original Christmas Comedy
In Winter Drawers On
Starring Lindsay Eavis and Janice Fryett
The ladies talk about surviving another winter, debate the merits of AI, beards and board games and ponder a cashless society.
Florrie: Lindsay Eavis
Dotty: Janice Fryett
Written by Janice Fryett
A Spinney Media Production for Distinct Nostalgia.
A Distinct Comedy Presentation
Distinct is part...
Memories of You and Me with Francis Wright who played Dibs in the long running chidren's show
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Here Ashley meets one half of Cosmo and Dibs who were the characters that graced the long running kids series You and Me in the 1980s.
Francis Wright tells us how he landed the role as puppeter and voice as well as charting the history of You and Me which dates back to the early 1970s.
The show was tremendously popular with several generations of children growing up in the 70s, 80s...
To mark The Bill's 40th birthday - An interview with Mark Wingett who played DC Jim Carver for more than two decades.
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An interview that should have aired some time ago but we've been waiting to use it to mark the 40th anniversary of The Bill bursting on to our screens.
It all began in 1983 but the actual full run series, later serial, began on the 16th October 1984.
Here Mark Wingett - who played DC Jim Carver for nearly a quarter of a century - discusses the show's origins and his own early years...
Tribute to Prolific film and tv star Kenneth Cope - In Conversation About Corrie, Carry Ons, Randall and Hopkirk Deceased, That Was The Week That Was and much more
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Sadly we've lost another tv and film great. Kenneth Cope has died at the age of 93. And here we have an interview he did with Ashley a few years ago. Much of this has never been broadcast before.
Ken talks about being one of the early stars of Coronation Street. working with David Frost on That Was the Week That Was, his time in the Carry Ons, Randall and Hopkirk Deceased and his huge...
In Tribute to The Legendary actor, writer and journalist Brian Trueman (Chorlton and the Wheelies, Jamie and the Magic Torch, Dangermouse, Cockleshell Bay etc) - A never before broadcast interview with the man himself recorded at his home a few years ago.
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We're sad to hear the news that Brian Trueman has died at the aged of 92. Brian provided the soundtrack to so many characters of our childhoods, whether as a writer or actor. His work with Cosgrove Hall Films included Chorlton and the Wheelies, Dangermouse, Cockleshell Bay and Jamie and the Magic Torch. But he had a career before helping to bring to life these animation classics - in acting, in journalism too. Here in an interview...
ROCK - drama by Tim Fountain..... in tribute to the veteran actor Bette Bourne. He plays the notorious Hollywood agent Henry Wilson who manufactured Rock Hudson. Distinct Nostalgia producer MIM won a BBC best online drama award for Rock. Enjoy!
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A special re-issuing of Rock, by Tim Fountain in tribute to the veteran actor Bette Bourne who has died at the age of 84.
An excellent performance in this drama produced by DN producers' Made in Manchester as Bette plays Henry Wilson, Hollywood actor Rock Hudson's notorious agent.
Bette has played lots of legendary characters over the years including Quentin Crisp in Tim's other play 'Resident Alien'.
If you've not heard...
A Chat with Mr Roy who was Basil Brush's sidekick in the early to mid 70s. But will Basil surprise his old TV partner?
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Ashley's catching up with Roy North who was the actor who became Basil Brush's sidekick in the early to mid 70s on The Basil Brush Show. The show hosted by the wily old fox lasted from the late 60s til the early 80s and became a favourite of several generations of kids, parents and grandparents. Now Basil entertains the big kids often in theatres around the UK. Ever popular, most people love a bit of Basil. C...
A real celebration of all things Zippy and George from Rainbow with Ronnie Le Drew, Zippy. George and a special guest appearance!
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We’ve been planning this for a while - and here they are by popular demand. Ronnie Le Drew with Zippy and George from the legendary kids tv series Rainbow. Ronnie chats to Ashley about the early years of Rainbow which started in 1972, how he became a firm fixture of the team and the enduring appeal of these wonderful characters from one of the UK’s favourite shows. Ashley also chats to Zippy and George to find...
We meet prolific TV actor George Layton - Doctor in the House, It Aint Half Hot Mum, The Likely Lads, Dr Who, Z Cars, Minder - and More!
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George Layton is prolific - he's done the lot - and he's still working in his early 80s. Both an actor and screenwriter, his career stretches from the early 50s and Children's Hour and working with Violet Carson (who played Ena Sharples in Coronation Street), through years as a star on shows like Doctor in the House and It Aint Half Hot Mum, via cameos on The Likely Lads and semi regular roles in Minder and m...
A Life in Television: An Exclusive Interview with Former LWT, ITV, Channel 4 & BBC boss Michael Grade
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A very special interview here with Lord Grade (Michael Grade) whose fingerprints are all over British TV - from the days when his uncle Lew ran ATV to his own stewardship of LWT, BBC, Channel 4 and Later ITV again. Michael has launched (and axed) some of Britain's most popular TV shows.
Here he takes Ashley through a whistle stop potted history of his career, stopping off to reminisce about his time at each of...
Little House on the Prairie at 50 - Karen Grassle talks to Ashley about family life on the farm
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Karen Grassle who played Caroline celebrates 50 years since the launch in 1974 of Little House on
The Prairie.
The then new show from America would pull in huge audiences all around the world including in the UK where it had a prime time slot.
Here Ashley talks to Karen about working with Michael Landon (which was fraught for a time), her child co stars who grew up during the course of the 9. y...
Love it or Loathe It, Why Don't You!? was part of all our childhoods. Ashley meets up with Phil Noble from the Liverpool gang
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Why Don't You?! played to millions of kids in the school holidays on BBC1. It began in 1973 and lasted until 1995, meaning the show touched several generations over nearly a quarter of a century.
Among the presenters Ant from Ant and Dec, among the producers - Russell T Davies but there were dozens more who cut their tv teeth on this show presented by children.
Here Ashley meets one of them down at...
A real 70s Kids TV Exclusive as we meet the voice behind The Flumps
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She was the voice behind one of the most well loved kids series of the 70s.
Gay Soper was the person who brought to life the world of The Flumps. Pootle, Perkin, Posie, Ma and Pa Flump and Grandpa Flump all became real characters thanks to her tremendously talented acting.
But though kids of the 70s remember the Flumps fondly, there was actually only 13 episodes in total.
Here Gay tells...
On the Inside: We meet the legendary Val Lehman who played the iconic Bea Smith - one of the original stars of the cult Aussie Drama Prisoner Cell Block H
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A special interview and another real treat here for all fans of cult Australian drama series Prisoner Cell Block H.
The show first aired twice a week down under in 1979 and quickly began pulling in huge figures.
The big star from the start was the legendary Val Lehman who played the iconic Bea Smith.
The character quickly became known as top dog or 'Queen Bea' for the way she ruled...
TV Icons Behind the Scenes - At Home With Legendary British TV Director Royston Mayoh - Part Two
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Royston Mayoh was - and by reputation remains - one of the biggest names in British TV production. A writer and prolific director, Royston was involved with a plethora of top shows - This is Your Life, Opportunity Knocks, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Kenny Everett to name but a few.
He started his career at ABC Television in Manchester and later worked or was associated with the legendary ITV Networks like Granada, Thames, Yorkshire...
TV Icons Behind the Scenes - At Home With Legendary British TV Director Royston Mayoh - Part One
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Royston Mayoh was - and by reputation remains - one of the biggest names in British TV production. A writer and prolific director, Royston was involved with a plethora of top shows - This is Your Life, Opportunity Knocks, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Kenny Everett to name but a few.
He started his career at ABC Television in Manchester and later worked or was associated with the legendary ITV Networks like Granada, Thames, Yorkshire a...
On the Inside: We meet Collette Mann who played Doreen - one of the original stars of the iconic Aussie Drama Prisoner Cell Block H
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A special interview and a real treat here for all fans of iconic Australian drama series Prisoner Cell Block H.
The show first aired twice a week down under in 1979 and quickly began pulling in huge figures.
One of the early stars was Collette Mann who played Doreen.
Collette was in her late 20s at the time and it was the first big show she'd done.
Within weeks...
New Year Week Exclusive as We Meet Worzel Gummidge's little friend John from the Legendary ITV series
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It was a legendary series and a character which Jon Pertwee made his own.
Worzel Gummidge was loved by a generation of kids (and adults) in the late 70s and early 80s - and here we meet Jeremy Austin who played John - one of Worzel's little friends.
John takes us back nearly half a century to the magical world he inhabited as a child for several summers with his co-star Charlotte...
An Original 20 Minute Thriller for New Year’s Eve - You Had Me At Hello! by David Payne
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You Had At Me Hello!
by David Payne
On an evening shift in her deadly dull call centre job, Natalie connects with a caller who turns her life upside down.
Cast:
Natalie: Sarah Sinnott
Jane: Gerry Johnson.
Sound Editor: John Fryett
Producer:Janice Fryett.
Written by David Payne
A Spinney Media Production for Made in Manchester Productions and Distinct N...
Back to Shelley: Belinda Sinclair remembers playing Fran in the hit 70s/80s ITV sitcom
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He was everyone’s loveable layabout. Shelley played by Hywell Bennett was huge, pulling in massive viewing figures in the 70s and 80s.
Very much of its time, when unemployment soared in the early years of Thatcher’s government, Shelley (produced by Thames Television) kicked back against authority and with his sardonic wit captivated millions going through the same situation. But amazingly the series has stood the test of time and Shelley’s often intellige...
Remembering a Sitcom Icon: The Life and Death of 60s, 70s and 80s TV heart-throb Barry Evans
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Barry Evans was a huge star in the 60s, 70s and 80s.
One of the heart-throbs of his day, he was recognisable to millions for his roles in several big ITV sitcoms like Doctor in the House and later as the teacher Mr Brown in the London Weekend hit Mind Your Language.
But Barry kept himself to himself and was a very private figure. Little has ever really been said or written a...
A star studded series of shows Coming Soon from Distinct Nostalgia
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A preview of some of the interviews and reunions lined up on Distinct Nostalgia for Christmas, New Year and early 2024.
All this plus new comedy, new drama and the Distinct Nostalgia Mind of the Month Quiz ...all back by popular demand.
Stay subscribed and you won't miss anything when it lands. You can also follow the latest news on our releases on X at @distinctbyMIM
And please do drop us...
ORIGINAL NEW COMEDY: Florrie and Dotty Sitcom Special - Re-inventing Christmas
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Christmas Sitcom Special: 'Re-inventing Christmas'
The girls are preparing for Christmas and ponder what would happen if Jesus was born in the UK today, while side-swiping at modern inventions that they see as old hat.
Lindsay Eavis as Florrie
Janice Fryett as Dotty
Written by Janice Fryett.
Editor: John Fryett.
A Spinney Audio Production for Distinct Nostalgia.
This ye...
