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Society & Culture

White Wine Question Time

Kate Thornton

Kate Thornton's White Wine Question Time is the podcast that brings together well-known friends, three glasses of wine and three thought-provoking questions. Discover the friendships behind the entertainment headlines, and listen in on their conversations for a side to the celebrities you've never heard before. 


Join us weekly for something new, or feel free to dive into our cellar of over 450 incredible episodes - all as enjoyable and relevant to listen to now as when they were first recorded.


If you'd like to say hi you can send us an email any time.


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  • 552 episodes
  • Updated Today

Episodes552

  • Sep 20, 2024 · 1 hr 5 min

    Sam Neill on the importance of friendship, discovering acting at 30, and life beyond Hollywood

    Joining us today is a man whose career has spanned continents and decades, captivating audiences both on-screen and off. He’s an award-winning actor, winemaker, and now a celebrated author: it’s the legendary Sam Neill! One day shy of his 77th birthday, Sam Neill joins us from Vancouver, where he’s filming his latest project, to reflect on his extraordinary life. He shares how he found acting at 30, his passion for producing world-class Pinot Noir, and how he balances life away from Hollywood on his peaceful New Zealand vineyard, where he prefers solitude. Sam also opens up about his battle with cancer - which unexpectedly inspired him to write his memoir - the value of friendship in his life, and his commitment to “not letting the old man in” as he continues to live life to the fullest. If you’re itching to hear more of Sam’s incredible life stories, you can buy his memoir here and if you’re eager to taste some of his award winning wine you can find that right here! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Sep 17, 2024 · 49 min

    Something from the Ballroom: Pete Wicks

    This weekend, as Strictly makes its grand return for its 20th year, we’re revisiting our conversation with a man who doesn’t stand still for anyone. First, he was a high-flying director in the city who supplied consultant doctors to the NHS. Then, he had quite the reign as TOWIE’s go-to bad boy, and now he’s entering a new era full of sequins and glitter balls. It's the lovely Pete Wicks! Here, he chats about navigating the challenges of fast fame, his luck with the ladies and, of course, his best mate Sam Thompson! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Sep 13, 2024 · 1 hr 14 min

    Lynda La Plante on a remarkable life in showbiz, a career in crime fiction, and parenthood in later life

    Joining us today is a woman who will almost certainly be on your bookshelf at home. She’s a crime fiction author, screenwriter and former actress who has been crafting expert stories on stage and screen for sixty years: it’s the fiery, fabulous Lynda La Plante! Ahead of the release of ‘Whole Life Sentence’, her final Detective Jane Tennison thriller, Lynda joins us to chat about a truly remarkable life. We hear about her transitioning into screenwriting from acting, the shocking end to her relationship with her estranged husband and the realities of becoming a parent much later in life. You can purchase ‘Whole Life Sentence’ right here! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Sep 10, 2024 · 56 min

    Something from the Ballroom: Amy Dowden

    In celebration of a brand new season of Strictly, we’re revisiting our conversation with the incredible Amy Dowden - a woman who radiates nothing but pure joy! Here, Amy opens up about her challenging health battles, her unbreakable spirit, and the unwavering support of her husband along the way. And of course, she also shares her excitement about her triumphant return to the Strictly ballroom! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Sep 6, 2024 · 1 hr 5 min

    Joe Lycett on the magic of live TV, socially conscious comedy, and his artistic side

    Joining us today is one of the most celebrated modern comics in the UK - who just so happens to also be a hilarious broadcaster and a dab artistic hand. It’s the lovely Joe Lycett! Ahead of the release of ‘Art Hole’, a beautiful (and hilarious) new collection of his artwork, Joe joins us for a chat about his blossoming career that’s taken him from his beloved Birmingham to… every one of the other 18 Birminghams around the world. We chat about seeking out broadcasting advice from the likes of Ant and Dec, comics who have nurtured him along the way and the importance of maintaining a moral stance in his comedy - making him quite the rebel with a cause! Pre-order Joe's new book 'Art Hole' here! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Sep 3, 2024 · 33 min

    Something from the Cellar: Oasis and other 90s icons

    After a weekend of scrambling for Oasis reunion tour tickets, we thought there was no better time to revisit some brilliant 90s icons—Oasis megafans included! First up, we have Tom Kerridge, who chose Liam Gallagher as his special subject on Mastermind, followed by Dave Berry recounting to his best mate Alex Zane the time he got 'Liam-ed' just four days into his new job. Then, another 90s legend, Skin, shares the moment she made history by headlining Glastonbury. And for an extra treat, Sharleen Spiteri reveals Kate Moss’ hidden talent—you’ll never guess what it is! To hear these episodes in full, click here: Tom Kerridge, Dave Berry & Alex Zane, Skin, and Sharleen Spiteri. For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Aug 30, 2024 · 1 hr 8 min

    Something from the Cellar: The Last Leg's Adam Hills

    Kate's reporting from her sunbed on a well-deserved holiday, here with a back catalogue cracker to get your weekend off to the best possible start! With the Paralympics well underway, today is a perfect day to revisit our chat with comedian, author and host of The Last Leg, Adam Hills. The Last Leg's coverage has become a staple of the Paralympics over the last decade, so what better time to revisit our chat with its esteemed host. Adam chats to us about his journey from Australian comedy clubs to international stages, the origins of the Last Leg, and some of his more casual hobbies - like writing bestselling books and owning a restaurant. Yeah, seriously. For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Aug 27, 2024 · 35 min

    Something from the Cellar: Surprising Sporting Moments

    This week, as we try to shake off our post-Olympic blues, we’re diving into some equally remarkable - hilariously unconventional - sporting stories! First, Aled Jones shares his story of the impromptu game of baseball he played with George Michael and Martin Kemp during Bob Geldof and Paula Yates’ wedding. Then, Ben Shepherd reveals how a university course mix-up developed an unexpected love for ballet, ultimately earning him a degree in dance. And finally, cricket legend Phil Tufnell tells us about the moment his coach dragged him to the barbers for a much needed haircut which, arguably, ended up being the biggest factor in his success for England! Loved these stories? Click here to listen to the full episodes now: Aled Jones, Ben Shepherd, and Phil Tufnell! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Aug 23, 2024 · 53 min

    Nish Kumar on stand-up’s new era, comedy’s biggest gap, and the joys of the Edinburgh Fringe

    Joining us today is a comedian and broadcaster who has emerged as one of the preeminent political satirists working in the UK. And just as well, because he says he couldn’t fathom doing anything else. It’s the hilarious Nish Kumar! In between his late run of shows at the Fringe, Nish joins us from between some washing in a stranger’s Edinburgh basement. He chats about how his career has gone from dreaming up sketches in between drunken trips to Durham’s kebab shops while at university, to hosting some of the biggest TV shows and podcasts in the UK. While Nish also tells us the numerous things he’s learned from the other hugely successful comedians he broke through with (like Katherine Ryan, Ed Gamble, Romesh Ranganathan and loads more), we also wonder what’s next for British comedy as streaming services squeeze the lifeblood out of a once DIY scene. For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Aug 20, 2024 · 30 min

    Bonus Q&A with Martin and Shirlie Kemp

    We're back among the beautiful vines at the Ridgeview Wine Estate for another episode with the nicest couple in showbiz, Martin and Shirlie Kemp! Our live audience took the floor for this episode, as they ask Martin and Shirlie about their memories of George Michael, who's the real cook in the household and how Martin ended up flying a WWII plane with his son Roman when he was only 15! Plus, if you ever wanted to know how Martin ended up in the film 'Strippers vs Werewolves', you're in luck... Head to ridgeview.co.uk to browse their gorgeous selection of wines now! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Aug 16, 2024 · 46 min

    Martin and Shirlie Kemp, live from Ridgeview

    We’re delighted to be back with a special episode of WWQT, as we take to the sun-dappled vines of Ridgeview Wine Estate for a chat with two showbiz legends who have swapped the glitz and glamour for... gardening, mostly: it’s Martin and Shirlie Kemp! We sat down with the Kemps in front of a live audience to talk about their amazing pop careers, their homely family life and how proud they are to just be known as Harley and Roman’s parents! Head to ridgeview.co.uk to browse their gorgeous selection of wines now! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Aug 13, 2024 · 49 min

    Something from the Cellar: Bananarama

    Something from the Cellar: Bananarama As the perfect amuse-bouche before we dive into a special LIVE episode with Martin and Shirlie Kemp this Friday, we're throwing it back to some more 80s icons - it's Bananarama! They spill the tea on the best decisions they made by saying 'no,' their fearless approach to challenging social norms, and what it was like living in The Sex Pistols' studio. Everything about this episode screams nostalgia - enjoy! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Aug 9, 2024 · 46 min

    Something from the Cellar: Olympic icon, Dame Denise Lewis

    This week we’ve been hard at work in the rolling hills of Sussex, recording a very special episode that you’ll be able to hear next week. But for now, as the Olympics draw to a close, we wanted to shout-out a woman whose athletics and broadcasting career has made her a true household name in the UK: it’s Dame Denise Lewis! Denise Lewis won gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and forged an esteemed, 13-year heptathlon career. Since 2009, Denise has been a hugely respected pundit on the BBC’s athletics coverage. We wanted to revisit a conversation we had with her a few years ago where we delved into what it’s really like to win a gold medal, how her family life changed once she finished competing and just how inspirational her mother was when training for glory in her younger years. It’s a fascinating listen with a true British icon! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Aug 6, 2024 · 16 min

    Something from the Cellar: Edinburgh Fringe

    This week, to mark the beginning of one of the world’s biggest arts festivals, we’re diving into some of our best stories from the Edinburgh Fringe! First up, the hilarious Jack Dee tells us about his own unforgettable Fringe gig: performing in front of 200 murderers! Then we have the wonderful Adam Hills, who reveals the advice he received from Billy Connolly that helped him turn his part-time stand-up gigs into a full-time career that took him to the Fringe and beyond! Finally, the phenomenal Steve Pemberton tells us just how foundational his early Fringe success was for his career. If you loved what you heard and want to listen to the full episodes, click here: Jack Dee, Adam Hills and Steve Pemberton! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Aug 2, 2024 · 58 min

    Katherine Ryan on breaking into British comedy, the one-night stand that led to love and her biggest inspirations

    Today, we’re joined by a hilarious, no-holds-barred comedian who’s cemented herself among the greats at the forefront of British comedy. It’s the brilliant Katherine Ryan! Katherine joins us to chat about the people who have inspired her along the road to success, the unexpectedly wild night out that led to rekindling her romance with her high school boyfriend - whom she married nine months later - and her transition from a single mother of one to a bustling family of five. We also delve into her experiences of pedestal feminism and discuss how comedians must become more adaptable to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Katherine’s Battleaxe tour kicks off in September and runs all the way through to June next year. You won’t want to miss out - book your tickets now by clicking here! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jul 30, 2024 · 41 min

    Something from the Cellar: International Friendship Day

    Today, we're celebrating International Friendship Day with a look back to the very first White Wine Question Time episode that started it all and brought some of our oldest friends together for a good natter over three glasses of wine! Kate sits down with Sugababe Heidi Range, MasterChef Lisa Faulkner, and actress Angela Griffin to discuss the biggest life moments they'd want to relive, the insecurities they've wrestled with, and their best secret keeping moments. It's a heartwarming 45 minutes with three powerhouse women - enjoy! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jul 26, 2024 · 55 min

    Cathy Newman on a life in the newsroom, trailblazing women, and how damaging trolling can be

    Our guest today has been a stalwart on our screens for nearly twenty years through her work on Channel 4 News and has become a celebrated presenter, journalist and author: it’s the lovely Cathy Newman! We spoke to Cathy a few days before the recent General election to chat about her trailblazing journey to the Channel 4 News desk, how she’s had to deal with a barrage of horrible online abuse and some of the inspirational women that she’s interviewed over the years! You can purchase Cathy's book 'The Ladder' right here! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jul 23, 2024 · 25 min

    Something from the Cellar: Defining Moments

    This week, we’re diving into some of our favourite stories that perfectly demonstrate how just one pivotal moment can completely change the course of your life! First up, we have the man behind the hilarious Keith Lemon, it’s Leigh Francis! He shares how the loss of his dad reshaped his outlook on life and ultimately drove him to courageously uproot everything and move to London to launch his comedy career. Next, we have the brilliant chef Rick Stein who tells us how an unexpected turn of events - having his nightclub shutdown by the police - led him to embark on a remarkable journey into the restaurant industry. And finally, we have the phenomenal Bonnie Langford who reminisces on the life-changing audition that, at just 9 years old, landed her a broadway role working alongside musical theatre legend Stephen Sondheim in New York! If you loved what you heard and want to listen to the full episodes, click here: Leigh Francis, Rick Stein and Bonnie Langford! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jul 19, 2024 · 1 hr 19 min

    Stewart Lee on the art of modern stand-up, hunting for new material, and life on the road

    Today’s guest is probably your favourite comedian’s favourite comedian. He regularly sells more than 250,000 tickets for every tour, yet he has never wanted to be a household name and doesn’t do many interviews. But you’re in luck, because he has today: it’s the hilarious Stewart Lee! Kate and Stewart have known each other for decades, so they retrace the steps of their friendship and reminisce about some hilarious, scarcely believable moments they’ve shared. Plus, Stewart opens up about not wanting to court much public attention, how he’s carved his own comedy lane and how he regularly provokes hairy situations in public in the hope of landing on some new material! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jul 16, 2024 · 31 min

    Something from the Cellar: 90s Icons

    With the sound of the 90s still ringing in our ears after our latest episode with Peter Andre, we’re revisiting more of our favourite moments of the decade with some legends who lit up the scene. From Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden - aka Boyzlife - who reminisce about the glory years of sunbeds on their tour bus. To Louise Redknapp, who walks us through the very start of her career to the moment she became a pop sensation and was crowned the sexiest woman alive! We even have Steps who relive some of their wildest moments as they celebrate 25 years together. If you liked what you heard, listen to their full episodes here: Boyzlife, Louise Redknapp and Steps! For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram! ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.