Unlikely Friends
Comedy
About
Welcome to Unlikely Friends, A brand new podcast from BAFTA winning comedian Leigh Francis, Spice Girl turned radio host Emma Bunton, Damage frontman Jade Jones, and Jill Francis - where anything can (and probably will) happen! Each week, they’ll be taking questions, topics and conundrums from listeners, diving headfirst into whatever you want to hear about. Nothing is off limits. From parenthood and fame to 90s fashion and cold wedding buffets, the conversation is driven solely by you brilliant lot! Unlikely Friends is all about laid-back chats that are funny, honest, insightful, and sometimes surprisingly deep - with a few shocking revelations and celebrity guests along the way. You can watch or listen to full episodes of Unlikely Friends on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts every Monday & Thursday. 💌 Get in touch at unlikelyfriends@global.com 📱 Follow on socials: @unlikelypodfriends Unlikely Friends is a Global Production For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: dax@global.com Director of Podcasts: Vicky Etchells Executive Producer: Adem Waterman Senior Producer: Ben Tulloh Creative Video Content Producer: Samson Falodun
Episodes
- When Emma met Leonardo Dicaprio
Emma Bunton recounts meeting her celebrity crush, Leonardo DiCaprio, on the podcast Unlikely Friends. The episode also features discussions with Leigh Francis, Jade Jones, Jill Francis, Stacey Solomon, and Joe Swash, including a playful qu…
- When Was the Last Time You Cried?
Leigh Francis, Emma Bunton, Jade Jones, and Jill Francis return for an episode of Unlikely Friends, covering topics from radio voices and 90s TV to marathon running and a memorable 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?' question. The episode fea…
- Leigh's Birthday Special featuring Hollywood Royalty
Leigh Francis's birthday episode of Unlikely Friends features Eric Stoltz, Emma Bunton, Jade Jones, and Jill Francis. They discuss aging, reincarnation, the apocalypse, and whales, with Stoltz posing uncheery questions to the birthday boy.
- Crashing Pamela Anderson’s House & Jade's Talent Show DISASTER
The Unlikely Friends podcast discusses food habits, selfishness, and public recognition. They also explore themes of loss with stories of lost items and revisit Jade's talent show disaster, while touching on past jobs and a peculiar incide…
- Mallet's Mallet, Leigh's Treasured Star Wars Toys and Emma's Stolen Photos
Timmy Mallett is a guest on Unlikely Friends, discussing treasured possessions and playing Mallet's Mallet. Leigh and Emma share stories about their most cherished items, including photo albums and sentimental objects.
- Jade and Leigh on I'm a Celeb?! Pope Spotting & Spice Girls Reunion Tea
On Unlikely Friends, Jade and Leigh discuss Coachella and share life updates including an unexpected Pope sighting and a chaotic agreement to join I'm a Celebrity. The episode also touches on the Brat Pack and supermodels.
- Love Island, Flirting FAILS & A STOLEN Spice Girls Dress?!
On Unlikely Friends, the hosts and guest Iain Stirling discuss memorable stolen items, including a Spice Girls dress. They also delve into conversations about Love Island, imagining their experiences in the villa.
- Leaving Radio, Cold Weiners & Pirate Stations
Emma and Leigh share reflections on their radio careers, discussing the highs and lows of hosting breakfast shows and the loneliness of radio. Jade reveals a unique childhood experience with a pirate radio station at home. The episode also…
- Eating in Bed, Dead Pets and Embarrassing Dads
On this episode of Unlikely Friends, Jill and the group discuss turning 50, embarrassing parents, and the merits of eating breakfast in bed. A surprising revelation about the death of a pet is also shared.
- Girls vs. Boys! Body Hair, Beer Breath & Biting Toenails 😳
Emma Bunton and Jade Jones welcome Louis Spence to Unlikely Friends to answer spicy questions. The conversation covers bathing habits, a disgusting confession from Jade Jones, and the unexpected benefits of having children.
- The Time Leigh Dropped Richard Branson off of a Plane
This episode of Unlikely Friends features a wild story about Richard Branson and an airplane, behind-the-scenes details from the Spice Girls reunion, a listener's video game dilemma, and a discussion on children's books.
- How the Spice Girls got their name with Davina McCall
Davina McCall joins the podcast to discuss university degree choices and career paths. The episode also delves into the story of how the Spice Girls were formed and named.
- Jill’s 50th Birthday Surprise… From Mystery Celebs?!
This episode of Unlikely Friends celebrates Jill Francis' 50th birthday with surprises and heartfelt messages from secret celebrity guests. The episode promises a mix of joy, emotion, and the show's signature chaotic fun.
- Ricky Gervais Asks Us Impossible Questions
Ricky Gervais visits Unlikely Friends to pose a series of challenging and debatable questions, covering topics from life and death to personal integrity and physical changes.
- “It Was Terrifying!” – Emma Bunton on the Spice Girls’ 2012 Olympics Reuinion
On the Unlikely Friends podcast, Emma Bunton shares behind-the-scenes details of the Spice Girls' 2012 Olympics reunion performance. She also discusses attending a care home run by Louis Spencer, presents a slice of cake from the wedding o…
- Anxiety, Indecisiveness & Horrible Toes with Robbie Williams
Robbie Williams guests on Unlikely Friends to discuss personal changes, including who has the most disgusting feet. The hosts Jade Jones and Jill Francis also share their experiences with anxiety.
- Our Honest BRITs Reaction: Back to Its Best or Staged?
The Unlikely Friends hosts give their honest reaction to the BRIT Awards, debating whether Somber's win was staged and discussing host Jack Whitehall's performance. The conversation also includes Emma Bunton's trip to Iceland and a lighthe…
- What is the SEXIEST accent going?
On this bonus celebrity edition of Unlikely Friends, Laura Smyth discusses dad gags and accents.
- When Emma Accidentally Auditioned for America’s Next Top Model
Emma recounts her accidental audition for America's Next Top Model, while Leigh shares details about Michael Hutchence's clothing. Listeners can connect with the hosts via email or social media.
- Sniffing Out Liars & Public Speaking Nightmares
This episode of Unlikely Friends features the hosts discussing their abilities to detect liars and sharing experiences with public speaking, including a notable wedding speech. They also touch upon Emma Bunton's mum's court visits and Jade…
- Emma's Fishing Reveal and Leigh's Big Fall
This week on Unlikely Friends, the group discusses a Sunday roast, competitive cooking, and the weather. Leigh Francis shares his experiences with intrusive thoughts and 'cute aggression,' while Emma Bunton reveals a surprising past connec…
- Hitting the Club the Night Before You Give Birth?!
On this episode of Unlikely Friends, Johnny Vaughan and Howard from Take That reminisce about 90s television. Additionally, Jill and Leigh recount an experience of being at a club the night before giving birth.
- The Weirdest Places We've Got Stuck!
In this episode, hosts Jill and Leigh share stories of getting stuck in strange places, including a car incident and Jade Jones' near-death experience in a collapsing lift. They also discuss surprising celebrity encounters and unconvention…
- Losing patience, Fighting Pigs And Taking A Cheeseburger To The Face - With Take That!
Take That joins Unlikely Friends to discuss Emma Bunton's road rage, Jade Jones' pet peeves, and a story about a cheeseburger being thrown at Emma. Mark Owen also asks about fighting a pig, and Jade's trust in AI is questioned.
- Celebrity Mix-Ups - Jade Jones Got MISTAKEN For WHO?
This episode of Unlikely Friends features Jade Jones being mistaken for Vin Diesel, discussions about scuba diving, and a game of 'Who's That Age Again?'. The hosts also celebrate Jade's birthday.
- What's The WORST SPICE GIRLS SONG!?
Chris Moyles joins the podcast to discuss the Spice Girls' worst song with Leigh Francis and Keith Lemon. Jade reveals secrets about filming music videos, such as the need to sing at double speed.
- IKEA Shopping Trips, Funeral Songs and Parenthood!
This episode of Unlikely Friends features hosts Leigh Francis, Emma Bunton, Jade Jones, and Jill Francis discussing Emma's birthday, Leigh's toy fair experience, funeral songs, and the realities versus expectations of parenthood.
- Katie Price's A.I Only Fans Twin! With Rick Astley
The hosts discuss the potential impact of AI on the music industry, referencing Katie Price's AI OnlyFans twin and imagining AI's role with the Spice Girls in the 90s. Rick Astley joins the conversation, and the hosts share favorite books,…
- Is it posh to have owned an Atari?
In this episode of Unlikely Friends, Leigh Francis, Emma Bunton, Jade Jones, and Jill Francis debate biscuits, investigate a stolen bin, and reminisce about old tech like Atari consoles. They also discuss The Big Breakfast and the realitie…
- Nuts, Spice Girls Dolls & Heated Rivalry with Rob Beckett
Comedian Rob Beckett appears on Unlikely Friends to discuss topics ranging from celebrity rivalries and cat urine allergies to opinions on nuts and Jade Jones' TV interview experiences.
- EMMA BUNTON'S 50th BIRTHDAY EPISODE!
This episode of Unlikely Friends is a dedication to Emma Bunton's birthday, featuring host Leigh Francis and studio decorations. The episode discusses various topics, including the pineapple's quirky predictions.
- What No One Tells You About Becoming a Parent!
Judi Love hosts an honest conversation on the realities of parenthood, with Emma Bunton sharing the pain of breastfeeding and Leigh Francis detailing new-parent anxiety. Jade Jones and Jill Francis also share significant life moments.
- How to beat the January blues
The hosts reunite after Christmas to discuss holiday trips to Disneyland Paris and Whitby, and explore the topic of Extreme Sports, including a story about skiing.
- Strippers "R" Us with Stephen Mulhern
Stephen Mulhern appears on the Unlikely Friends podcast, discussing potential TV show revivals and holiday plans. The group also reflects on the closure of MTV and its impact on the music industry.
- New Year, Same Unlikely Friends: Tattoos, Animals and Theme Songs
The Unlikely Friends celebrate the new year with discussions on animals, tattoos, and life's theme songs. Topics include differing opinions on chihuahuas, various tattoo stories, and personal theme song choices, all delivered with their si…
- A Kylie to Marvel at
This festive episode of Unlikely Friends features guest Simon Rimmer discussing Christmas dinner preferences and beloved music from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, sharing nostalgic memories and friendly debate.
- UNLIKELY FRIENDS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
The Unlikely Friends Christmas Special is packed with festive fun, including a Secret Santa gift exchange, terrible Christmas cracker jokes, and discussions on favorite meats and first Christmas memories. The episode features chaos and hol…
- SANTA CLAUS COMES TO VISIT
The Unlikely Friends Christmas special features listener questions from Judy Love, but is interrupted by Santa Claus, resulting in festive chaos, singing, and revelations about the naughty list.
- The Pineapple Goes Through Our Phone
The hosts discuss Christmas decorations and traditions, share showbiz anecdotes, and engage in a chaotic game involving reading private phone messages and notes.
- Bimini asks which SPICE GIRL would you be?
Bimini Bon Boulash visited the Unlikely Friends podcast, discussing drag personas and a 100km Sahara Desert trek for the breast cancer charity CoppaFeel!, focused on fundraising and early detection awareness.
- Stranger Things, Spice Girls Tour Stories and Childhood Holidays!
Emma Bunton discusses Stranger Things, her experiences on Spice Girls tours, childhood holidays, and fears with the hosts of Unlikely Friends. The episode also touches on circus visits and tour riders.
- A&E - Painful stories of trips to the hospital!
In this episode of Unlikely Friends, host Anna Friel is joined by Leigh Francis, Emma Bunton, Jade Jones, and Jill Francis to discuss hospital experiences. Topics include Leigh's childhood hospitalization, Jill's experiences with Crohn's d…
- Where have all the Girl Bands and Boy Bands gone?
The Unlikely Friends podcast episode covers a wide range of topics including personal health anecdotes, Christmas gift trends, financial habits, celebrity travel experiences, and explores the reasons behind the disappearance of 90s-style g…
- The gang get vulnerable and discuss HATS!
In this episode of Unlikely Friends, hosts Alison Hammond and Joel Dommett delve into personal reflections with their guests. Topics range from managing overthinking and living in the moment to sharing favorite hats and discussing personal…
- The One where the Pineapple Starts Talking
In this episode of Unlikely Friends, hosts Leigh Francis, Emma Bunton, Jade Jones, and Jill Francis discuss their children's accents, Emma's radio mishaps, and Jade's term "Kwengy." They play city-naming and Giddy and Honest games, share l…
- Who Got Stopped by THE POLICE!? The gang are in for questioning
The Unlikely Friends podcast features guests discussing their encounters with police. Vicky McClure hosts an interrogation-style episode with Emma Bunton, Jade Jones, Jill Francis, and Leigh Francis, covering childhood memories and persona…
- Time travel, Childbirth Stories and THE BIG SHOP
On Unlikely Friends, Leigh Francis and Jade Jones discuss Leigh's DJing and Jade's performance. They explore time travel, share personal childbirth stories, and chat about grocery shopping, including supermarket trips and toy aisle finds.
- Mel C Questions the Unlikely Friends
Mel C joins Emma Bunton on Unlikely Friends, posing questions about which Olympic sports the hosts would compete in and which songs make them dance. The episode features nostalgic discussions and joyful banter.
- What Would Your Death Row Dinner Be?
Emma Bunton and Jade Jones join their friends to discuss their Traitors experience, morning routines, and debate the timing of Christmas celebrations. The group also shares their choices for a death row dinner.
- Glastonbury, Boxing and Knitting with Olympian Tom Daley!
Olympic diver Tom Daley joins the hosts of Unlikely Friends to discuss knitting, boxing, and career fears. The episode also features stories from Jade Jones about performing and a discussion about the Spice Girls potentially playing Glasto…