Distinct Nostalgia

She's one of Emmerdale's longest serving stars. But she was written out in a rather lacklustre way. Deena Payne played the iconic Viv Windsor (later Viv Hope) for 18 years. Here Deena tells Ashley about how she made the character her own - and in real life made Yorkshire her home! The interview covers some hilarious tales of her time in the Dales and a candid account of her feelings about how her character was killed off. And don't forget Distinct Nostalgia has a plethora of soap treats in...

In the second programme in our series 'Comedy Writing Legends' Jan Etherington talks candidly about her huge sitcom hit Second Thoughts which ran for five series on ITV in the 90s. Second Thoughts starred the late Lynda Bellingham, James Bolam, Belinda Lang, Julia Sawalha and Mark Denham. Here Jan chats to Ashley about how she created the series with her husband and fellow writer Gavin Petrie. Future programmes in the Comedy Writing Legends series will meet the talent behind Porridge, One...

In our final 'Corrie at 60' series, we meet 3 of the very early stars of the Street. It's back to December 9th 1960 with Alan Rothwell who played David Barlow and Patricia Shakesby who played Susan Cunningham, Ken Barlow's first girlfriend. Both have great stories from the first days of Coronation Street. Then we're meeting Kenneth Cope who played Minnie Caldwell's lodger Sunny Jim (Jed Stone) from 1961 onwards. All these actors did other things, so expect one or two tangents along the way....

Dave Dutton has been appearing in Coronation Street since 1985. He's had 11 roles over that time and been involved in some of the show's most interesting storylines. Here, Dave who has just published his autobiography 'The Thirty Bob Kid', speaks candidly about his relationship with Corrie as well as his starring role in 1980s comedy 'Watching', writing for Ken Dodd and The Two Ronnies - and becoming Rik Mayall's co-star. It's a fun, entertaining interview to kick off the New Year....

He's one half of an enduring double act which made people laugh for decades. Here Syd Little speaks to Caroline Heywood about his partnership with the late, great Eddie Large who died from Covid-19 complications back in April. Over two parts, Syd takes their story from the early days doing the clubs through to their heady days of tv and variety stardom. Little Remembers Large begins an occasional series in which Caroline Heywood talks candidly and in depth with legendary British...

We return to our Corrie at 60 specials. This time Ashley has been dipping into his own archives for some anecdotes from Betty Driver and Jean Alexander. He chatted to Betty in her dressing room at Granada about 11 years ago and to Jean at her home in Southport about 8 years ago. Enjoy! And don't forget Distinct Nostalgia has a plethora of treats in store for you during Corrie's 60th birthday month. Stay tuned! And remember to look through our archives. Trawl through the player where you...

We've a special treat for you now as we showcase some new northern comedy. Written by Janice Fryett we have the pleasure in introducing you to Florrie and Dotty. Listen here to 5 sitcom shorts and become embroiled in the world of these two northern 21st Century gossips. Meet Florrie and Dotty Florrie & Dotty are two ladies in their sixties who blend past and present with their unique sense of humour and way with words. They love a cuppa (and something stronger), a nice sweet fancy and...

COMEDY WRITING LEGENDS - MARKS AND GRAN - EPISODE 1 PART TWO We kick off our Comedy Writing Legends series with two programmes celebrating the work of Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran. The pair started working together from a very young age and have had decades of success penning some classic British shows including Birds of a Feather, Shine on Harvey Moon and Roll Over Beethoven. Here in Part 2 they tell Distinct Nostalgia about working with Rik Mayall and creating 'The New Statesman' as...

Distinct Drama presents... MISSING YOU by Richard Vergette Starring June Brown MBE and Sam Barnard Produced by Ashley Byrne, Iain Mackness and James Brown An MIM Production for Distinct Nostalgia - More than a Podcast! This 30 minute drama kicks off ‘Generation Games’, a new series of occasional monologues and duologues exploring relationships, friendships and connections across the generational divide. June plays Margey, who against advice, refused to give her son up for adoption when...

COMEDY WRITING LEGENDS - MARKS AND GRAN - EPISODE 1 PART ONE We kick off our Comedy Writing Legends series with two programmes celebrating the work of Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran. The pair started working together from a very young age and have had decades of success penning some classic British sitcoms - from Birds of a Feather to Goodnight Sweetheart via The New Statesman. In this first part of their chat with Ashley they talk about their very early years and how the hit comedy drama...

This Christmas sees the start of an occasional series celebrating Britain's 'Comedy Writing Legends'. In the first programme, Ashley chats to Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran about their long career which has seen them create among other - Shine on Harvey Moon, Birds of a Feather, The New Statesman and Goodnight Sweetheart. Listen to the trail here. Other Christmas Specials on Distinct Nostalgia include more shows marking Corrie at 60, the legendary June Brown in a special drama called...

Acting legend June Brown may have given up her role as Dot in EastEnders but the 93 year old is far from retiring. This Christmas she plays the mother of a son with Down's syndrome who is separated from him because of the Pandemic. It’s June’s first role since quitting the BBC’s long running hit soap and explores a relationship strained by the isolation felt by many during the Covid 19 crisis. ‘Missing You’ was commissioned by production company MIM for Distinct Nostalgia, the very same...

He's now very much part of Emmerdale but years before he landed his role in the Yorkshire soap, Chris Bisson played Vikram in Coronation Street. He's been giving a short interview to Distinct Nostalgia as part our chats with past cast members to mark the Street's 60th birthday month. You can also hear Chris, at length, discussing is hilarious role in the hit Brit Flick East is East by scrolling through the Distinct Nostalgia player or wherever you get your podcasts. And don't forget...

She was in Coronation Street on and off for several decades, playing Alma who eventually married Mike Baldwin. Here national treasure Amanda Barrie remembers her days on the cobbles with some great stories about some of the grand dames of the show - Doris Speed, Pat Phoenix, Lynne Perrie and Eileen Derbyshire. She also chats to Ashley about the Carry Ons and one or two other things as well. And don't forget Distinct Nostalgia has a plethora of treats in store for you during Corrie's 60th...

Bruce Jones played Les Battersby for just over 10 years. He and his family caused something of a revolution in the Street. They'd never seen anything like it! Les annoyed the fictional residents of Weatherfield and fans alike when he first moved in but over time Les, Janice, Leanne and Toyah won the affection of Corrie viewers. Here Bruce remembers the early years and some of the contrasting funny and very serious storylines - from winding up Ken to Les's suicide attempt. And don't forget...

So we've reached the big final. Test your own Corrie knowledge as Dave from Glasgow representing Corriepedia and Michael from Southampton representing Conversation Street battle it out for the Distinct Nostalgia Mind of the Month Corrie Superfan title and the coveted Distinct Nostalgia Mind of the Month mug. Michael scored 32.5 points on Pat Phelan in the first round while Dave got 34 points on Ken Barlow. Now they must test their general Corrie knowledge going back 60 years. Listen Now and...

Simon May composed the EastEnders theme tune as well as Julia's Theme and Peggy's Theme which was used when Barbara Windsor's character left Albert Square. Here he pays tribute to Dame Barbara who has died at the age of 83 after a long battle with dementia. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/distinctnostalgia)

Bond girl, Carry On and Hammer horror star Valerie Leon worked with Barbara Windsor on several Carry On films including Carry On Girls and Carry On Camping. Here she pays tribute to Babs who has sadly died at the age of 83 after a long battle with dementia. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/distinctnostalgia)

Former EastEnders actor Andrew Lynford (who played Simon In the Late 90s) delivers a special tribute to Barbara who has sadly passed away at the age of 83 after a battle with dementia. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/distinctnostalgia)

She played Hayley Cropper for 16 years and being in Corrie changed her life in lots of different ways. Here, on Corrie's special day, Julie Hesmondhalgh reflects on what Coronation Street means to her - from watching it as a little girl in the 70s, landing a role in the world's longest running drama serial, playing one of the show's most iconic characters - and even finding love on the cobbles (in both fact and fiction). An extra special interview on an extra special day. And don't forget...