Mo Gilligan: Beginning, Middle & End

She taught Dizzee Rascal science, became a doctor on EastEnders and once escaped a comedy gig through a toilet window. Shazia Mirza has some stories to tell 😂
This week, Mo Gilligan sits down with Shazia for a hilarious, candid conversation about growing up in a strict Pakistani household in Birmingham and finding her voice as a Muslim woman in British comedy.

Shazia shares why Dizzee still calls her “Miss”, how her parents finally got the doctor they’d always wanted, and what it took to keep going through brutal gigs, racism and the pressure of having every joke scrutinised.

Plus: the Black comedy circuit that backed her, an unexpected post-show food stop in Singapore, and the joy of performing for Muslim women who finally get to hear their own experiences on stage.
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From pirate radio to “21 Seconds”, So Solid Crew helped change the sound of British music. But what happened when their first lady had to find her own voice?Lisa Maffia joins Mo Gilligan on The Beginning, Middle and End for a funny, honest and emotional conversation about the moments everyone remembers — and the struggles they didn’t see.She takes us inside the iconic “21 Seconds” video, remembers So Solid’s unforgettable BRIT Awards win and opens up about the loneliness of going solo. Lisa also reveals why she refused to distance herself from the crew, the pressure of becoming a pop star before she felt ready, and what being on reality TV has taught her.Plus: Audi TTs, superstar encounters, starting new chapters in your 40s and the faith that helped ground her through her mum’s cancer diagnosis.For Mo, So Solid were superheroes. This is a chance to meet the woman behind the music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Homeland changed his career. But David Harewood says it took 40 years to become a leading actor on British television. Why did he have to leave the UK to get his shot?
David joins Mo Gilligan for a funny, frank and deeply personal conversation about the roles he was denied, the racism he faced playing Shakespeare, and the move to America that changed everything.

He opens up about his mental health breakdown, recovery and why speaking publicly about psychosis became one of his proudest achievements. Plus, the meeting where Idris Elba announced he was heading to America, seeing Daniel Kaluuya go from schoolboy to Oscar winner, and David’s honest take on the debate over British actors playing American roles.

Mo also shares the criticism that pushed him towards stand-up and why making his Netflix chicken documentary became the hardest thing he’s ever done.
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Eric Shango had given up on acting. His agent convinced him to do one more audition. Seventy-two hours later, the phone rang.

The Trigger Point actor joins Mo Gilligan on Beginning, Middle & End to reveal the story behind his breakthrough, from grief and money worries to landing a role alongside Vicky McClure—and asking her name because he had no idea who she was.

Eric shares the advice Vicky gave him that stayed with him, why he stopped waiting for auditions to arrive, and the reality of going from life on set to wondering when the next job will come. He also opens up about therapy, his Congolese roots, and a letter he wrote as a teenager asking for a chance to change his family’s future.

There’s laughter, Arsenal debate, and an honest conversation about keeping faith when the dream feels out of reach.

Watch or listen to the full episode, and subscribe to Beginning, Middle & End with Mo Gilligan for more stories behind the people you know.
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Chase & Status join Mo Gilligan on Beginning, Middle & End to share the stories behind the music — from bedroom decks and Manchester raves to arena shows.

They reveal how “Duppy Man” changed everything, why some of their biggest tracks didn’t land on the first play, and how they bring out the best in collaborators including IRAH, Little Simz and Stormzy. Plus: working with Rihanna, the inspiration behind Generic Everything, and their thoughts on AI, club culture and staying hungry for more.
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