Mo Gilligan: Beginning, Middle & End

BAFTA-winning writer and comedian Sophie Willan joins Mo Gilligan for a brutally honest and hilarious conversation about turning real life chaos into award-winning TV.

From getting expelled from school after turning up drunk in a bikini, to building the hit series Alma’s Not Normal, Sophie opens up about the moments that shaped her career — including how her grandma inspired her creativity, the reality of writing a TV series from scratch, and why becoming a mother has completely changed how she looks at work.

Mo and Sophie also dive into stand-up nerves, Edinburgh comedy memories, growing up in Bolton, and the gritty early days of chasing a creative career.

Expect laughs, honesty, and a proper behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to turn life experience into comedy gold.

Topics in this episode:

Becoming a BAFTA-winning writer
Sophie Willan’s chaotic teenage years
The truth about writing TV shows
Edinburgh comedy circuit stories
Parenthood and creativity
Why stand-up comics are built differently

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Vikkstar joins Beginning, Middle & End for a candid deep-dive into the journey behind one of the internet’s biggest success stories. From the early days of uploading videos and building Sidemen, to navigating fame, pressure, business moves, and staying relevant in a constantly changing digital world — this episode covers the real story behind the screens.

We talk ambition, burnout, money, friendships, discipline, and what it actually takes to stay at the top for over a decade. Honest, insightful, and packed with lessons for creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing something big.

Whether you know him as Vikkstar123, gamer, entrepreneur, or one of the OGs of UK YouTube — this is Vikkstar like you’ve never heard him before.

From labouring jobs in London to building a multi-million pound fashion brand, Tommy Fordham’s journey is anything but normal.

In this episode, Tommy sits down with Mo Gilligan to talk about the reality behind success — from being cast on TOWIE and suddenly becoming famous, to building global sneaker brand Mallet and generating over £100M in sales.

But the story doesn’t stop there.

Tommy opens up about losing millions, starting again from scratch, being diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life, and why he believes failure was the best thing that ever happened to him.

This is a raw conversation about entrepreneurship, fame, mental health and what it really takes to build something from nothing.

If you’re interested in business, fashion, or the mindset behind success, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

What’s it really like growing up famous on one of Britain’s biggest TV shows?
This week on Beginning, Middle & End, Mo Gilligan sits down with EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy. From starting on the show at just 10 years old, to dealing with tabloid pressure as a teenager, Natalie opens up about the reality of growing up in front of millions.
They talk about the surreal moment she realised Walford wasn’t a real place, the pressure of filming 6 days a week, and why people still treat her like Sonya Fowler in real life.
Plus:
The truth about soap rivalries
Growing up on TV
What life is really like behind EastEnders
Why Natalie decided to leave after 30 years
The weirdest fan encounters

This is one of the funniest and most honest conversations about fame, TV and growing up in the public eye.
🎧 Listen now.

Manny Norte is known as “The Name You Can Trust” in UK music — but his story runs deeper than radio. In this episode, Manny sits down with Mo Gilligan to break down the untold journey behind UK nightlife, radio, fashion, and global culture. From dance battles and pirate radio to DJing for Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Drake and Kanye, Manny reveals how he became one of the most trusted tastemakers in the game. They talk about:
The wild West End club era when DJs were superstars
The truth about modern DJs vs vinyl culture
Playing private parties for Dave Chappelle, Naomi Campbell & Stormzy
Launching Kanye’s Yeezy in London
Breaking artists on Capital XTRA radio
The reality of staying relevant for 20+ years in music

Plus Manny reveals the industry secrets behind brand events, fashion circles, and celebrity after-parties. If you love music culture, UK nightlife history, and stories from behind the velvet rope — this one is special.