Plot Twist

From Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter, to Captain Hook, The Patriot with Mel Gibson, theatre alongside Daniel Craig, and most recently starring as Hollywood hero Cary Grant in Archie (ITVX) – Jason Isaacs has had an esteemed and wide ranging career spanning over 35 years. Speaking with Tom he shares the reasons why taking roles as a villain will always appeal, as well as the plot twist audition that sealed his fate (alongside some swear words from a posh lady). Plus, Jason reveals a Harry Potter film nugget you may not have realised, relating to his brilliant ability as a voice actor. 

From the Royal Shakespeare Company to I May Destroy You and now The Lazarus Project (Sky Original) – Paapa Essiedu's rise has earned him attention as one of the hottest actors to watch from the British scene – even landing him on lists as a favourite for the next James Bond role. Speaking with Tom he shares the plot twist moments and influences that have shaped this incredible career. Plus on the subject of Paapa’s new series of the Lazarus Project, they get philosophical on the idea of time travel. 

The much-loved comedian, musician, and Strictly Come Dancing champion Bill Bailey (of Black Books/QI/Never Mind The Buzzcocks fame) joins Tom this week ahead of his new stand-up tour, to talk about his life in performance. He shares tales of late-night escapades with colleague Sean Lock, empty Edinburgh gigs, paddle boarding, and the big moment at Glastonbury he realised he’d received his flowers. Bill Bailey's Master Crafter's is available to watch on NOW and Sky.

In 2012 singer-songwriter James Arthur's life changed forever as he shot to stardom after winning the X Factor – a rags to riches tale that played out in front of the country on reality TV's most famous music show. Speaking to Tom he shares the plot twist moments, highs and lows that have followed, from building a fiercely loyal fan base, to coming to terms with mistakes, and finding a new peace through fatherhood. Ahead of the release of his forthcoming album, Bitter Sweet Love, he also shares insights into his creative process and explains why music will always be the centre point of his life.

From Spooks to Robin Hood, The Hobbit and Obsession, Richard Armitage's varied career on screen has won the hearts of many around the world. But alongside TV and film, he's is also a seasoned theatre actor, audiobook narrator and now, author. Speaking with Tom he shares the origins and inspirations behind Geneva, his debut thriller as a writer – plus the plot twist moments from throughout his life and career.

Ashley Benson shot to fame in the early 2010s as star of the American teen-thriller Pretty Little Liars – a series that has had an enduring fanbase and has gained her a cool 24 million followers along the way. Having started in show-business at the tender age of three, she shares with Tom the plot twists that have taken her through work as an actress, singer, dancer, businesswoman and a social media sensation. Plus they discuss her latest project, Wilderness – a gripping story following a dark and complicated love triangle – a performance in which Ashley explains she felt emotionally connected to. This interview was recorded prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike. 

Gemma Whelan of Game of Thrones fame (as the formidable Yara Greyjoy) joins Tom this week to discuss the career plot twists that have taken her from dancing, to Edinburgh fringe comedy, and now big screen acting success. She shares the influences that have shaped her work, and how a chance encounter at an extras audition changed everything. Plus excitement from the release of her second series starring as DS Sarah Collins in The Tower (ITVX) - a cop-drama that fans of Line of Duty and Happy Valley will find equally as arresting.

The award winning standup comedian Maisie Adam is loved for her appearances on Live at The Apollo, A League of Their Own, Mock The Week, and The Last Leg – and her rise to fame has been nothing short of stratospheric. With Tom, she discusses the plot twist moments that have catapulted her to the forefront of British comedy, including the tenacity that helped her land her very first gigs and the people that have helped her along the way. Maisie also shares stories about her love of football, including recently playing Soccer Aid hungover the day after her wedding, and spending time alongside Katherine Ryan training with the Lionesses to record a League Of Their Own special (available to watch on Sky Max) ahead of the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.