Plot Twist

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. 

Jay Pharoah is one of the hottest impressionist talents on the American scene right now. Shooting to fame as a writer and performer on NBC’s long running sketch show, Saturday Night Live, he’s no stranger to the likes of Barak Obama, Denzel Washington, Jay Z and The Rock – and in fact has over 200 voices in his repertoire! Speaking with Tom he shares the plot twist moments from throughout his life, the sacrifice and dedication it took to initially get noticed, the influence of the likes of Steve Harvey and Charlie Murphy – and why getting dissed by Kanye West was a big win.

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.

As an actor and comedian Kerry Godliman has conquered roles ranging from the serious to the hilarious, and is perhaps best known for work alongside Ricky Gervais in Derek (as Hannah) and Afterlife (as Lisa). Top that off with stand up comedy tours (Bosh), panel show appearances, and series like Adult Material and Whitstable Pearl – you might wonder how she's forged such a varied career. With Tom she speaks about the Plot Twist moments that have inspired the journey – as well as thoughts on social media, and some strange graffiti happening in a woodland in South London.

Whether it's his hilarious roles in Afterlife or in Derek alongside Ricky Gervais, his appearances on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, or writing and starring in his own series The Cockfields – Joe Wilkinson has become a much loved fixture of British comedy for his often dishevelled and off-the-wall characters. Speaking with Tom, he shares appreciation for the people who have influenced his career and the Plot Twist moments that have given him the courage to "to go down in a blaze of glory".

On a stratospheric rise to stardom Letitia Wright has won the hearts of fans and critics alike as the iconic Shuri in Marvel’s Black Panther, alongside a range of other cult roles in everything from Top Boy, to Steve McQueen's Small Axe, Black Mirror, Doctor Who, and working with Steven Spielberg in Ready Player One. She’s done this all before the age of 30. Speaking with Tom, she explains how she’s always gravitated towards stories that in turn have had an impact on her own life and internal growth – including her new film, Surrounded – and shares the plot twist moments and people that have inspired this incredible journey.