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Dua Lipa, #SkinnyTok and the labubu doll craze
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Dua Lipa has been hailed as ‘the best literary interviewer’ for her forensically researched Service95 author chats and so ofc we had to weigh in, huns, from the rise of celebrity book clubs (and even book stylists) to why people are so reticent to acknowledge a beautiful woman’s intelligence. Also this week: celebrity couples from Kylie and Timothée to Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper, the labubu doll craze and the ‘kidultification’ of culture, plus a deepdive into the disturbing world of #SkinnyTok. Is this the end of body positivity or just recycled fatphobia, emboldened by the Ozempic era? Finally, a few TV recs, including our review of Molly Mae: Behind It All part two. Enjoy and have a fab weekend!
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Recs/ reviews
- Is Dua Lipa the best literary interviewer? The Guardian
- Dua Lipa versus the literary landscape, YouTube
- Still Born, Guadalupe Nettel
- Why countless guys are obsessed with those weird and wild Labubu dolls, GQ
- The £13 cuddly toys now being sold for thousands thanks to a celebrity craze, Telegraph
- Flow, in cinemas and to rent on YouTube
- Who’s Afraid of #SkinnyTok? Airmail
- SkinnyTok Isn’t A Trend — It’s The Latest Iteration of Diet Culture & Fatphobia, Refinery29
- From fashion to the food industry: 11 ways that weight-loss drugs have changed the world, Guardian
- Molly Mae: Behind It All pt II, Amazon Prime
- I thought Molly-Mae Hague was self-absorbed – her documentary changed my mind, Metro
- Malpractice, ITV
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Gisèle Pelicot, celeb power couples and splitting the bill
48:22|Symbol of survivor-led justice Gisèle Pelicot has released her memoir, so this week we’re discussing some of the most powerful and inspiring interviews from her press tour. Also on the show: hologram concerts, Dua Lipa and Callum Turner top the Standard’s list of London’s 25 power couples, Cruz Beckham’s Beatles-themed 21st birthday bash, and our thoughts on Vogue’s viral essay from a woman who refuses to split the bill on a first date. Plus, reviews of the Derry Girls’ creator’s new show How to Get to Heaven from Belfast and the gorgeous BBC sitcom Small Prophets. Recs/ reviews: Abba Voyage at the Abba ArenaTivoli La Caleta, TenerifeHow to get to Heaven from Belfast, Netflix Waiting for the Out, BBC iPlayer Small Prophets, BBC, iPlayerAnniversary, Netflix Traindreams, Netflix A Hymn to Life, Gisèle PelicotGisèle Pelicot, The Interview, New York TimesGisèle Pelicot: “I’ve Given Myself Permission To Be Happy”, VogueGisèle Pelicot: The Newsnight Interview review, GuardianSo the Epstein scandal is about politics? Silly me for thinking it’s about the mass abuse of women and girls, GuardianI don't want children. I don't want children. I don't want children. I don't want children, Jameela Jamil, SubstackThe Girl Who Wouldn’t Split the Bill, Vogue.WUTHERING HEIGHTS: chemistry, controversies and our honest review
39:36|Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights is the most talked about and divisive film of the year, so obviously we had to race home from the cinema to record our review for you as a special bonus episode! From Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s chemistry to the many controversies that have people hating, we weigh in on every juicy detail and share the honest thoughts we had while watching. Enjoy huns, we’ll be back tomorrow with our usual pop culture debrief! Follow us on IG @straightuppod and TikTok @straightuppodFind us on YouTube @straightupmediapodEmail at hello@straightuppodcast.co.ukRecs Wuthering Heights, in cinemas nowShould Jacob Elordi Play Heathcliff? Why the ‘Wuthering Heights’ Casting Is So Controversial, According to Literary Experts and More, VarietyJacob Elordi, Heathcliff and the Controversy Over ‘Wuthering Heights’, New York Times'The hostility has been relentless': How Wuthering Heights became this year's most divisive film, BBCHow Far Is Too Far? Emerald Fennell on Gothic Obsession and Wuthering Heights, V&A Museum YouTube .Jacob Elordi, the Wuthering Heights press tour and motherhood horrors
52:56|Wuthering Heights is out this weekend so we’re diving into some of the press tour’s juiciest moments, from Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie’s ‘affair baiting’ to Elordi’s Esquire interview with Emerald Fennell. Also on the show: Bella Hadid’s break-up, Charli XCX on her fave red carpet moments, and the powerful rise of motherhood horror, from Rose Byrne’s ‘monumental’ new film to an addictive, hun-recommended book about a baby shower gone terribly wrong. Plus, the viral Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore TV series, an excellent Romantasy rec and Freida McFadden’s new revenge novel.Follow us on IG @straightuppod and TikTok @straightuppodFind us on YouTube @straightupmediapodEmail at hello@straightuppodcast.co.ukRecs/ reviews: Landman, Paramount+Yellowstone, Netflix What ‘Landman’ Understands About Oil, New York Times Charli xcx is the Moment, Gloves Off with Nicky Campbell on YouTube Jacob Elordi Opens up on the Magnetic Power of Margot Robbie and the Yorkshire Moors in Wuthering Heights, EsquireRose Byrne: ‘You lose part of yourself when you become a mother’, The Times If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, in cinemas from 20 FebExpectation, Anna HopeSo Thrilled for You, Holly BourneDire Bound, Sable SorensenDear Debbie, Freida McFadden.Chappell Roan, Kim K’s Lewis Hamilton romance and Katie Price’s scammer husband
44:02|Chappell Roan’s nipple-ring dress was the talk of the Grammy Awards red carpet, so naturally we’re debriefing on that this week, as well as the night’s other biggest moments. Also on the agenda: all things Formula 1, from Brad Pitt’s Oscar-nominated F1: The Movie to the latest rumours that Lewis Hamilton is dating Kim Kardashian, The White Lotus season 4 updates (including Helena Bonham Carter’s casting!) Katie Price’s highly concerning new husband, Olivia Attwood’s separation, a tribute to comedy icon Catherine O'Hara, the long-swirling allegations against David Walliams and a check-in on Marvel’s newest superhero show, which is actually all about acting. Enjoy huns! Get one of the last few tickets to our book club on 15 Feb at the Hoxton, Holborn via Ticket Tailor. Follow us on IG @straightuppod and TikTok @straightuppodFind us on YouTube @straightupmediapodEmail at hello@straightuppodcast.co.ukRecs/reviewsWonderman, Disney+F1: The Movie, AppleTVGrammys 2026 highlights: the 10 biggest moments of the night, The Times Katie Price starting to think marriage to Lee Andrews was ‘huge mistake’, Metro Olivia Attwood ‘to divorce’ Bradley Dack & removes wedding ring, The SunHilltop hijinks: White Lotus to take over luxury chateau on French Riviera, Guardian .Taylor vs Blake, the future of Brand Beckham and Sophie Turner’s Steal
01:00:44|The Beckham feud rolls on and of course we have a big juicy update for you! We comb through everything that’s happened over the last week, from wedding witness DJ Fat Tony setting the record straight on Victoria’s “inappropriate” dance, to weigh-ins from Brooklyn and Nicola’s exes. So what’s the future for Brand Beckham? Also on the show: what unsealed texts from the upcoming It Ends with Us trial reveal about Taylor Swift and Blake Lively’s rumoured fallout, and our thoughts on the Meghan Trainor surrogacy backlash. Plus, the snubs from this year’s Oscar nominations and a debrief on The Beauty, the wild body horror satirising our culture of physical perfection starring Bella Hadid. Enjoy huns! Get your ticket to our book club on 15 Feb at the Hoxton, Holborn via Ticket Tailor. Follow us on IG @straightuppod and TikTok @straightuppodFind us on YouTube @straightupmediapodEmail at hello@straightuppodcast.co.ukRecs/ reviews: Steal, Amazon PrimeAlana Hadid, whose brother dated Nicola Peltz, weighs in on Brooklyn Beckham drama, Independent Victoria Beckham owns trademarks to all her children’s names, TimesBrooklyn Beckham doesn’t need his parents. He’s got a secret weapon, TimesMeghan Trainor Faces Onslaught of Hate Over Surrogate Baby, Newsweek The Baby Died. Whose Fault is it? WiredThe Beauty, Disney PlusRatched, Netflix .Harry Styles, Heated Rivalry and Paul Mescal in Hamnet
01:15:32|Harry Styles has new music out, ‘Skins meets Succession’ show Industry is back for season four and Paul Mescal is playing Shakepeare in tear-jerker Hamnet – it’s a good week for pop culture! Also on the show, we’re debriefing on Amazon’s first-look at Sophie Turner as Lara Croft, the ice hockey romance that’s taken the internet by storm, Heated Rivalry, and Molly Mae’s Adidas collab. Plus a fab Call Her Daddy ep with Jennette McCurdy (author of our book club pick Half His Age), a gripping podcast series from Alice Levine and our initial thoughts on s2 of Idris Elba’s Hijack. Enjoy huns and don’t forget to listen to our Brooklyn Beckham bonus episode from yesterday, where we deep-dive into his explosive statement on his relationship with Victoria and David! Tickets for our book club on 15 Feb at the Hoxton, Holborn are going quickly! Get yours via Ticket Tailor. Follow us on IG @straightuppod and TikTok @straightuppodFind us on YouTube @straightupmediapodEmail at hello@straightuppodcast.co.ukRecs/reviewsHamnet, in cinemas nowHamnet feels elemental, but is it just grief porn? New YorkerHow accurate is Hamnet? The Times21 Questions to Fall in Love with Paul Mescal, GQ The Roofman, AmazonExplosive Lies podcastRiot Women, BBC iPlayerHeated Rivalry, NOW TV/ SkyUK viewers warm up for steamy ice hockey hit Heated Rivalry, BBC Jennette McCurdy: Half His Age, Call Her DaddyHeavy Is the Crown: George R.R. Martin on His Triumphs and Torments, The Hollywood ReporterA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, NOW TVMolly Mae: Behind It All, Amazon Industry, BBC iPlayerIndustry’s Marisa Abela and Myha’la on success, sisterhood and strap-ons, GlamourHow to Fail with Marisa Abela Marisa Abela: ‘Industry isn’t afraid to do things that upset people’, TimesHijack, Apple TV .BROOKLYN BECKHAM: the family feud goes nuclear
40:31|Brooklyn Beckham has broken his silence on the family feud and so *obviously* we had to record an emergency episode for you huns! In an utterly jaw-dropping statement, Brooklyn has accused his parents Victoria and David of putting brand Beckham above absolutely everything, with allegations ranging from a vendetta against wife Nicola Peltz that includes planting false stories in the press, to his mum dancing inappropriately “on” him after hijacking the first dance at their wedding. Is this fall out the inevitable culmination of a lifetime in the public eye? Or is Brooklyn a brat with a controlling wife whose parents have tried their best? We dissect it all! As always we’re dying to know your thoughts huns so please do get in touch with your takes xTickets for our book club on Sunday 15 Feb at the Hoxton Holborn are now live here!Follow us on IG @straightuppod and TikTok @straightuppodFind us on YouTube @straightupmediapodEmail at hello@straightuppodcast.co.ukReferences: It’s a Brooklyn v Beckham Inc disaster: what happens when the elephant in the room goes rogue, The Guardian VICTORIA BECKHAM: marriage, money and the Brooklyn fall out, Straight Up (our ep)I don't want to reconcile with family, says Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, BBC Nicola Peltz Has Married Brooklyn Beckham At Her Family’s Oceanfront Palm Beach Estate, Vogue Nicola Peltz’s Custom Valentino Couture Wedding Dress Was Like “A Work Of Art”, Vogue .Timothée Chalamet, Steven Bartlett and Kendall Jenner’s plastic surgery
01:04:52|Timothée Chalamet won Best Actor at the Golden Globes so it’s time for our Marty Supreme review! Also on the show: Kendall Jenner has set the record straight on her sexuality and plastic surgery in her most candid interview yet. But could her nose really have changed shape from acne medication? Plus, our thoughts on the backlash against Diary of a CEO founder Steven Bartlett following his guest Chris Williamson’s controversial comments about the falling birth rate, and a couple of TV recs to beat the January blues. Tickets for our book club on Sunday 15 Feb at the Hoxton Holborn are now live here!! Run don’t walk because the first 20 ticket buyers get a FREE baby tee from the iconic slogan baby tee brand Ruby Loot.Follow us on IG @straightuppod and TikTok @straightuppodFind us on YouTube @straightupmediapodEmail at hello@straightuppodcast.co.ukRecs/reviewsHis & Hers, Netflix People We Meet on Vacation, Netflix Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story, Netflix Hunting Wives, iTVXThe Night Manager, iPlayer‘Diary of CEO’ Guest Calls Out Girl With the List on Birth Rate—She Replies, Newsweeks The Golden Globes ceremony ignored politics. But their big winner taps today’s unhappy turbulence, Guardian Marty Supreme, in cinemas Hamnet, in cinemas.The Traitors, new Bond Callum Turner and The Housemaid
46:00|The Traitors is back with a whole new twist and we have thoughts! Also this week, we review Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried’s wild thriller The Housemaid and Callum Turner’s afterlife romcom Eternity. Speaking of, Mr Dua Lipa looks set to be the next James Bond… but would he make a good 007 or is he too safe a bet? Then of course we had to debrief on Timothée’s Chalamet’s speech about Kylie after winning Best Actor at the Critic’s Choice awards, and update you on the never-ending Beckham family feud saga. Plus, our first book club title has been decided and tickets will be on sale very soon! Enjoy the ep huns and as always please do let us know your thoughts, we LOVE hearing from you. Follow us on IG @straightuppod and TikTok @straightuppodFind us on YouTube @straightupmediapodEmail at hello@straightuppodcast.co.ukRecs/reviewsSo Thrilled For You, Holly BourneHalf His Age, Jeanette McCurdyFlesh, David SzalayThe Housemaid, in cinemas now Eternity, AppleTV Can Callum Turner handle what it takes to be the new James Bond? TimesCritics Choice Awards: Full Winners List, Hollywood ReporterWeapons, available to rent from homeThe Beckham family's 'sad' escalating feud with Brooklyn and his wife Nicola explained, Hello! The Traitors, BBC iPlayer .