Walking The Dog with Emily Dean

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with the brilliant Michael Fox, actor, musician and all-round delight.Michael is best known for his role as Andy the Footman in Downton Abbey, who rose through the ranks to become butler at the great house. Emily chats to him about what it was like being part of such an iconic show, the magic of working with legends like Dame Maggie Smith, and how he met his partner, Lady Edith herself, Laura Carmichael, on set.Michael also talks about his love of music and his new solo EP Bones, a beautifully atmospheric, Nashville-inspired collection that showcases his talent as a songwriter and performer.It’s a warm and funny conversation filled with brilliant stories, from mistaken identities involving Michael J. Fox to behind-the-scenes moments from Downton. And yes, Ray adored him, even if he wasn’t thrilled about being told he’d belong downstairs.You can listen to Michael’s new EP Bones now on all major streaming platforms and follow him on Instagram hereFollow Emily:Instagram: @emilyrebeccadeanX: @divine_miss_emWalking The Dog is produced by Will NicholsMusic: Rich JarmanArtwork: Alice LudlamPhotography: Karla Gowlett

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the brilliant George Northwood, the king of modern hairdressing, the conversation continues with more fascinating stories from one of the most creative forces in British style.If you haven’t already, catch up on part one, and if you’d like to experience George’s signature Undone look for yourself, or explore his award-winning haircare range, visit georgenorthwood.com.Follow Emily:Instagram: @emilyrebeccadeanX: @divine_miss_emWalking The Dog is produced by Will NicholsMusic: Rich JarmanArtwork: Alice LudlamPhotography: Karla Gowlett

This week Emily and Ray take an East London stroll with the wonderful George Northwood, one of the most influential hairstylists in the world, joined by his two beautiful whippets, Willow and Mochi.George’s client list reads like a roll call of modern icons, from Alexa Chung to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Julianne Moore, Claudia Winkleman and Gwyneth Paltrow. But beyond the star names, he’s credited with redefining modern hairdressing, tearing up the rulebook of rigid blow-dries to create a more effortless, natural look that changed how we think about beautiful hair.He talks to Emily about discovering his love of hairdressing through his mobile hairdresser Nan, the highs of working with some of the world’s biggest names, and his decision to begin a surrogacy journey as a single parent, a moving and heartfelt chapter of his life.George has also built an incredible business, with three London salons and his own haircare range, Undone. To explore the world of George Northwood or book an appointment, visit georgenorthwood.com.It’s a warm, fascinating and uplifting conversation with one of Britain’s most creative and down-to-earth talents, and a man who, crucially, welcomes dogs into all his salons.Follow Emily:Instagram: @emilyrebeccadeanX: @divine_miss_emWalking The Dog is produced by Will NicholsMusic: Rich JarmanArtwork: Alice LudlamPhotography: Karla Gowlett

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Jess Fostekew, the comedian, writer and actor continues their warm, funny and wide-ranging chat about life, laughter and the moments that shaped her career.If you haven’t already, make sure to catch part one, and don’t miss Jess’s brand new live show Iconic Breath, touring from February 2026. You can find all dates and tickets at plosive.co.uk.Follow Emily:Instagram: @emilyrebeccadeanX: @divine_miss_emWalking The Dog is produced by Will NicholsMusic: Rich JarmanArtwork: Alice LudlamPhotography: Karla Gowlett

This week Emily and Ray take a walk with the brilliant Jess Fostekew, comedian, writer and all-round powerhouse of warmth and wit.Jess is best known for her acclaimed live stand-up, as well as her appearances on QI, Live at the Apollo, and more. She chats to Emily about growing up in Dorset, how comedy became her social currency, and why she swapped a promising career in law (complete with a very posh law degree) for the world of stand-up, a decision that’s since earned her a devoted following and a Comedy Award nomination.It’s a funny, thoughtful and joy-filled chat with one of the most effortlessly likeable voices in British comedy, and someone who handled Ray’s rather unathletic walking speed with saintly patience.You can catch Jess on tour in her brand new show Iconic Breath, running from February to May 2026. For tickets and dates, head to plosive.co.uk.Follow Emily:Instagram: @emilyrebeccadeanX: @divine_miss_emWalking The Dog is produced by Will NicholsMusic: Rich JarmanArtwork: Alice LudlamPhotography: Karla Gowlett

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the brilliant Nina Conti, the comedian, actress and ventriloquist continues to share stories from her fascinating life and career, from growing up in Hampstead with actor Tom Conti and writer Kara Wilson, to creating her much-loved stage partner Monkey.If you haven’t already, make sure to catch part one, and don’t miss Nina’s wonderful new film Sunlight, which is out in cinemas now and available to stream on Apple TV from November 28th. You can also find out more about her live shows at ninaontour.com.Follow Emily:Instagram: @emilyrebeccadeanX: @divine_miss_emWalking The Dog is produced by Will NicholsMusic: Rich JarmanArtwork: Alice LudlamPhotography: Karla Gowlett

This week Emily and Ray take a walk with the brilliant Nina Conti, comedian, actress and ventriloquist extraordinaire.They meet on Hampstead Heath, where Nina grew up with her parents, actor Tom Conti and writer Kara Wilson, and Emily hears about her fascinating childhood (which happened to include David Bowie at one of her birthday parties). Nina talks about starting out in the RSC before finding her true calling in comedy and ventriloquism with her much-loved sidekick, Monkey.She tells Emily about her hit live show Whose Face Is It Anyway?, which has been extended due to popular demand, tickets are available at ninaontour.com, and her brilliant new film Sunlight, a darkly funny and unconventional love story she co-wrote, directed and stars in. It’s in cinemas now and available to pre-order on Apple TV ahead of its digital release in November.It’s a warm, funny and utterly charming chat with one of Britain’s most inventive performers (and features the unforgettable moment Nina gives Raymond his very own ventriloquist voice).Follow Emily:Instagram: @emilyrebeccadeanX: @divine_miss_emWalking The Dog is produced by Will NicholsMusic: Rich JarmanArtwork: Alice LudlamPhotography: Karla Gowlett

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the brilliant Sam Ryder, the singer continues to share his warm, funny and heartfelt reflections on life, music and the whirlwind of recent years.If you haven’t already, catch up on part one, and don’t miss Sam’s stunning new album Heartland, a beautifully personal and intimate record that showcases his incredible voice and songwriting. You can also see him live at his forthcoming Wembley Arena show.Head to Sam's website for tickets and to listen to Heartland.Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadeanX - @divine_miss_emWalking The Dog is produced by Will NicholsMusic: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice LudlamPhotography: Karla Gowlett

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with the brilliant Sam Ryder, whose soaring voice and infectious positivity have made him one of the most loved artists in the country.Emily caught up with Sam at his Sussex rehearsal space, where he and his band were preparing for their upcoming Wembley Arena show. They talked about his incredible journey, from years spent gigging in pubs and weddings while working as a builder, to his breakout during the pandemic and his unforgettable performance at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest.Sam also opens up about life after Eurovision, and his decision to go independent with his stunning new album Heartland, an intimate, deeply personal collection of songs that chart the highs and lows of the past year.It’s an inspiring and joy-filled chat with one of the warmest, most genuine people you could hope to meet (and yes, Ray fell completely in love with him).Head to Sam's website for tickets and to listen to Heartland.Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadeanX - @divine_miss_emWalking The Dog is produced by Will NicholsMusic: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice LudlamPhotography: Karla Gowlett