Famously...

Famously...

By BBC Sounds

The private lives of our biggest stars… now up for public debate. Join our four hosts for a fun and forensic look at all the biggest celebrity stories. Whether you want to delve into the most shocking celebrity love stories, breaking down the drama and drilling into the headlines with Jack Remmington and Sarel on Famously… in Love, or take a look at some of the most scandalous, spicy and downright absurd celebrity trials and controversies to date with Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean on Famously… On Trial, we’ve got it all.

Think public spats, epic takedowns, enduring controversies, outrageously bad behaviour, and very public break-ups. Nothing is off the record.

The Famously… feed drops episodes twice a week for double the drama in every detail. New episodes of Famously… In Love drop every Tuesday and new episodes of Famously… On Trial drop every Thursday.

Credits:

Famously… In Love is a Listen production for BBC Sounds.

Producers: Ella McLeod, Olivia Cope Senior Producer: Georgia Arundell Executive Producer: Zöe Edwards Sound Engineer: Jon Last Famously… On Trial is a C&B production for BBC Sounds.

Producer: Emily Whalley Writer: Kate Soloman Executive Producer: Ruth Barnes Sound Engineer: Ross Ramsey-Golding

Music by Felt Music Audio identity and trails: Ali Rezakhani Assistant Commissioner: Izzy Lee-Poulton Commissioning Editor for BBC Sounds: Dylan Haskins

Episodes

On Trial: The Bling Ring

When a group of fame-obsessed teens stole millions in designer goods from celebrities like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan, they quickly became an iconic symbol of the late 00s — a time when early social media, blogs and reality TV offered unprecedented glimpses into the lives of stars. But what truly drove their crime spree? Was it a craving for fame, pure fashion envy, or something darker lurking beneath their obsession with celebrity culture? Join Larry Dean and Stacey Dooley to discuss the story of 'The Bling Ring'.
14/11/2430m 5s

In Love: What does it take to be a celebrity power couple?

Being a famous celebrity couple is one thing, but there are levels to the game. Jack and Sarel look at what it takes to rise and be a power couple, how you sustain being one and what power really looks like in famous relationships. To help them explore this, they look at the relationships of George and Amal Clooney, Beyonce and Jay-Z and Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively.
12/11/2435m 38s

On Trial: Tulisa vs The Fake Sheikh

How do you know if an offer is too good to be true? Tulisa, once a star with N-Dubz and an X Factor judge, thought she was stepping into a Hollywood dream, only to find herself in a trap set by a journalist chasing a headline. Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean explore the dark side of media ethics, the power dynamics at play, and how the court’s final ruling impacted both Tulisa and tabloid journalism.
07/11/2434m 50s

In Love: How do the partners and families of politicians impact their public profile?

Fashion magazine shoots, talk show interviews, reality TV shows – these days politicians have more in common with celebrities than you might think. And just like celebrities, the family and relationships of politicians can impact what we think of them too.To help them explore why, Jack and Sarel look at the lives of Barack and Michelle Obama, Tony and Cherie Blair, Donald and Melania Trump, Boris and Carrie Johnson, Keir and Victoria Starmer and Kamala Harris and Douglas Emhoff.
05/11/2426m 25s

On Trial: Miley Cyrus vs Teen Fame

Miley Cyrus has grown up in the spotlight and faced her fair share of scrutiny along the way. As she moved on from her Disney days, we all witnessed her rebellious evolution into an adult pop icon — but was her 'raunchy' reinvention a natural progression or a symptom of a fame-fuelled machine? Join Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean to discuss all-things Miley as we put teen fame on trial.
31/10/2429m 13s

In Love: Is cheating different for celebrities?

Why is it so common to hear about celebrities cheating on their partners? Is it because famous people live a different life to the rest of us? To explore this, Jack and Sarel look at celebrities including LeAnn Rimes, Tiger Woods, Kevin Hart and Ozzy Osbourne.
29/10/2429m 55s

On Trial: Stars vs The Supernatural

Kesha’s summoned a demon, Demi Lovato’s serenaded a spirit, Matthew McConnaghey’s got ghosts in his living room... Are celebs particularly in tune with the paranormal? Or is it all smoke and mirrors? Join Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean to find out.
24/10/2424m 40s

In Love: Why is being a single celebrity seen as a big deal?

Does society treat celebrities differently when they are single? And how does it compare for male and female stars? Jack and Sarel explore how being single is spoken about in magazines, films and wider pop culture. To help them, they look at the lives of single celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Emma Watson, Mindy Kaling and Lewis Hamilton.
22/10/2425m 22s

On Trial: Goop vs California

When Gwyneth Paltrow’s company Goop started selling jade eggs, they probably didn’t expect to be reported to a California task force and accused of having no evidence to support claims they’d made about some of their products. Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean ask: what does the case tell us about celebs and wellness, and has this trillion dollar industry gone too far?
17/10/2428m 6s

In Love: What impact do scripted reality TV shows have on relationships?

For the stars of our favourite scripted reality TV shows, their lives are the storylines. So what challenges does this create for the cast and their relationships? To help them explore this, Jack and Sarel look at NeNe Leakes & Gregg Leakes from The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Selling Sunset’s Chrishell Stause & Justin Hartley and ex-TOWIE star Pete Wicks.
15/10/2431m 6s

On Trial: Reality TV Stars vs Reality TV

If you’re signing up to be on a reality TV show, you’ll probably expect drama and gossip - but over the last year or so, cast members on some of America’s biggest reality shows have been filing lawsuits against companies such as Bravo and its CEO Andy Cohen alleging things like sexual assault, exploitation and poor pay. What responsibility do the TV and production companies making the shows have when it comes to looking after the cast members? And what should wannabe reality stars prepare themselves for when signing up for these shows? Join Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean to discuss.
10/10/2429m 30s

In Love: What does success on a TV dating show look like?

TV dating shows are more popular than ever – but not just for finding love. Nowadays, contestants often use them as a gateway to fame and build their own brand and career off the back of them. But it’s not easy to maintain that success… To help them explore just how it’s done, Jack and Sarel look at the success of Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury, Cameron Hamilton and Lauren Speed-Hamilton and Amy Spalding.
08/10/2435m 16s

On Trial: Celebs vs Cooking

It seems you can’t move on social media for a star cooking up a feast or burning a boiled egg. Why do celebs insist on showing us their culinary skills (or lack of them), who are the worst amateur chefs, and whose dinner parties should we be angling for an invite to?
03/10/2426m 41s

In Love: Why do we judge celebrity families?

Celebrity relationships can become valuable brands, but what happens when a couple expand to become a celebrity family? Jack and Sarel look at how you can make a success of it, as well as the pressures that come from the press and the public. To help them they look at the relationships of Tyson & Paris Fury, Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie and Ryan Gosling & Eva Mendes.
01/10/2433m 28s

On Trial: Celebs vs Conspiracy Theories

From the absurd to the harmful, conspiracy theories about famous people are everywhere. How much does it matter if we think a pop star might have been replaced by a body double, or an actor can’t read? And who’s to blame when it all goes a bit too far?
26/09/2425m 29s

In Love: Why are we so obsessed with celebrity weddings?

Jack and Sarel explore the history of celebrity weddings and how they’ve evolved over the years. They also look at multiple marriages and discuss whether they’re still iconic. To help them they look at the weddings of Victoria & David Beckham, Katie Price & Peter Andre, Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck and many more.
24/09/2436m 7s

On Trial: Kylie Jenner vs Hustle Culture

Celebs love crediting hard work for their success, and praising hustle culture for getting them to where they are. Are the likes of Kylie Jenner and Molly-Mae Hague really working harder than the rest of us? Or should they acknowledge the part that luck has played? And if grinding like a celebrity means waking up at 2am, is it even worth it? Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean discuss.
19/09/2429m 39s

In Love: Do relationships always make good material for pop stars?

They say write about what you know – and for singers and rappers, their relationships often provide the best material. Whether it’s the feeling of falling in love, a messy break up, a tormented heartbreak or something in between. But how do you do this kind of thing well? And when does it feel like a bit of a gimmick?To help them, Jack and Sarel look at the relationships and songs of Taylor Swift, Adele and Stormzy.
17/09/2434m 46s

On Trial: Sugababes vs The Music Industry

The Sugababes were one of the biggest bands of the noughties, as famous for their smash hits as for their in-group dramas. One by one, each of the original members left, until three new ‘babes made up the band. When the OG members got back together, they found themselves in a long legal battle to regain use of the Sugababes name. Were there shady industry figures trying to tear them apart all along? Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean discuss.
12/09/2429m 21s

In Love: What are the boundaries between fans and celebrities?

Being a fan of a celebrity or musician is one thing, but where are the boundaries when access to celebrities is wider than ever thanks to social media? Jack and Sarel delve into parasocial relationships and the problems that can arise from them. To help them they look at Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber & Selena Gomez and Harry Styles & Louis Tomlinson.
10/09/2439m 35s

Winona: 6. The Upside Down

Actor and podcaster Maisie Williams presents the most recent chapter in the Winona Ryder story.While Winona steps away from the spotlight in the Noughties, the film industry goes through a seismic shift. Blockbuster franchises rule the roost, while the kind of character-driven movies that made Winona’s name take a back seat. But something’s happening on the small screen. The Golden Age of Television is here, and Winona’s about to take her place at its heart with an exciting new sci-fi project for Netflix. That’s just the beginning of a new era for Winona Ryder. With it, she’ll find a new generation of fans. And the future’s looking bright.A Cup and Nuzzle Production. Produced by Natalie Jamieson.
27/08/2435m 13s

Winona: 5. Free Winona

Actor and podcaster Maisie Williams presents the next chapter in the Winona Ryder story.When Winona is arrested for shoplifting at Saks 5th Avenue, the press goes into overdrive. But while the tabloids tear her reputation apart, a new movement picks up speed - Free Winona.An iconic magazine cover shows Winona owning the scandal. But at the same time, the film industry is changing, and it looks like it’s finally time for her to take a break from the spotlight.She’ll be back. But when?A Cup and Nuzzle Production. Produced by Natalie Jamieson.
27/08/2431m 5s

Winona: 4. Life, Interrupted

Actor and podcaster Maisie Williams presents the next chapter in the Winona Ryder story.By the mid-90s, Winona’s firmly on the A-List. She uses that power to champion female writers and directors, and speaks to the hopes and fears of Generation X in 1994’s Reality Bites. But it’s Girl, Interrupted, a passion project 6 years in the making, that represents the high-point of her creative life so far.Its raw conversations around mental health are about to become shockingly relevant to Winona’s real life. Because a new tabloid feeding frenzy is about to roar into life - one that puts everything she’s worked for at risk.A Cup and Nuzzle Production. Produced by Natalie Jamieson.
27/08/2426m 35s

Winona: 3. Feeling 22

Actor and podcaster Maisie Williams presents the next chapter in the Winona Ryder story.Winona’s at an age that Taylor Swift described as “happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time". And as the pressures of success pile on, she’ll experience all those emotions with a new intensity.When she drops out of a huge movie due to burnout, the tabloids have a field day. Add that to a high-profile break-up, and a society with an unforgiving attitude to mental health, and you’ve got a recipe for a bad time.But even when she’s down, Winona’s never beaten. She’s on the cusp of some of her most important, generation-defining work. And nobody’s going to take that away from her.A Cup and Nuzzle Production. Produced by Natalie Jamieson.
27/08/2429m 35s

Winona: 2. Boy Trouble

Actor and podcaster Maisie Williams presents the next chapter in the Winona Ryder story.When Winona goes up for a part in 1989’s Heathers, the controversial black comedy about murderous high-schoolers, her agent begs her to reconsider. But there’s no stopping Winona. She’ll trust her instincts, produce work that means something, and become the face of a generation.Along the way, she’ll go through what we all go through. She’ll meet her first love, and question what it means to be true to herself.But she’ll do it in the Wild West of the 90s tabloid culture. All eyes on her. And something will have to give.A Cup and Nuzzle Production. Produced by Natalie Jamieson.
27/08/2426m 45s

Winona: 1. The Strangest Things

Actor and podcaster Maisie Williams presents the much-discussed, but little understood story of one of Hollywood’s most iconic talents.From the day she was born, Winona Ryder was on her own path. A happy childhood, full of books and play-acting, paved the way for her discovery at just 13 years old.Before she was out of her teens, she’d star in some of the best, most interesting films of the late 80s and early 90s; movies like Beetlejuice, Heathers and Edward Scissorhands.But fame comes with a price. And Winona was about to pay it in full.A Cup and Nuzzle Production. Produced by Natalie Jamieson.
27/08/2429m 41s

Winona: Prologue

Maisie Williams explores the extraordinary life and career of Winona Ryder in this exclusive boxset.
27/08/244m 57s

Famously: A message from Sarel...

While the four hosts are on their holidays, a new Famously boxset drops tomorrow, Wednesday 28th August. You won’t want to miss it.
27/08/2432s

On Trial: Nepo Babies vs the Internet

We all love celebrity babies… until, it seems, they grow up and start a career of their own. Is it fair to judge these "nepo babies" for getting a leg up into the limelight? Or should we go easy on them, given the amount of pressure and expectation heaped on them? And does it make a difference whether they’re mega-talented and winning Oscars, or putting a blurry photo in a book and calling it photography? Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean discuss.
22/08/2428m 22s

In Love: Can sex be used as a marketing tool for celebrities?

Using sex to sell a product isn’t new, but what about using it to market a celebrity? Whether it’s a well-timed sex tape, constantly speaking about your sex life on social media and in interviews, or using websites to make some extra money, there are a whole host of ways to market yourself using sex. But how successful can it be? To help them, Jack and Sarel look at the relationships of Kim Kardashian & Ray J, Megan Fox & Machine Gun Kelly and Kerry Katona & Ryan Mahoney.
20/08/2435m 53s

On Trial: Olivia Wilde vs Jason Sudeikis

When beloved celeb couple Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis announced their separation, the internet exploded - not least with speculation that Olivia had cheated on Jason with new beau Harry Styles. The press snapped up every detail, from salad dressings and custody papers to errant nannies. Stacey and Larry discuss breaking up in the limelight, the dodginess of tabloid ‘sources,’ and whether the public should try to rein in their appetite for breakup gossip.
15/08/2429m 18s

In Love: Is it ever okay to date an ex of someone close to you?

Celebrities have the pick of the bunch when it comes to dating, but most often they date people who run in similar circles. With a smaller dating pool, the situation of dating an ex of someone you know is considerably higher. Jack and Sarel debate whether there’s ever a circumstance in which it’s okay. To help them they look at the relationships and dynamics of Noah Cyrus, Tish Cyrus & Dominic Purcell, ASAP Rocky, Rihanna & Drake and Ant McPartlin, Lisa Armstrong and Anne-Marie Corbett.
13/08/2428m 12s

On Trial: Scarlett Johansson vs OpenAI

Years after Scarlett Johansson starred in the film ‘Her’ about a man who falls in love with his AI assistant, tech company OpenAI released a female voice for their ChatGPT service that many people said sounded just like Scarlett. After a legal back and forth with the Hollywood star, OpenAI took it down, but how did it sound so ‘eerily similar’ to her in the first place? And what does this whole scuffle tell us about how AI will be used in the future? Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean discuss.
08/08/2425m 53s

In Love: Do prenups ruin romance?

Prenups can be a wonderful thing – for example they can protect assets and minimise things getting messy if a couple decide to divorce later down the line. So are there any negatives? Jack and Sarel share their opinions, including whether prenups ruin romance. To help them they look at the relationships of Dwayne Wade & Gabrielle Union and Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey.
06/08/2430m 45s

On Trial: Celebs vs Pets

Whether they’re smuggling them across international borders, ending relationships for them, or leaving them a not-so-small fortune in their will, celebs are well known for being barking mad about their animal companions. Do celebs take it too far when it comes to special treatment of their furry friends, or are they just providing them with the life of luxury they deserve? Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean discuss all things celebrity (pets).
01/08/2429m 38s

In Love: Do celebrities need to apologise in public?

Celebrity’s making apologies is nothing new, yet we’re still so obsessed when we see a screenshot of the Notes app on a celebrity’s social media. Jack and Sarel look at how apologies should be handled by famous couples and whether we deserve them in the first place. They also hear from Simon Lewis, host of BBC Radio 4’s podcast When It Hits the Fan, about what celebrities need to get right in the hours, days and weeks following a public crisis. To help them they look at the relationships of Adam Levine & Behati Prinsloo, Kristen Stewart & Robert Pattinson and Dominic West, Catherine Fitzgerald and Lily James.
30/07/2435m 33s

On Trial: Talk Show Hosts vs Toxicity

We’re heading across the pond this week to see why some of the biggest names in showbiz have faced shocking allegations of workplace toxicity. With some of Ellen’s staff saying they weren't allowed to make eye contact, ‘crying rooms’ at Jimmy Kimmel and traumatised employees on the Kelly Clarkson show, Stacey and Larry delve into what goes on behind the scenes.
25/07/2426m 27s

In Love: How are LGBTQ+ couples treated differently in the public eye?

Celebrity relationships are constantly reported on in the press, but the way that LGBTQ+ stories are talked about is very different to how straight ones are discussed. Jack and Sarel look at queer history in the UK and in Hollywood and discuss topics such as queerbaiting, forced outings and conforming to heterosexual models. To help them, they discuss celebrities like George Michael, Chrishell Stause, Troye Sivan and Billie Eilish.
23/07/2431m 48s

On Trial: Gwyneth Paltrow vs The Optometrist

When a celeb appears in court, it often means their reputation is under attack. But when Gwyneth Paltrow took to the stand over a ski collision with an Optometrist she came out of the trial more likeable than ever. How did Gwyneth Paltrow manage to garner so much sympathy and turn around the usual public perception of celebrities as unaccountable, entitled nihilists? Did her legal win define her as the classiest and savviest celeb on any ski slope? Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean analyse this interesting case.
18/07/2423m 40s

In Love: Can you be friends with an ex?

The question of whether you can stay friends with an ex is an age-old debate and one that divides opinion. Many celebrities have shown us it can be done, but others have proved that we should in fact be worried about the ex our partner tells us not to worry about. Jack and Sarel use their experiences, as well as those in the public eye, to draw their own conclusions. To help them, they look at the relationships of Gwyneth Paltrow & Chris Martin, Sinitta & Simon Cowell and King Charles, Queen Camilla & Princess Diana.
16/07/2440m 19s

On Trial: WAGs vs The Press

Shopping sprees, wild parties and iconic outfits — at the 2006 Euros, England’s WAGs dominated the headlines. They were even accused of contributing to the lads poor performance on the pitch. Were they really a distraction? Or were they just having too much fun for the tabloids to handle? Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean discuss.
11/07/2426m 48s

In Love: Where have all the WAGs gone?

The 2006 World Cup in Germany was an iconic year for football – but more for the WAGs than the competition itself. The constant battle of WAGs trying to outdo one another made for endless headlines, but since then their popularity has significantly declined. Jack and Sarel discuss the cultural changes that may have affected this, as well as the impact that women’s football may have had. To help them, they look at the relationships of Victoria & David Beckham, Coleen & Wayne Rooney, Cheryl & Ashley Cole, Abbey Clancy & Peter Crouch, plus Declan Rice & Lauren Fryer, Bukayo Saka & Tolami Benson and Alex Scott & Jess Glynne.
09/07/2431m 50s

On Trial: Katy Perry vs Real Estate (and Nuns)

Celebs and their McMansions, it’s all fun and games till someone gets hurt. Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean are diving into the messy world of celeb real estate, via an incredible case which left Katy Perry embroiled in a fierce legal dispute between the The Archdiocese of Los Angeles and The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which took a surprisingly mortal twist. Did Katy end up with blood on her hands — all over the house of her dreams?
04/07/2426m 36s

In Love: What are the ethics of age gaps in relationships?

Significant age gaps can be problematic in any relationship, but when you throw in fame and power, it gets a little messier. Jack and Sarel look at the issues these can cause, why they’re sometimes so desirable and how nuanced these situations really are. To help them, they look at the relationships of Sam & Aaron Taylor Johnson, Sarah Paulson & Holland Taylor, Stephen Fry & Elliott Spencer, Mick Jagger & Melanie Hamrick, plus Leonardo DiCaprio and Hugh Hefner.
02/07/2436m 45s

On Trial: Kendall Jenner vs Fyre Fest

How much responsibility do influencers bear when it comes to the products they promote? Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean dive into the murky world of #sponcon by revisiting the scandal that set the internet on fire back in 2017: Fyre Fest. How much did Kendall Jenner really know about this event before encouraging her followers to drop hundreds of dollars on a ticket? Should she have done more research before endorsing an untested event, or was she duped as much as the rest of us? Announcing Fyre Festival, Published on Youtube, Jan 12, 2017 Keeping Up With The Kardashians, S14 Ep 2, October 2017
27/06/2430m 8s

In Love: How do celebrity’s relationships influence their status?

When a celebrity’s star rises, often their non-famous partner is ditched for someone in the spotlight. Why is this happening so often and what can it do for a celebrity’s career? Plus, Jack and Sarel look at why women are considered the ‘homewrecker’ in romantic scandals and why some celebs actually move away from their famous partner for someone out of the spotlight. To help them, they look at the relationships of Sabrina Carpenter & Barry Keoghan, Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater and Julia Roberts & Danny Moder.
25/06/2432m 4s

On Trial: Pamela Anderson vs The Leaked Sex Tape

Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean dissect the story behind Pamela Anderson's stolen sex tape. In 1996, a VHS tape started circulating of grainy handheld footage of Baywatch star Pamela Anderson and her husband Tommy Lee getting intimate. Basically — a sex tape. When the tape made its way onto the internet and into the hands of tabloids, the story exploded. Pam became synonymous with the tape - people assumed they were making money off it, that she leaked it herself. But the reality was she was the victim of a horrible crime. In 2022, a TV series set out to reset the narrative and tell the true story behind the tape - but once again without Pam’s permission. Is this history repeating itself, or is the story finally being set straight? This episode features clips from: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Sep 1994, Pamela Anderson’s interview with Variety, published on YouTube, Jan 2023.This episode contains very strong language.
20/06/2427m 39s

In Love: What role does fame play in celebrity relationships?

Being famous can have a significant impact on a celebrity’s relationship, but to what extent? Jack and Sarel look at how celebs capitalise on their fame and whether there’s always a price to pay when it comes to love. Plus, they discuss PR relationships and if we can ever truly trust what we see. To help them answer these questions, they look at the relationships of Katie Price & Peter Andre, Meghan Markle & Prince Harry and Kylie Jenner & Timothée Chalamet.
18/06/2435m 20s

Introducing Famously...

The private lives of our biggest stars… now up for public debate. Join our four hosts for a fun and forensic look at all the biggest celebrity stories to date. Whether you want to delve into the most shocking celebrity love stories, breaking down the drama and drilling into the headlines with Jack Remmington and Sarel on Famously… in Love, or take a look at some of the most scandalous, spicy and downright absurd celebrity trials and controversies to date with Stacey Dooley and Larry Dean on Famously… On Trial, we’ve got it all. Think public spats, epic takedowns, enduring controversies, outrageously bad behaviour, and very public break-ups. Nothing is off the record. The Famously… feed drops episodes twice a week for double the drama in every detail. New episodes of Famously… In Love drop every Tuesday and new episodes of Famously… On Trial drop every Thursday.
13/06/241m 33s
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