Global has unveiled a captivating new podcast, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?, hosted by renowned Classic FM presenter and acclaimed author Tim Lihoreau. This engaging series takes listeners into the whimsical world of fantasy dinner parties, where guests can invite anyone—be it heroes, villains, loved ones, or celebrities, from any era—to their dream table.
Tim Lihoreau’s unique approach ensures every episode is a blend of humor, depth, and surprises. Let’s dive into why this podcast is generating buzz and capturing imaginations worldwide.
A Unique Concept Born During Lockdown
Tim Lihoreau first envisioned this concept during the pandemic lockdowns, a time marked by isolation and creativity. Reflecting on its origins, Tim shared:
“I love it when good things come out of bad. This was originally a lockdown game with our Zoom choir. Remember when the government said: ‘You can only meet with six people’? Well, this podcast grew out of that. I can’t quite believe what it has become!”
The podcast taps into our shared fascination with hypothetical guest lists, turning a simple game into a globally available auditory experience.
Dynamic Episodes Featuring Star-Studded Guests
Who’s At the Table?
In each episode, Tim invites notable figures to the studio for lively discussions about their dream dinner party line-up. The guest list can include:
- Historical icons
- Beloved family members
- Fictional characters
- Artists, writers, and cultural luminaries
The combinations are as entertaining as they are unexpected. Tim admitted with a laugh:
“Every now and then, I’m shouting, ‘but SURELY… those two will come to blows?!’”
Intriguing Guest Roster
The inaugural episodes feature:
- Stephen Fry: Celebrated actor, author, and comedian
- Lou Sanders: Award-winning comedian and writer
- Wynne Evans: Acclaimed tenor and TV personality
Future episodes promise even more surprises, including a debut podcast appearance by a household name from the television world.
Adding a Twist: The Gatecrasher Challenge
One of the podcast’s signature features is the “Gatecrasher” twist. Toward the end of each episode, Tim offers his guest a wildcard attendee of his choosing. However, there’s a catch: to let the Gatecrasher in, one of the original fantasy guests must be uninvited.
Tim explains:
“Every episode, I offer my VIP a ‘Gatecrasher.’ One that I’VE chosen – not them! If they want to invite them in, they must kick one of their own guests out. And I can tell you, it really makes my day when I get my Gatecrasher accepted!”
This challenge adds drama, humor, and an unexpected layer of insight into the guest’s thought process.
Behind the Microphone: Tim Lihoreau’s Journey
Tim Lihoreau’s voice has been synonymous with Classic FM for over three decades. After a 12-year run hosting the weekday breakfast show, he now presents the weekend breakfast slot. Beyond broadcasting, Tim is a prolific author with over 20 books to his name, including:
- Modern Phobias
- Schadenfreude
- The Incomplete and Utter History of Classical Music (co-written with Stephen Fry)
Tim is no stranger to podcasting. His previous series, Case Notes, merged his passion for music and true crime, earning a British Podcast Award in 2019.
Global’s Vision for Podcasting
Vicky Etchells, Director of Global Podcasts, expressed her excitement about the launch:
“Tim is a much-loved Classic FM voice, and it’s been a joy to help him bring his idea for a fantasy dinner party podcast to life. It will be the perfect accompaniment to a chilly winter walk or to keep you company when you’re curled up at the end of a long day.”
This new offering is part of Global’s ongoing strategy to produce high-quality, original content that resonates with diverse audiences.
Where to Listen
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? is a Global Player Original podcast, now available on Global Player and other popular podcast platforms. Whether you’re looking for a laugh, thoughtful conversations, or inspiration for your own dream dinner party, this series delivers it all.
Key Takeaways
- Engaging Concept: A podcast inspired by lockdown creativity, blending humor, depth, and fantasy.
- Star Guests: Episodes feature Stephen Fry, Lou Sanders, Wynne Evans, and more.
- Unique Challenge: The “Gatecrasher” twist adds an element of surprise to each episode.
- Easy Access: Available on Global Player and major podcast platforms.