Comfort Eating with Siobhán McSweeney

Grace is serving up some of her old favourites to curl up to as autumn turns to winter. In this episode, it’s Grace’s couch that gets the star treatment as Graham Norton comes round to chat all things Comfort Eating. We all know Graham from his work interviewing megastars on his chatshow, as well as his much loved radio show, but there’s lots to Graham you might not know about: from his time living in a San Francisco commune, to his big break in the upstairs room of a famous gastropub and, of course, the snacks he reaches for when he’s home alone, and sat on his own couch

Grace is serving up some of her old favourites to curl up to as autumn turns to winter. Legendary glamour model turned reality TV star, Katie Price joins Grace. One of the most photographed and filmed women of our times, splashed across page 3 and lads mags as Jordan 30 years ago, then in six of her own TV series, multiple documentaries and reality shows, everyone thinks they know her. But talking to Grace over a squishy, soft and ‘bald’ dish, Katie reveals a more nuanced picture – opening up about childhood, horses, early photoshoots, love, abuse, men, the media, breakdown and being a proud mum of five. ‘Never underestimate the Pricey’ – it’s a motto to live by and Grace embraces it all – the ups, the downs and snacks in between

Grace is serving up some of her old favourites to curl up to as autumn turns to winter. Award-winning Doctor Who and It’s A Sin screenwriter Russell T Davies tells Grace about some of the most important moments in his life – and the comfort food that has seen him through them. The pair discuss love at first sight, recent loss, and how Woolworth’s pork and egg pie is a metaphor for life itself

Grace is serving up some of her old favourites to curl up to as autumn turns to winter. Cosying up with Grace is none other than the queen of baking and all our hearts – Nadiya Hussain. The Bake Off star, whose triumph in the tent launched a TV, writing and culinary career of which dreams are made, is dropping by Grace’s home to share her loves, her hates and her strategies for managing a house of teenagers. Over a plate of something so comforting you could curl up in it, Grace and Nadiya get down to brass tacks. Family, husbands, school and crisps – all the main bases – and there’s no shame allowed. Just get those elbows out and dig in. Buy Grace’s new Comfort Eating book, inspired by the podcast, here. The book is a wonderfully scrumptious, life-affirming journey through the foods that really mean the most to us

Grace is serving up some of her old favourites to curl up to as the darker days of autumn arrive. In this episode, Grace is joined by none other than Stephen Fry. They talk about his childhood, memories of prison, cooking for his husband – and the comfort foods that have seen him through it all

Comedian and writer Fatiha El-Ghorri pops round to Grace’s for a snack and a chat. Hackney born and bred, Fatiha is an east London girl through and through, but with her Muslim faith being a huge pillar of her life, and her parent’s Moroccan heritage, Fatiha’s standup covers everything from identity and culture, to the horrors of modern dating. But it was her recent stint as a contestant on Taskmaster Series 19 that has won Fatiha the hearts of fans up and down the country

This week, TV writer, producer and director Sally Wainwright OBE is pulling up a seat at Grace’s kitchen table. Sally’s love for words started at the age of nine, when she and her sister would stage plays together in their bedroom, a passion that would one day see her writing for beloved British soaps like The Archers, Emmerdale and Coronation Street. But the road to writing royalty has not always been so smooth, and Sally and Grace discuss the foods that have seen her through it all — from spaghetti pie, canteen stodge during her bus driving days, boozy lunches at Corrie, and Sally’s own concoctions in the kitchen

This week, broadcaster, businesswoman and retail consultant, Mary Portas OBE pulls up a chair at Grace’s dining table. Mary initially set her sights on acting and was awarded a place at Rada, but then had to give it up after both her parents died. She was left homeless and she had to look after her younger brother, but she went on to blaze a trail through the world of retail and earn the moniker Queen of the High Street

Sound the klaxon … we’re in National Treasure territory today as Miriam Margolyes joins Grace to discuss the joys of Jewish food, breaking wind and, of course, being naughty on national TV. Miriam is one of Britain’s most beloved actors, with her career spanning seven decades. But life hasn’t always been easy for Miriam, from her early years in wartime Britain, to coming out in the less-accepting 1970s. With her new The Little Book of Miriam just published, one thing’s for certain: no matter what, Miriam always has something to say

This week on Comfort Eating, Grace is joined by one of Britain’s most beloved broadcasters – Irish-Norwegian journalist and presenter Mariella Frostrup. Speaking to Grace, Mariella opens up about her early food memories growing up between Norway and Ireland with a Scottish mother, shares a cringe-worthy dinner faux pas involving Prince Charles and reflects on the perils of being a little too honest with her kids

Today, Alan Davies pays Grace a visit, a dish of his favourite comfort food in hand. The Essex-born comedian has spent more than 30 years making us laugh and his third memoir, which shares the highs and lows of his comedy career, is out soon. But what food does he turn to for energy? • The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adult survivors on 0808 801 0331.

This week, Grace is joined by a woman who has described herself as the unwashed ITV version of Taylor Swift – CMAT. With her third album, Euro-Country, out now, a summer calendar packed full of festivals and a tour on the horizon, what is this stunning, Irish superstar eating to fuel the ride? Warning: this episode contains descriptions of drug use and disordered eating

This week, Grace is buzzing to meet former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon. Over the past few years, Nicola has weathered an independence referendum, Brexit, a pandemic, countless press briefings and parliamentary spats, an arrest and a divorce. So what food does she turn to when she needs some comfort?

As Grace Dent takes a short summer break, the team is delving into the archives to bring you some of their favourite episodes. This week, we rewind to February 2024, when legendary comedian and author David Baddiel rocked up to Grace’s house. With a career spanning 40 years on TV, stage and radio, not to mention coining anthemic football songs and writing multiple bestselling books for adults and children, David has a unique place in our nation’s popular culture. He brings Grace his favourite comfort snack and, while demolishing this cherished chow, opens up about family, relationships and an obsession with telling the truth

As Grace Dent takes a short summer break, the team is delving into the archives to bring you some of their favourite episodes. This week, we rewind to November 2022, when Grace welcomed one of that year’s stars of Strictly Come Dancing, Jayde Adams. Jayde and Grace discuss Jayde’s Bristolian beginnings, what it takes to become a fishmonger, and what makes the perfect dinner party. And as always, the comfort foods that have seen Jayde through it all

As Grace Dent takes a short summer break, the team is delving into the archives to bring you some of their favourite episodes. This week, we rewind to January 2023, when Grace welcomed actor James Norton into her home. Grace realised there’s a lot more to learn about James, from his idyllic early years in Yorkshire, to a stint at a very religious boarding school, his breakthrough on the West End and, of course, the food that has been with him through it all

Scottish writer Irvine Welsh joins Grace to share his ultimate comfort food. Irvine has been a towering figure in our cultural galaxy for 30 years. His bestselling novels include Porno, The Acid House, Filth and, of course, Trainspotting. Trainspotting – famously autobiographical – follows a group of heroin addicts in a deprived area of Edinburgh. It was a huge hit, selling more than a million copies. The movie, released a few years later, was nothing short of a sensation at the box office. Irvine’s new book is accompanied by his debut album, both with the same name: Men In Love is a sequel to Trainspotting, and picks up where the characters left off back in 1993.

This week on Comfort Eating, Grace is joined by Bafta-nominated actor, writer and producer Samson Kayo. Samson has been gracing our screens for more than a decade, starring in shows such as Channel 4’s Youngers, Sky’s sitcom Bloods and HBO’s Our Flag Means Death. Now, he’s currently celebrating the release of two blockbusters, Voltron and F1, in which he stars alongside the likes of Brad Pitt, Damson Idris and Javier Bardem. Raised in south London by his single mother and a revolving cast of ‘aunties’, Samson lived on a unique blend of Nigerian stew, Morleys fried chicken, and pie and mash. He and Grace discuss it all – from illicit biscuits, accidental sex parties and dodgy DVDs to fatherhood, faith and the art of the pizza delivery. Nothing is off the table

Joining Grace on this week’s episode of Comfort Eating is Lulu. Lulu was belting out songs to crowds before most of her classmates had mastered their times tables. By 15, she’d swapped school for showbiz and kicked off a six decade career with a bang – her first single Shout landed her in the charts and on the path to global stardom. She’s duetted with legends, succeeded at Eurovision, survived the Bond franchise, and re-emerged time and again – not just still standing, but still selling out. Now in her seventies and on the road again promoting a tour and her second memoir, Lulu and Grace discuss her dad’s job in a meat-market, eating snails for the first time, and why KitKats are the perfect tour bus snack

Musician Joy Crookes joins Grace to kick off a brand new season of Comfort Eating. Born and raised in south London, Joy’s rich, punchy and intimate songs means her music is everywhere. With Bangladeshi and Irish heritage, Joy writes music that’s rich in politics, identity and a lot of raw feeling. Her debut album, Skin, was an intimate patchwork of heartbreak, protest and pride, earning her not just accolades and a Brit award nomination, but a passionate and loyal fanbase. A rollercoaster of success was interrupted by her mental health struggles, which led to a hiatus. But she’s back with a new single out now and a big European tour getting underway later this year

Season 10 of Comfort Eating with Grace Dent will kick off on Tuesday 8 July. Join Grace and her celebrity guests, including CMAT, Irvine Welsh, Lulu and Nicola Sturgeon, as they delve into their ultimate comfort food

Comedian, broadcaster and podcaster Suzi Ruffell joins Grace in her east London home. Suzi’s comedy CV boasts an impressive five sellout runs at the Edinburgh festival fringe, appearances on Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and The Last Leg. She talks to Grace about family life with her wife, Alice, in Brighton; her struggles with anxiety; her mum’s sandwich love language; and the moment her dad paid her £15 to eat a spoonful of mustard powder

Joining Grace on Comfort Eating this week is actor and comedian Babatunde Aléshé. Babatunde stole the nation’s hearts with appearances on Celebrity Gogglebox, and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here. He talks to Grace about how his mum is every bit the Nigerian matriarchal stereotype, the age old debate of who makes the best jollof rice, and how a strong dislike for cheese allowed him the privilege of ordering off-menu at school

British comedian Dave Gorman joins Grace for another scrumptious helping of Comfort Eating. Across the noughties, Dave took the British comedy scene by storm, and is known for taking the mundane, adding some sparkle and creating an Edinburgh festival fringe show, a UK tour and a book. Now he is back with a reboot of Dave Gorman: Modern Life is Goodish. Dave recounts how his hero comedian Frank Skinner gave him his big break; how fish and chips equals celebration; and what he munches on to fuel his frequent all-night writing sessions

This week on Comfort Eating, Grace is joined by superstar DJ, King of Ibiza, and namesake of his own rhyming slang: it’s Pete Tong MBE. Pete is one of the most influential figures in dance music; without him, house music and club culture would not be what they are today. He is about to go back on the road in the UK with his 10th year of Ibiza Classics – described as an event for the relapse raver. Born in Kent, Pete was raised on classic British 60s fare, and he remembers with fondness tins of baked beans and sausages, and recalls with horror the foods he endured at boarding school. Grace and he discuss wining and dining Run-DMC when he was trying to get them to sign to his label, and what Noel Gallagher’s pet fish may or may not have eaten during the wild noughties running with the Primrose Hill set

This week on Comfort Eating, Grace is joined by five-time Paralympic gold medalist Ellie Simmonds. At 30, Ellie has hung up her goggles and retired from swimming, but instead of claiming an early pension, she has turned her hand to disability activism and documentary making – in 2024 she won a Bafta for her documentary Finding My Secret Family. She talks to Grace about the food that sustained her gruelling swim training schedule, her celebratory McDonald’s order during the Paralympics, and her secret recipe for orange scones. Ellie also opens up about accusations of bullying within British Para-Swimming in the buildup to Rio 2016

Songwriter, musician and actor, best known as a heartthrob in one of the biggest bands of the 1980s, Gary Kemp joins Grace for a brand new helping of Comfort Eating. Longtime Spandau Ballet fan Grace hears about the good old days: how Gary poured a tin of golden syrup over baby brother Martin Kemp’s head; how there were eels for dinner kept alive in his nan’s sink; and how hot fish and chips in their wrapper warped his first beloved T Rex record. Gary opens up about how he defiantly started eating meat again after his very public split from actor Sadie Frost, how his film career took him to Hollywood to act alongside Whitney Houston, who worked the catering tent nicely, and unwanted perishable gifts from affectionate fans at the height of Spandau Ballet fame

Season nine of Comfort Eating with Grace Dent will kick off on Tuesday 18 February. Join Grace and her celebrity guests, including Gary Kemp, Ellie Simmonds and Pete Tong, as they delve into what they love to eat when nobody is watching

To welcome in the New Year, Grace is joined by politician Sadiq Khan. Born in south London, to British Pakistani parents, he is one of eight children and was MP for Tooting before becoming London’s mayor in 2016. Now in his third term, Sadiq and Grace talk about how doughnuts fuel him during elections, the art of screwing up a tuna pasta bake, and where he’d like to take Donald Trump for dinner next time the president-elect is in town.

Christmas has arrived at Comfort Eating HQ, so join Grace as she joyfully wallows in her annual Christmas baking session while musing on her favourite Comfort Eating yuletide memories. From multi-Grammy winner Gregory Porter on his mum’s festive cook-ups, to baking extraordinaire Nadiya Hussain on her childhood turkey midnight feasts, plus Craig David, Michael Ball and many more

Join Grace for a twinkly helping of festive Comfort Eating, where she is joined by Matt Goss, one third of Bros. One of the biggest boy bands of the 20th century, it was a tabloid sensation when the band split. Since then, Matt has broken the US and holds the record as the longest-running British resident artist in Las Vegas. Grace and Matt discuss the Christmases of his childhood, headlining a sell-out Wembley, and what you do when you get a call from Reggie Kray asking for a chat. If you liked this episode then have a listen to our other Christmas episode with Craig David, Gregory Porter, and Michael Ball and Alfie Boe.

One of the UK’s best loved character actors, Paterson Joseph, joins Grace for another serving of Comfort Eating. The Beach, Peep Show and Wonka actor looks back at his career and muses on the roles he didn’t get, namely the role of Doctor Who to replace David Tennant in 2010. Paterson remembers his parents smuggling yams in from Saint Lucia, the politics of biscuit and toast tax when you’re one of six siblings and the sweet treats on the Wonka set. If you liked this episode then have a listen to James Norton, David Harewood and Tamsin Greig

Actor and comedian Diane Morgan joins Grace for another helping of Comfort Eating. Diane is best known for playing mockumentary historian Philomena Cunk, droll antihero Liz in the critically acclaimed BBC sitcom Motherland, and Mandy in … Mandy. Diane reveals how she keeps a straight face when asking world experts very silly questions, why she was sacked from her waitressing job, and what happened when she tried to introduce hugging to the Morgan family. If you liked this episode then have a listen to Grace’s conversations with Aisling Bea, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, and Jamie Demetriou

The multi-platinum selling musician David Gray joins Grace this week on Comfort Eating. His breakthrough album White Ladder topped the charts worldwide and sold more than 3m copies in the UK, making it one of the best selling albums of the 21st century. Now with his 13th album, Dear Life, he joins Grace to look back at how music changed his life, the food that sustained a three-decade career and how he avoids playing the celebrity game. If you liked this episode then have a listen to Grace’s conversations with Rufus Wainwright, Guy Garvey and Self Esteem.

Bafta-award winning actor Monica Dolan shares her ultimate comfort food with Grace. Known for playing cardigan-wearing villains, Monica has been described as one of the greatest actors of her generation. She talks about the hell of Covid shopping, how to play a serial killer, and how a weekly Irish stew held her family together during childhood. If you liked this episode then have a listen to Grace’s conversations with Eddie Marsan, Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Siobhán McSweeney

Funny guy Phil Wang joins Grace this week for another helping of Comfort Eating. Phil has a textbook comedy career: president of Footlights at Cambridge University, graduating with agents sniffing at his heels; sell-out Edinburgh shows; and now purveyor of two Netflix comedy specials. Phil and Grace talk about how to supermarket shop with crocodiles in the aisles, how garlic sauce pervaded his student days and his justice campaign for reheating rice. If you liked this episode then have a listen to Grace’s conversations with Jayde Adams, David Baddiel and Jamie Demetriou

Grace is joined by broadcasting legend Vanessa Feltz. From BBC breakfast to BBC London to LBC, she has graced our airwaves – and our TV screens – since the late 80s. Grace and Vanessa take a trip down memory lane to discuss her granny’s secret Jewish recipes she’ll never pass on, her mother’s ‘bombe surprise’ pudding, and how being in the public eye has shaped her. If you liked this episode then have a listen to Grace’s conversations with Graham Norton, James May and Krishnan Guru-Murthy

This week on Comfort Eating, Grace is joined by one of the most successful and enduring film stars of the past 40 years: Richard E Grant. The Swaziland-born English actor made his film debut as Withnail in the comedy Withnail and I, and has since starred in the likes of Star Wars, Gosford Park and Saltburn. Richard and Grace chew over the food he ate when he ran away from home as a child, the breakfast he eats every single day but hates, and what exactly he cooked Melissa McCarthy for brunch before the Oscars ceremony. If you liked this episode then have a listen to Grace’s conversations with James Norton, David Harewood and Tamsin Greig

TV presenter Rob Rinder joins Grace in her east London home to share his comfort food. Rob has been on our TV screens for a decade as Judge Rinder on the hit ITV show and, more recently, making documentaries. His 2020 BBC documentary My Family, The Holocaust and Me, about his Jewish heritage, garnered him an MBE for services to Holocaust education and awareness. Listen in as Rob swigs scotch and regales Grace with tales of his baker grandfather, his friendship with Benedict Cumberbatch, and how he turns to takeaway food at times of stress

Joining Grace for a big serving of Comfort Eating is Bafta nominated actress Leila Farzad. Leila is best known for her performance alongside Billie Piper in I Hate Suzie, her Netflix hit show KAOS, and is set to star in the next Bridget Jones film. Grace and Leila ruminate on the moot question of batter versus breadcrumbs, travel back to the Iran of Leila’s childhood, and chew over the best consolation Pret order after a terrible audition.

Hollywood royalty Stanley Tucci shares his ultimate comfort food with Grace this week. Born in America to Italian parents, Stanley and Grace discuss his love of Italian food, the lows of British food in the 1980s, and exactly which aphrodisiac he and Meryl Streep ate a lot of on set together

Maisie Adam joins Grace in her east London home to share her ultimate comfort food. Maisie is a comedian, writer and actress and one of the most exciting rising stars on the UK comedy circuit. Her critically acclaimed comedy sells out theatres across the land, and has bagged her a regular spot on the TV quiz show circuit. Maisie shares memories of pies at Elland Road, home of her beloved Leeds United; how she tried to emulate her school puddings; and just how many different types of gravy her dad had to rustle up every Sunday.

Rag’n’Bone Man joins Grace for a new serving of Comfort Eating. Rag’n’Bone Man, AKA Rory Graham, shot to fame in 2016 with his song Human. A couple of albums later, he’s collaborated with an incredible roster of stars, from Gorillaz to P!nk, and his back catalogue has been streamed billions of times. He and Grace discuss how oven chips are always either too burnt or raw, his dreams of opening a pub, and the day Shania Twain asked him out for lunch

Season eight of Comfort Eating with Grace Dent will kick off on Tuesday 24 September. Join Grace and her celebrity guests, including Richard E Grant, Rag’n’Bone Man and Vanessa Feltz, as they delve into what they love to eat when nobody is watching

The Comfort Eating team is taking a break. So for the next few weeks, we’re looking back at a few of our favourite episodes. In this episode of Comfort Eating, double Bafta winner Big Zuu goes round to Grace’s house for a plate of his ultimate comfort food. They talk about his ‘scandalous’ mother, growing up between extreme wealth and poverty, and the wild success of his show Big Zuu’s Big Eats. And, of course, the comfort foods that have seen him through it all

The Comfort Eating team is taking a break. So for the next few weeks, we’re looking back at a few of our favourite episodes. In this episode of Comfort Eating, Eastenders actor and all-round hun Natalie Cassidy pops over for a chat with Grace. She and Grace remember the 90s London club scene, discuss the perils of having a fitness DVD, and how being part of a soap for so many years shapes your identity. And, Natalie lets Grace in on the comfort foods that have seen her through it all

The Comfort Eating team is taking a break. So for the next few weeks, we’re looking back at a few of our favourite episodes. In this episode of Comfort Eating with Grace Dent, comedian Nish Kumar tells Grace about some of the most important moments in his life – and the comfort food that saw him through them. They lament the ‘golden years’ of Pizza Hut, discuss the ‘spicy’ period during his 20s, and Nish tells Grace how it feels to be pelted with a bread roll for his views on Brexit

The Comfort Eating team is taking a break. So for the next few weeks, we’re looking back at a few of our favourite episodes. In this episode of Comfort Eating, the pop star Rebecca Lucy Taylor, AKA Self Esteem, drops into Grace’s kitchen. Their riotous afternoon includes ‘northern women eating carbs’, the joy of buying expensive jumpers, and some unexpected tears. And, as always, Self Esteem revels in the comfort foods that have seen her through her life and music career

This week, Grace takes us on a trip down memory lane to hear some of the best bite-sized tidbits of food tales from seven glorious seasons of Comfort Eating, featuring the likes of Rafe Spall, Scarlett Moffatt and Russell T Davies. We hear the stories of Jay Blades’ school pudding obsession and Russell Tovey’s teenage love of brussels sprouts, and listen to clips that shine a light on how food and love are intertwined. We travel back to wild and youthful moments – a time when Siobhán McSweeney accidentally ate caterpillars, Adjoa Andoh was in a squat cooking for the masses on her dole money and Stephen Fry was on the run with stolen credit cards eating room service in the Ritz

This week, Grace is joined by east London’s plant-based princess Bimini who shot to fame in 2021, after the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, where they captivated the BBC audience with quippy one liners, high fashion runway looks, and death drops. Although Bimini didn’t snatch the crown, they remain the most-followed UK contestant. Since filming the show, Bimini has released several singles and a book, signed modelling contracts and become a mainstay at fashion shows around the world. The question still remains: what is this British drag icon eating when the knee-high 10-inch heels are off?

Grace welcomes the legendary DJ, producer and founder of Soul II Soul, Jazzie B, to the podcast. Over a bowl of ‘yellow’ – one of his childhood comfort foods –Jazzie takes Grace on a journey from playing his sound system, aged 12, at a silver jubilee street party for the Queen, to finding inspiration on tour in Japan and Korea, and on to Buckingham Palace, where he received an OBE in 2008. The jobcentre suggested he should become a milkman, but instead Jazzie chose to channel his energy into his north London community through music. This decision transformed Soul II Soul into a global success and established Jazzie as an internationally renowned musician who has collaborated with some of the world’s most talented artists

Joining Grace this week is actor and director David Harewood, who found global fame in the hit CIA-thriller Homeland 13 years ago and hasn’t stopped working since. David was born and raised in Small Heath, Birmingham, where he lived with his older siblings and Barbadian parents. He tells Grace about how his mum kept the flavours of the West Indies alive in his childhood home, while he navigated the racist world of 1970s Britain growing up as a young black boy. Sitting down over his favourite comfort food, David talks about how messing about in school led to the ‘lightbulb moment’ when he realised he wanted to be an actor; arriving in 80s London to attend Rada and discovering the excitement of ‘filthy’ Soho; and the underrated wonders of corned beef

Allan Mustafa joins Grace to share the dish he turns to for comfort food. Allan shot to fame playing MC Grindah in People Just Do Nothing, his Bafta award-winning, semi-autobiographical mockumentary, which was inspired by his early life in south-west London. Allan talks about growing up with his Czech mum and Kurdish dad and eating the ultimate fusion cuisine. He dishes the dirt on his teenage life as a graffiti artist, how he met and bonded with his People just Do Nothing co-stars on a beach in Thailand and how he turned what looked like a life of doing nothing into a life of awesome comedic success.

Actor Golda Rosheuvel joins Grace this week to share what she eats when the wigs are off. Golda is best known for her role as the formidable Queen Charlotte in the record-breaking Netflix series Bridgerton. Before Bridgerton fame, Golda’s breakthrough role was playing a female Othello at the Liverpool Everyman, rooting herself as an actor who challenges traditional casting. Golda talks to Grace about her South American upbringing in the church, with her Guyanese father and British mother and her stint in a squat in south London, and reminisces about her recent wedding, where nosh from her local falafel takeaway took centre stage.

Joining Grace this week is one of Ireland’s most acclaimed comics and host of the award-winning podcast My Therapist Ghosted Me, Joanne McNally. With a number of sell-out shows and tour dates in the US later this year, they discuss how Joanne uses comedy to process difficult periods in her life, how her mum is her favourite cocktail buddy, and what exactly she stole to get herself kicked out of the Scouts. Hot off her stint on the latest series of Taskmaster, and with an upcoming show at the Edinburgh festival fringe, the real question is: what is the banger of a sandwich Joanne McNally turns to whenever she’s shut off from the outside world and has a rare moment of peace?

Katherine Ryan joins Grace this week to share her favourite comfort foods. The Canadian comedian, writer, presenter and actor is best known for her deliciously wicked comedy, delivered with a side dish of couture. Katherine shares memories from her past, including her father’s attempts to bring Indian food to Canada via Ireland, her difficult early days in London as a single parent trying to makes ends meet, and the deep fried delights on offer at her first place of work: Hooters. Now, Katherine has had two Netflix Comedy specials, and is a regular on the UK panel show circuit. But the question is – what is fuelling her funny?

Comfort Eating with Grace Dent is back for a seventh course on 11 June. Join her and celebrity guests as they reveal the comfort foods that have seen them through their lives in series seven

Joining Grace this week is the multi-talented actor, comedian and rapper, Kiell Smith-Bynoe. Long before becoming a household name as the exasperated boyfriend in the hit series Ghosts, Kiell (AKA MC Klayze Flaymz) tells Grace how, as a teenager, he combined his performance skills in the ultimate London arena: the chicken shop. With the taste of success, Kiell and Grace chat about his journey to the stage and screen, via several years working in a call centre for unemployed actors. Answering the big question: what is an appropriate lunchtime meal to eat at your desk?

Welsh standup, podcast host and panel show queen, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, brings her finest bowl of scran to Grace’s house. Over this steaming ultra-value concoction, she reveals how her upbringing on a Welsh sheep farm led to a hankering for performance, humour and cheap noodles. Cutting her teeth on the Manchester comedy circuit and finding solace with fellow newbies, Kiri learned to win in an industry still steeped in sexism. Her latest solo show, Peacock, is about the unlikely subject of becoming a foster parent – a journey Kiri and her partner have recently embarked on. Their offering to children centres around home-cooked food made with love. Comfort eating just took on a whole new meaning.

Comfort Eating’s culinary standards might have been permanently raised after two-Michelin-star chef Tom Kerridge’s visit. But he’s not exactly one to show off. Growing up in Gloucester, Tom always wanted to recreate the homely meals he’d find at his local pub or at his mum’s on Sundays. With a brief detour on to the acting stage, Tom started his career working at some of the country’s top restaurants. In the rock’n’roll era of fine dining, suddenly it was cool to be working in a restaurant late at night. But as Tom and Grace discuss, a world of late hours and excess triggered multiple health problems for him. Going sober and solo, Tom started running his own businesses and success quickly followed. So what exactly does a top chef snack on when they’re not winning awards? You might be surprised …

Platinum-selling singer songwriter Cat Burns cosies up with Grace for a warm plate of nosh and some deep chats. The biggest-selling British female artist of 2022, who won three Brit award nominations after her single Go went viral on TikTok, reveals how she went from shy schoolgirl to stadium gigs in just a few years. While Covid put an end to busking on the South Bank, it opened up another portal on social channels that sent Cat’s star on its rapid ascent. Recently diagnosed as autistic, Cat explains how her relationship with food thrives on predictability and consistency. Yet with a small recipe suggestion from her girlfriend, she had a lightbulb moment – opening up new possibilities. Cat says she doesn’t do small talk, which is more than OK; her big talk is just beautiful.

Sliding into Grace’s sitting room this week is rising star and multitalented comedian, playwright and musical theatre creator, Daniel Foxx. Bringing his concoction of gunk meant only for solo consumption in the small hours, there’s nowhere left to hide. Buckle up and join Grace and Daniel as they go on a tour of the ins and outs of life in the fast lane – or is that the M6 at 1am? Daniel shares his different incarnations – from coming out age 11 to donning a string of pearls post-lockdown. His observational obsessions have helped to feed his viral hit The Supervillain’s Gay Assistant and Grace and Daniel unpick its threads with scurrilous delight. Oh, and there’s a modern-day love story involving Tinder and trains. Scoop it all up with love and a crunchy lentil curl

It’s tough presenting BBC radio’s top morning news programme, hosting the nation’s brainiest quiz show and being a devoted dad to four young children. But someone’s got to do it. And that person is none other than the broadcaster Amol Rajan. Having risen through the ranks of the Independent newspaper to be its youngest editor at the age of 29 and now only the third ever presenter of University Challenge, there’s got to be something fuelling this dynamo. Finding a little window in his busy schedule, Amol parks his responsibilities at the door and shares the secrets of his success and culinary tricks with long-time friend and former colleague, Grace. From his mum’s incredible home cooking to his special porridge recipe for when the kids aren’t looking, Amol tells all. There’s some raving, insomnia and umami twang thrown in too – you might have seen them at Reading?

Dropping by this week for a spot of comfort eating is the legendary glamour model turned reality TV star, Katie Price. One of the most photographed and filmed women of our times, splashed across page 3 and lads mags as Jordan 30 years ago, then in six of her own TV series, multiple documentaries and reality shows, everyone thinks they know her. But talking to Grace over a squishy, soft and ‘bald’ dish, Katie reveals a more nuanced picture – opening up about childhood, horses, early photoshoots, love, abuse, men, the media, breakdown and being a proud mum of five. ‘Never underestimate the Pricey’ – it’s a motto to live by and Grace embraces it all – the ups, the downs and snacks in between

This week, the world learned of the sad passing of a true British icon, TV cook and hairy biker, Dave Myers. To celebrate his life, we wanted to bring you this episode from January 2022 where Dave tells Grace about – ironically – losing all his hair aged eight, his years as a makeup artist, working in the steelyards of Barrow-in-Furness, and the comfort foods that have seen him through it all

One of the UK’s most loved and versatile actors, Kathy Burke, lands in Grace’s sitting room this week. Transitioning from punk teenager, to award-winning actor and then taking on comedy, Kathy has loved almost all of it. She talks to Grace about her career highlights and when her personal life sometimes got in the way, recounting the food that got her through. Whether it’s eating fish and chips on a film set with Ray Winstone, a love-hate relationship with bananas and beans, or coming to adore biscuits in her 50s, Kathy and Grace reminisce about it all. And hey, sometimes all you need is a bit of burnt toast

Model-turned-standup Michelle De Swarte knows how to make an entrance. And arriving at Grace’s with her eat-it-or-climb-it comfort snack of choice, she doesn’t disappoint. For the woman who left school at 14, signed as a model at 19, fell on the Gucci catwalk a month later, modelled for years in New York afterwards and then changed tack to become a comedian, life is what you make it. Straight-talking, no-nonsense, Michelle and Grace get down to business and discover their shared dependence on a well-known sandwich chain. There’s glitz, there’s glamour, and quite a lot of rude bits. Sorry, not sorry

Pulling up a pew at Grace’s house to launch a new season of Comfort Eating is the legendary comedian and author, David Baddiel. With a career spanning 40 years on TV, stage and radio, not to mention coining anthemic football songs and writing multiple bestselling books for adults and children, David has a unique place in our nation’s popular culture. He brings Grace his favourite comfort snack and while demolishing this cherished chow, David opens up about family, relationships and an obsession with telling the truth. Together, he and Grace take a trip down memory lane back to the 90s when their paths crossed. Wistful, honest and outrageous – it’s a conversation best served with a dollop of brown sauce. Just make sure the bread’s white and squishy

Season six of Comfort Eating with Grace Dent will kick off on Tuesday 13 February. Join Grace and her celebrity guests, including David Baddiel, Katie Price and Amol Rajan, as they delve into what they love to eat when nobody is watching

Bringing lashings of comfort and joy to Grace’s house for the final episode of this season is the legendary jazz singer Gregory Porter. The multi-Grammy award-winner, known for his smooth, silky tones and iconic headgear, is gliding in on a wave of Californian soul to ease us into some truly mellow seasonal joy. Food and music has taken Gregory on a winding path, navigating student digs and kitchen jobs, ending decades later in global stardom and stadium gigs. Get comfy for this intimate audience of just you and Grace, with a few musical treats sprinkled through like baubles winking on a Christmas tree

This week, Grace gets a visit from one of her heroes. It’s none other than Tamsin Greig, the small screen acting legend. After treating Grace to a two-course surprise snack, Tamsin talks about growing up with an older dad, her secret Friday Night Dinner food strategies and the strange moments of joy to be found within grief. And, of course, she reveals what she scoffs from the fridge after long days on set Follow Grace Dent as she enters the Australian jungle for the latest series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

The tables turn for Grace this week as – for once – a TV judge arrives to give her a critique. It’s Keith Brymer Jones, The Great Pottery Throw Down’s famously teary-eyed resident potter. After a quick round of feedback on Grace’s favourite horrible 80s mug, Keith talks her through his post-punk band days, discovering a love for clay and a childhood crammed with Welsh cakes. And, as always, he reveals the foods he turns to after a long day throwing down at the pottery wheel

Dropping into Grace’s living room for some prime time Comfort Eating is the actor Adjoa Andoh, best known for playing Lady Danbury in the Netflix hit Bridgerton. Sharing a platter of her tastiest morsels, Adjoa talks to Grace about jacking in a law degree, moving into a south London squat, joining a touring feminist theatre group while pregnant, the slog of serving up daily family meals and the joy of escaping it all on a secret Greek island where the only things to do are reading, swimming and scooping up mountains of hummus with fresh, warm bread Buy Grace’s new Comfort Eating book, inspired by the podcast, here. The book is a wonderfully scrumptious, life-affirming journey through the foods that really mean the most to us

Joining Grace for some generous, multi-layered Comfort Eating is the photographer and TV chef, Mary McCartney. Hailing from one of the most famous families of 20th-century culture, Mary lets us into the culinary secrets of the McCartney family – from her dad Paul’s perfect mash to her mum Linda’s ice-cream cake – and the family trips to New York where they’d hit pizza restaurants in search of that perfect slice. Grace and Mary share their love of evenings on the sofa, scouse dads and how they coped after losing their mums to breast cancer. Buy Grace’s new Comfort Eating book, inspired by the podcast, here. The book is a wonderfully scrumptious, life-affirming journey through the foods that really mean the most to us. Mary McCartney’s new book Feeding Creativity is out now.

Joining Grace for a leisurely afternoon chat this week is one of the queens of British comedy, Bridget Christie. Bridget is an award-winning standup comedian, actor and writer. After getting into comedy later than most, she won the Edinburgh comedy award for best show with A Bic for Her in 2013, and she recently dipped her toe into screenwriting, with the brilliant Channel 4 series The Change. She and Grace talk about big family dinners, motorcycle gangs, and eating habits during the menopause. And of course, a comforting snack is never too far away Buy Grace’s new Comfort Eating book, inspired by the podcast, here. The book is a wonderfully scrumptious, life-affirming journey through the foods that really mean the most to us

Grace’s living room gets a professional appraisal this week from none other than Jamie Demetriou. Best known as the bumbling titular estate agent of Stath Lets Flats and long-toothed lover of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag, Jamie’s arrived fresh off the Barbie set armed with his favourite comfort snacks. He and Grace talk about his teenage indie band, growing up in his dad’s greasy spoon and the dangers of dipping a McCoy’s. And, of course, all the comfort foods he turns to when nobody’s looking

It’s time for another mystery snack at Grace’s dining room table, where she’s joined by writer, journalist and podcaster Jon Ronson. Jon’s best known for going on adventures with unlikely people, culminating in hit books such as The Men Who Stare at Goats and The Psychopath Test. This week, he tells Grace about his passion for TV dinners, his rivalry with Louis Theroux and his life as a failed band manager. And, of course, the comfort snacks he’s turned to along the way Buy Grace’s new Comfort Eating book, inspired by the podcast, here. The book is a wonderfully scrumptious, life-affirming journey through the foods that really mean the most to us

This week, Grace heads out of her kitchen and into the home of dance legend Shirley Ballas to cha-cha-chat all things Comfort Eating. Shirley’s become TV royalty as head judge on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, but she’d already been ruling the dancefloor for decades. She and Grace chat about wedding buffets, steamy backstage rendezvous and where to stand in the queue to get the best helping of school dinner. And, as ever, the comfort snacks she turns to when she kicks off her dancing shoes Buy Grace’s new Comfort Eating book, inspired by the podcast, here. The book is a wonderfully scrumptious, life-affirming journey through the foods that really mean the most to us

Cosying up with Grace to launch a new season of Comfort Eating is none other than the queen of baking and all our hearts – Nadiya Hussain. The Bake Off star, whose triumph in the tent launched a TV, writing and culinary career of which dreams are made, is dropping by Grace’s home to share her loves, her hates and her strategies for managing a house of teenagers. Over a plate of something so comforting you could curl up in it, Grace and Nadiya get down to brass tacks. Family, husbands, school and crisps – all the main bases – and there’s no shame allowed. Just get those elbows out and dig in Buy Grace’s new Comfort Eating book, inspired by the podcast, here. The book is a wonderfully scrumptious, life-affirming journey through the foods that really mean the most to us

Season five of Comfort Eating with Grace Dent will kick off on Tuesday, 26 September. Join Grace as she learns what her celebrity guests, such as Nadiya Hussain and Jon Ronson, love to eat when nobody is watching

For the last time this series Grace opens her door to another Comfort Eating guest, and to finish in style she welcomes James Norton into her home to discuss all things delicious. James is best known for his portrayal of the despicable Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley, and other star roles include Grantchester, Little Women, and War & Peace. However, there’s lots more to learn about James from his idyllic early years in Yorkshire, to a stint at a very religious boarding school, his breakthrough on the West End and, of course, the food that has been with him through it all

This week, it’s Grace’s couch that gets the star treatment as Graham Norton comes round to chat all things Comfort Eating. We all know Graham from his work interviewing megastars on his chatshow, as well as his much loved radio show, but there’s lots to Graham you might not know about; from his time living in a San Francisco commune, to his big break in the upstairs room of a famous gastropub and, of course, the snacks he reaches for when he’s home alone, and sat on his own couch

Happy holidays friends! Just a quick message from Grace to say no new episode of Comfort Eating today, as she’s at home on the couch eating cold roasties and stuffing sarnies, enjoying all the Christmas telly. However, fear not, Comfort Eating will be back in the new year!

Roll up, roll up, for an unprecedented Comfort Eating event as we bring you not one but two very special guests … Yes that’s right, parking their sleigh outside Grace’s house we have world-renowned singers, entertainers, and the unofficial Kings of Christmas, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe joining us for a fantastically festive episode. Both hugely successful in their own rights, Michael and Alfie have been making music and topping the charts together since 2016, with multiple UK album No 1s to their name, as well as arena tours, TV specials, and Brit awards in tow. In this special Yuletide episode, Alfie and Michael reflect on Christmases gone by, their thoughts on carol singers, who’s the best gift-giver and, of course, the comfort foods that see them through Chrimbo every year

Grace’s guest this week is the Bafta award winning director Amma Asante. From her critically acclaimed films such as Belle, and A United Kingdom, to her work on TV shows such as The Handmaid’s Tale and Mrs America, Amma is a giant of the film-making world. She pops round to Grace’s to discuss her teenage days on the set of Grange Hill, how she fell in love at the Europol canteen, and the importance of Mr Kipling. And, of course, the comfort foods that have seen her through it all

This week, knocking on Grace’s door is actual rockstar Gaz Coombes. Gaz has sold millions of records around the world, both as the lead singer of Supergrass and as a critically acclaimed solo artist. He joins Grace to chat about his days overseeing Harvester’s coveted salad bar, late-night cheese boards and, as he prepares to release his fourth solo album, the meals that stand out from his days touring the world. And, as ever, the comfort foods that have seen him through it all

Grace’s guest this week is Georgia Pritchett, the genius behind many of the shows we watch on the telly when we’ve whipped up our bowl of comforting goodness. She is currently a writer on the award winning satirical black comedy-drama Succession, which follows the disturbing and dastardly lives of media conglomerate family the Logans. Georgia’s past work includes The Thick of It, Miranda, Have I Got News For You, and Veep. She joins Grace to discuss the perils of snacking while breastfeeding, the dangers of fizzy paté, and the importance of dining out alone. And, of course, the food that has comforted Georgia along the way

Cha Cha Cha-ing her way into Grace’s house this week is comedian and one of this year’s stars of Strictly Come Dancing, Jayde Adams. Jayde and Grace discuss Jayde’s Bristolian beginnings, what it takes to become a fishmonger, and what makes the perfect dinner party. And as always, the comfort foods that have seen Jayde through it all

Knocking on Grace’s door this week is the doctor-turned-writer Adam Kay, whose memoir This is Going to Hurt was loved by critics and readers alike, making it the UK’s second-most-sold book in 2018. Adam and Grace discuss the fast pace and poor food of life on a gynaecology ward, his favourite motorway service station snack, and his struggle with disordered eating. And of course, the comfort foods he turns to today

Jaime Winstone is Grace’s guest this week, coming round for a chat and a hearty portion of her ultimate comfort snack. Jaime is an actor, known for roles in films such as Kidulthood, Made in Dagenham, and Tomb Raider. The pair discuss the wild days and nights of Jamie’s party girl years, filmset food, and life with a famous dad: Ray Winstone. And of course, the comfort foods that saw Jaime through it all

Furniture restorer and television presenter Jay Blades pops round Grace’s for a helping of his ultimate comfort food. The two of them talk about the highs and the lows of Jay’s Hackney childhood, his lasting passion for school dinners, the mental health breakdown he experienced in 2015 and how he’s found joy on the set of his smash-hit show The Repair Shop. And, of course, the comfort foods that have seen him through it all

Grace’s guest this week is the writer Malorie Blackman, former children’s laureate and author of some of the UK’s most beloved young adult books. They discuss Malorie’s childhood, including a period spent in a homeless shelter, how her husband wooed her with food, and the snacks that help her celebrate her Bajan heritage. And of course, she reveals the comfort foods that have seen her through it all

Grace Dent is back for a fourth course of Comfort Eating, and her first guest of the new season is Dawn O’Porter, writer and TV presenter. The pair chow down over Dawn’s favourite snack, as she tells Grace about a bohemian childhood in Guernsey, how her passion for oysters ended in undignified disaster, and how she found love on a dancefloor with the Hollywood A-lister who became her husband

Comfort Eating with Grace Dent is back for a fourth course on 18 October. Join her and celebrity guests, such as Graham Norton and Dawn O’Porter, as they reveal the comfort foods that have seen them through the good times, bad times, and everything in between

As season three comes to an end, Grace brings you a special bonus episode, recorded live at the Podcast Festival in London, with the cheekiest chap from Chelsea, Jamie Laing. The pair discuss his childhood on a farm, boarding school canteen hierarchies, and how food-shame affects men. And Jamie recounts his first memories of moving to Leeds.

Season three is ending with a bang, as Eastenders actor and all-round hun Natalie Cassidy pops over for a chat. She and Grace remember the 90s London club scene, discuss the perils of having a fitness DVD, and how being part of a soap for 29 years shapes your identity. And, Natalie lets Grace in on the comfort foods that have seen her through it all

Grace’s guest this week is the singer Neneh Cherry. She tells Grace about the perils of growing up with vegetarian parents, moving to London aged 16, and turning away from pop stardom at the height of her fame. And she reveals the comfort foods that have seen her through it all

Next over to Grace’s house is the former long jumper Greg Rutherford, who’s won gold medals at Olympic, world, European and Commonwealth level. He tells Grace about growing up in a conservative religious household, being brought home by the police as a teen, and how he turned it round to become one of Britain’s most successful athletes of all time

The legendary drum’n’bass DJ Goldie has flown into London for summer performance dates, but first he stops by Grace’s living room. They discuss growing up in care, letting rave life get on top of you, and his new life with his wife and child in Thailand. And, as always, the comfort foods that have seen him through it all