Al and Albus Dumbledog Spring a Surprise!
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This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. BBC Radio 1 Radio 1's All Day Breakfast With Greg James Hello, welcome to the Radio 1's... Sorry, say that again. Radio 1 All Day Breakfast Podcast Radio 1 All Day Breakfast, OK. Hello and welcome to the Radio 1 All Day Breakfast Podcast. Lots have come.

Lots to come today. Chris Arnold, welcome to the Radio 1 Studios. Welcome to the All Day Breakfast podcast. It's an absolute privilege to be here. Thank you for having me. When I saw you walk through the green room, I said, hello, lovely to meet you, and sorry. LAUGHTER

We've chatted a bit online and I have said a similar thing, but I also should say thank you. Not a problem, not a problem. Yeah, a few of my friends have got in touch and have...

They've basically been like, are you being bullied by Greg James? Oh, now see, I don't want that accusation flying around. It's with love. It is with love. It really is. Everyone messes up on the radio. And if you're lucky, it's a good one. And yours was a great one, Chris. It was a really great one. To the point where we now have a version of a song. We have a Folds version edit for you.

Hello, good evening. Chris Arnold here with you until 10pm. Hope you've had a good day. Lots to come tonight. Right, OK. That's just the version we play, Liam. Yeah, I like on the screen it says in brackets, Chris Arnold edit. Yeah, that's yours. Like a sort of, you know, eats everything edit, fat voice of them edit in brackets, Chris Arnold edit. Yeah, it's your dub. It's...

It's a remarkable thing, that bit of audio. You've really made it travel far. Well, it's just... Publicly, it's one of our favourite things on the radio, but it's also sort of privately a thing we say all the time. It's sort of common parlance now with the Breakfast team and those that have even left. I mean, you're aware of producer Chris Sawyer, right? Of course, yes. So Chris Sawyer, a Radio 1 legend...

He always... I mean, actually, this morning, when we played it, he was listening and he messaged the old breakfast group and they did a salute. So he was listening. Nothing extra. But it's become a way of communicating with each other. Yeah. And you're bringing people together. Yeah, and I'm thankful. I'm happy to have that legacy.

Within this circle of people here at Radio 1. When you said it, what went through your head? Because there was a pause where you thought, oh, God. Well, there's a funny few things, actually. First of all, I never, ever used that bed on that radio show that I was presenting. I just saw it. I thought, oh, that's a good tune. That'll be a fun little bed. So it's not like a regular bed. So apologies to Yanis. Apologies to Foles. And I know you...

Got Jack Saunders to... He played it to him. That's right. He seemed so confused about the whole thing. He liked it, though. He was actually... He was baffled that it has become a joke. He was like, are they allowed to do that? You're a rock star. You're the one who's supposed to be rock and roll. But yeah, so it has travelled far and wide. But yeah, so take us into that moment. Yeah, I was... And there's another thing as well. I...

I work at BBC Radio Bristol. That's where I've worked for years. And that evening, we were doing a split show where I was on BBC Radio Somerset as well. So it was pretty much the first or the second time I'd ever presented on Radio Somerset as well. And on the BBC Sounds page, it says Radio Somerset. So whenever you would reference it and whenever anyone would reference it, they'd say from BBC Radio Somerset. But I don't know those guys.

Oh, wow. So we've been doing it to them, but really it's mainly Bristol. It happened at Bristol, yeah. And when it went viral and when you were playing it, I got a load of messages from the Somerset staff saying, why have you dragged our good name through the mud like this? Especially, I was covering someone's show, a woman called Mel. So on the BBC Sounds link, it says Mel and it says that I was sitting in. She texted me and was like, what's all this about lots of cum and my name being dragged all over the internet?

She was particularly upset by the whole thing. Oh, God. Well, BBC Bristol is a fantastic place. It's great. They are home to one of my favourite podcast listens of the year. Okay. It's a really brilliant documentary about the South Downs football community. Oh. Always at home.

Presented by Joe Sims. Presented by Joe Sims? Presented by Joe Sims. Who's the most Bristolian man I've ever heard in my life? Yeah, and produced by an amazing producer and quite a good friend of mine, a guy called Tom Ryan, who was working away at that for years. And yeah, well, I'll let them know that you're a fan. They'll be very pleased to hear that. Yeah, a lot of work went into that. It's a beautiful listen, actually. This is a good podcast recommendation, actually. Cross podcast recommendation.

on BBC Sounds it's called Always At Home Chris we are going to get on with the Breakfast Show podcast and we've got loads we actually do have lots of fun today including a festive feeling treat for another brilliant listener called Lizzie we also get you up to date with all the latest things we have yesterday's quiz

We also caught up with Andy, who was part of Festive Feeling a few years ago. So we catch up with him because he's got something exciting to announce. And what else? Am I missing anything else out? Roisin and the magpie. Oh, yes. And a festive highlight featuring Roisin Hasty. So let's begin with today's Festive Feeling. And we go again today. Katie Thistleton, good morning.

Good morning, Greg. It's elf number two. How are you? It's just so exciting having two armies of elves going off around the country. So we've got an alpha team and beta team. That is you today. So Charlie Hedges was out yesterday. Katie, what can you tell us about your location today?

Okay, well, I'm currently in a festive sleigh, but that's not really a clue. I'll be honest with you, because it's in a hotel. So unless you know this particular hotel, that won't really be a clue. But I can tell you that I'm not in England anymore. We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto. Oh, my God. Big sleigh.

I know. And also, I know Charlie's not here today, but there is a place near here that we feel like would make her feel right at home. That is a clue. All right. Okay, so not in England. And you're going to be surprising someone today. This is the first time you've done a festive feeling. How are you feeling about it?

I'm very excited about it. It's right up my street. I listen every year and just think it's amazing. I was listening yesterday to that whilst I was doing my stretches. I was crying my eyes out. I was weeping in cat-cow position, just like tears flooding from my face. I was like, what an image. Yeah, it's just gorgeous, isn't it? It's just so nice to shine a light on these people. So I'm really, really excited about who we're going to meet today. Yeah, the story today is really, really brilliant. And I think it will inspire and inspire

And it will melt even the coldest of hearts, I'd say. I think so, yeah. I read the application for this one and I was so touched by it. It's really sweet. Okay, so you're going to be knocking on someone's door just after 8.30 today and then sorting out some... I've always wanted to do that. That's what I'm really excited about. That's the fun bit, isn't it? It feels very Ant & Dec Saturday Night Takeaway, doesn't it? Yeah, I've always wanted to just surprise someone knocking on their door. I feel like that is a real presenter thing to tick off the list, isn't it? Once you've knocked on someone's door and surprised them. So, the clues...

You're no longer in England. And what was the thing about Charlie? She would enjoy it there. There's a place near here today that would be quite close to Ricky Melvin and Charlie's heart. Ricky Melvin and Charlie's heart, okay. So think of their show. Place nearby. Okay, alright. I'm sure the listeners will come up with something there. Maybe a big thing that happens on their show. Okay. I'm giving you too many clues now. Okay, live lounge is the big thing that happens on their show.

All right. Clues then. Good clues. 03-700-100-100.

Betty the Digger Driver says, is Katie in Ireland because Charlie Hedges was hiding at the Tato factory earlier this year? Oh, yeah, she was for a wacky Radio 1 game. The way the listeners' minds work is unbelievable, isn't it? As if you've made that connection. That's brilliant. But she was, yeah. There's a few people saying the Tato factory. Have you gone to the crisp factory, Katie? No.

I wish I was at the Tato factory because I love a Tato, but unfortunately I'm not. I've not gone quite that far. Jay's in Monmouth and says, hang on, what would make Charlie Hedges feel right at home? It's either Ibiza or Lapland because she loves Ibiza and Christmas.

Yeah, the budget hasn't spread that far either. I'm neither in a beater or a lap lander. I wish I was. You are in a sleigh, so it could be. All right, let's find out later. I am in a sleigh. 03 700 100 100. We will find out just after 8.30 together as Katie Thurston surprises another brilliant listener on Festive Feelings. Speak to you in a bit. Katie, good morning.

Good morning, Greg. How are you? Pretty good. I'm very excited. Just after 8.30, you're going to be... Someone's knocking on your door. And you're going to be knocking on a listener's door and you're going to be surprising them with a festive-feeling treat. Now, yesterday, Charlie Hedges was in deep cover. She was wearing sort of ninja clothing and hiding in a car. Then she was behind an actual hedge because Charlie Hedges. What hiding place have you assumed, Katie, today? Well, I'm currently just in a really lovely cafe having a bacon roll. LAUGHTER

And I'll tell you what, Greg, there's some lovely dogs in here. I've just met a dog. Go and retrieve across with a poodle called Barney. Oh, a classic of the genre. Look, Katie, lovely dogs aside, lovely bacon sandwich aside, lovely cafe aside, you're supposed to be in deep cover here. Yeah, sorry about that, yeah. Hiding in plain sight is good though, isn't it? Is it? I'm just, yeah.

It's good if you have a nice time in a cafe. Well, that's good. So you haven't been spotted yet, I guess. No, I don't think so. I mean, I don't want to be offensive, but I think everyone in here is not the Radio 1 audience. Oh, okay. Right, okay.

So I think I'm getting away with it so far. Okay, that's fine. The big radio on... It's not grannies that are taking their dogs out. Right, big radio on microphone, probably giving the game away slightly. Yeah, that is giving away a little bit. So the cafe obviously is near the location that you're going. What other clues can you give us? Because people think you might be in Bristol. People think you might be in or near the Welsh castle that I'm a Celebrity was at a couple of years ago, well, four years ago actually. And Raymond in Belfast thinks that

You might be at the Dark Hedges.

Okay. Well, I'm about five minutes away from the location in this cafe right now. I can tell you we went past a really big stadium on the way to the cafe from the hotel. I'm currently opposite a very lovely church. We definitely must be near a primary school as well because there's loads of kids walking by and the traffic's chaos. A Poundland truck just went by. But, you know, they've got them everywhere so that doesn't narrow things down. Stadium, church, Poundland truck. The big...

Yeah, the big stadiums are a giveaway. And also, if you happen to know a golden retriever cross with a poodle named Barney, then you'll have nailed it. It's not a common mix. What a life. What a life for these dogs, by the way. Just hanging out in a cafe on a Tuesday morning, just having a nice time. That's the life, isn't it?

Yeah, they're having a great time. Someone will guess this, I'm almost certain, because you've given some good clues already. Emma in Cornwall says, it's got to be Cardiff. It's got to be Cardiff Bay. Surely. Katie's in Edinburgh says, Will the Wizard. We have got... Oh, yeah, it's a good point. Do you want the bus number? I know Charlie gave a bus number yesterday. Go on. Shall I give you that? Yeah. The number 63 just went by. OK.

It's a big giveaway. So someone listening to Radio 1 right now is about to get surprised by Katie Thistleton. Are you going to their house or their workplace? Or where? Where are you going? House? We're going to the house, yeah. I'm so excited. Me too. It's all going to happen after 8.30 this morning. Guess who's pleased as to where Katie is? Katie? Greg. Yeah.

Sorry, it's chaos here. We've just arrived. We've just arrived. In fact, I need to stop being so loud. Yeah, you do need to stop being so loud. Sorry, I should cheer more quietly. Yay. Yes, yay. Now, I need to just say, about five minutes ago, I read out a text from someone who knows the person we're about to surprise. And in their message, they said, don't read this out, Greg, until the surprise. You'll ruin it. And I was like, yeah, yeah, yeah. We don't need to be told that. We're doing the surprise. We're not useless. Yeah.

cut to we're now 10 minutes late so maybe we are a little bit yeah we're 10 minutes late and I'm shouting outside the house so yeah and also we're making a pregnant woman run across Cardiff so we're sorry about this but look it's all going to be worth it because this surprise is going to be really nice so are you in view of the house?

Yeah, I'm literally right outside the house and I'm here with today's nominator. I'm here with Alana and also Albus the dog who features quite heavily in the story today. So yeah, we're outside. We're ready. We're excited. Okay, great. Let's play Sonny Federer and then we'll come back and we'll chat to Alana and we'll work out today's surprise. The person might be listening. They might even... Oh my God, this is going to be exciting. Katie! Katie!

Oh, I'm so excited, Greg. I'm so excited. I am outside today's treaty, shall we call them, house. And I'm here with our nominator, Al. Al, can you tell us who we're meeting today and what they mean to you? So today you're meeting my best friend, Lizzie. We moved in together just before lockdown. We didn't actually know each other before lockdown. She answered an advert to move in.

And a week later, we locked down. So we had a hit or miss situation. It was a massive hit. And we ended up drinking cocktails in the garden for most of lockdown. So that was definitely really good. What a life. Lizzie has... Yeah, it was fantastic. Lizzie has since turned into the most amazing friend I could ever ask for. Oh, sorry. It's getting emotional already.

I had a really tough year this year. I've had a couple of really major operations. And Lizzie's basically been my carer. She's done absolutely everything for me. She's walked the dogs, she's cleaned the house, she's cooked the dinner. But she's just done it all without...

Oh, Al.

She sounds absolutely wonderful. And I also know she's a massive Greg fan. You both are, aren't you? And actually listening to Greg's show got you both through lockdown. Absolutely. Through lockdown has got me through this. Like, Greg, honestly, you bring so much joy. We really love listening to you. They refer to you as their third housemate, Greg. That's nice. Apart from Albus. We've also got Albus the dog here. So fourth housemate. Albus the dog is here in a Christmas jumper, by the way, just to set the scene for you. Albus Dumbledore.

Dumbledog. Dumbledog. Wow.

Okay. We've got all the Al's. What a lovely story, Al. Bless you for saying it on the radio as well, because obviously you can hear how much your friendship means to you. And it's a celebration of friendship today. This is a great festive feeling. You know, this is what we've been talking about all month, really, which is just shining a light on people who have helped you in small ways, big ways, whatever it is. Those little bits of kindness, they go a long way, don't they, Al?

They really do, honestly. I wouldn't have got through this year without her. I really wouldn't have. She's amazing. When I read your application, just that friendship shone through. I was like, I don't think I've ever read about a friendship as gorgeous as this. It's that unconditional love that normally is reserved for family. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But...

actually two strangers who just moved in together and then she's done everything for you. And she's done it all with a massive smile on her face. She loves, like, she's so funny. She's always pulling silly faces and, you know, she just absolutely, in my darkest days, like, got me out of bed. Didn't she do you a card for every day you were in hospital, the different, like, picture of Albus in and out of her? Yeah, the first week I was in hospital, she gave me a printed card with different pictures of her funny face and Albus every day to open. LAUGHTER

So when I woke up, I could just, you know, open that and just feel like I wasn't away from home straight away. God, what an amazing thing that you were just kind of thrown together, Al, in the pandemic and it all just happened by chance. And those friendships that feel like family, they are so special, aren't they? Yes.

They really are. And I genuinely, when she moved in, she's a professional violinist and, you know, I'm just a Welsh girl. And I was like, oh, she's a bit posh, you know. I wasn't sure if we'd get on. And then about two days in, she was like, I've got a spare fridge. Should we make it a wine?

fridge and I was like we're going to get one. This literally sounds like it could be a sitcom like this could be the new Gavin and Stacey when that finishes couldn't it? The violinist just moves in with the normal Welsh girl gets a wine fridge. I think it would be perfect Al if you could if you cry again get her to start playing the violin I think that would sound fantastic.

I think we should go. It's getting a little tiny one out. Yeah, get your tiny violin out. We're coming in. So I think we should meet Lizzie. Should we go and knock on the door? Should we go and do it now? I think we should. Let's do it. Shall we? Let's just go for it. Come on, let's go for it. All right, I mean, the curtains are shut. Apparently her boyfriend's in on it, so he's shut all the curtains. So hopefully she's not seen us already. But, right, let's meet Lizzie. She thinks Al's out walking the dog, by the way, because obviously they live together. Right.

We've knocked on. Lovely reef, by the way. Lizzie made that. Did she? Gosh, she makes reefs as well. Is that Lizzie? She's shut the door on us. It's becoming a theme, this, isn't it? Hi, Lizzie. I'm Katie Thistleton and you're live on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Greg James. And you obviously know Al. How are you? We're here to give you a festive treat. You're live with Greg, Lizzie. Oh, my God, her. Hi, Lizzie. She peered round the door and then shut the door immediately. LAUGHTER

Oh my God, I'm so shocked. I don't know what to say. But I'm really glad that Albus is in his festive jumper just for the occasion. I think it's really important. We're filming this as well. Albus looks great. How are you feeling? I'm over the moon. I thought you might go silent. Yeah, well, I'm laughing instead just to make up for it.

Lucy, it's so great to meet you because we've just been hearing about how absolutely wonderful you are and about your friendship. Can we come in later? Let's go in. Let's come in out of the cold. Thank you. Katie, we'll let you get settled in the house. I made that reef as well. It's gorgeous. Thanks, Greg. We'll chat to you in a minute. Joseph says, I am in tears, Greg. The story is so lovely.

Not just the little kindnesses. This is about the biggest friendship I've ever heard. How beautiful. Ellie says these two girls meeting was fate. There's no other word for it. And someone else has just said, I think this might be someone who knows you, Lizzie. Lizzie's not just an angel. She's hilarious and makes a mean cocktail. We've heard a lot about your cocktails today. This is how you got through the pandemic, was it?

It is, totally. The drinks fridge was the best thing that ever, ever came around. And, you know, it's got a place in the new house. Well, Lizzie, welcome to the Radio On Breakfast show. You're in your living room with Katie Thistleton. So let's, I want to find out more about your friendship, Katie. Let's dig a bit, shall we, here?

Yeah, so tell me, what was it like for you, Lizzie, when Al moved in? Did you have any idea that this friendship was going to become what it has become? Not at all. I moved in and we had... Well, I said I wasn't going to be there for a month because I was on tour, and then, you know, a week later we looked at each other and we were like, well, we've got a lot of time to get to know each other, so... Yeah, wow. And Al said that she was a bit worried that you might be a bit posh for her. What with all your violin in and everything. Turned up in my teaching gear and pretended that I was someone I wasn't, and then...

And now tell us about sort of the past year. You know, Al's told us a little bit about how she's really struggled with her health and it's been quite complicated, hasn't it? I believe you've had a few complications. You've had to go back in for an operation again. And what's that been like? To be honest, it's Al who's actually the guardian angel here. She's the one who's been through a hell of a lot her whole life and is still here with a smile every morning. It's not me at all. It's you.

But she's told us that you've been absolutely amazing. I mean, you've gone above and beyond. You've driven her to the hospital. You've bought the dog. You've changed the catheter. I mean, in your application, Al, you said no one, no friend should have to see their friend's bag of wee every day, let alone change it. I sat there and I used to prod it. So, I mean, it's quite entertaining. Did she?

Careful mixing them cocktails. And what really struck me when I read the application that Al put in for you, Lizzie, which, by the way, you need to read because it's gorgeous. Your friendship just jumps out on the page. I felt jealous reading it of your friendship. I thought, this is the most unconditional love I've ever witnessed in a friendship. It's beautiful. And I think I would love to have a friend like that.

It's amazing. To be honest, I know everyone had a really hard time in the pandemic, but actually that's what actually helped us find, you know, you get to know someone in a totally different way. It's like a trauma bond, isn't it? I suppose you bond quite intensely in those times. Yeah. So it's remembering that they were hard times, but there is always someone around to just, you know, have a laugh with and...

Yeah. And we've got your third housemate here, Albus. Albus Dumbledore, the star of the show, the prince of the house. He's been very well behaved, by the way. We were worried about Bax. The dog that he hates went by, Greg, so we were worried for a moment, but he behaved himself. But I believe your fourth housemate is Greg, and you listen to Greg every morning, and you're big fans. Every morning without fail, yeah. We talk about Barney a lot as well. How we wish Albus was a little bit more like Barney sometimes, but, you know. I don't know about that.

I mean, Barney is an absolute nightmare. But I'm sure Elvis is a good boy. He's a good boy. That's very sweet. Well, I feel like, I mean, Katie, you probably feel the same. We all trauma bonded with the listeners over the pandemic. So, you know, we're in a very lucky position here. And I feel immensely proud that someone would feel like they can call me their extra housemate. That's kind of really amazing. But look, we wanted to sort out a few treats for you today, Lizzie. Oh.

And your friends and family wanted to say a few words about you. Just have a little listen to this. Lizzie is a friend who's kind beyond measure. She brings out the best in everyone she knows. And who you can absolutely guarantee will be there for you through all of life's ups and downs. Her friendship with Al is founded on a mutual love for dogs, laughs and cocktails. She is a kind, caring and fun friend. She has a crazy brain, which is why we became friends in the first place.

the kindest heart and is beautiful inside and out. She's helped me in so many ways, but mainly just by being part of my life. Yes, I think Ali's had a really tough year, a really difficult one, and she's been so strong. But Lizzie has been there every step of the way.

Lizzie has been such a massive support for Al. They are so important to each other and I know they are both grateful to have each other in their lives. We all do. Through bum sniffing dogs our friendship began in the midst of Covid when life changed its plan. In meetings so odd yet it led to a bond of sunrises, laughter and food we're both fond. You bring so much joy with your heart and your cheer and a warmth that grows stronger with drinking beers.

With you life feels neat, every moment with you is a beautiful treat. Thank you for always being there for Maggie the dog and me. Your kindness and care mean the world you see. We're not just friends, we're family too. A connection so beautiful which is mostly based on picking up dog's poo. Lizzie, I'm so grateful for everything you do.

It's lovely. I've never seen such a mixture of tears and laughter in a couple of minutes. It was unbelievable. It's a roller coaster. Yeah, it really was. Well, Lizzie, people think the world of you, clearly. And Al's lucky to have a friend like you. And you're lucky to have a friend like Al as well. So, look, we're planning another Christmas treat for you.

And I'm going to tell you about that next on The Breakfast Show. I'll let you dry your eyes. Please have a cocktail. Thank you. Yeah, definitely. And if anyone has been affected by anything we've just spoken about on the radio, then of course the BBC Action Line is there for you. Go to bbc.co.uk forward slash action line. It's Radio 1's festive feeling just after nine o'clock. We're delaying the 10-minute takeover, but for very good reason.

Not a dry eye in the house, not a dry eye around the country as well. Bethans in Maidstone and says, I'm holding back the tears here currently listening in the gym. Those two sound like incredible women and a friendship you could only dream of.

Gab's in Newport in Wales and says, look, Greg, I'm supposed to be a tough builder. I'm sat in traffic, my eyes streaming here. Gab, you let it out. Let it out, my friend. You'll feel a lot better. We all do it. We all do it in the car. Greg, this is Christmas in a nutshell. Beautiful stuff. I'm in tears on the school run. That is Lizzie in Surrey and I'm sobbing my heart out here, says Kate in Bury St Edmunds. Joyful this morning listening to Lizzie and Al. What a friendship. There you go. You've got a lot of fans this morning, Lizzie and Al.

I've never seen anything like this friendship. I'm sat here in the living room, Greg, and I said, I like your advent calendars. Oh, we made those for each other. They've got the stockings with all the names on. You're just such a lovely little family. Honestly, I'm so envious of this friendship. I think it's absolutely gorgeous. All through that montage then, the sort of holding hands and crying and laughing and...

It's just lovely. Sorry, Phil. It sounds like... Lizzie's just worried that she's delayed the 10-minute takeover because obviously they're big fans of the show. Yeah, of course. Well, yeah, you've only got yourselves to blame here, I'm afraid. It sounds like one of those friendships that obviously is very lovely, very caring, but also it sounds like you do take the mickey out of each other a lot, which I do like. Definitely, yeah. It's the only way you can get through friendships. Of course it is. It's the only way to get through life. So, Al, you nominated your best friend Lizzie. Yeah.

but basically to thank her for looking after you and for just being an amazing friend. And you had a tricky year and all sorts of it, but you got through the pandemic together. I want to do a treat for both of you. I think that's the thing we need. We need a treat for both of you. So Lizzie, what are you doing on Thursday?

You're not working. Oh, I'm not working, apparently. Al's sorted that. You're supposed to be working, but Al's played a prank on you and she has handed in your notice for you. So basically, you've got the day off on Thursday. Oh, amazing. Okay, cool. Could you and Al both come down to London if we sought out the travel and accommodation?

100%. Okay. Well, actually, I've just said yes, but I don't know what for. You're not meant to follow people. It's good. It's good. Stay scam safe, remember. Yeah, exactly. Be vigilant. This actually is me, but maybe you should call this number back to check that it is me. Anyway, so I know that you bonded over Sam Fender, didn't you, over the last few years?

I think that's a yes. Yeah. Now, tickets to his show are really hard to come by unless, of course, you're Radio 1 and you know Sam Fender personally and he's got a show in London on Thursday which I've got you tickets to go to.

She's literally biting her hand right now. I got some coffee in Sheffield yesterday and a girl was wearing a Sam Fender t-shirt and I literally went crazy and said, have you just been to the show? And we bonded over ten minutes about the coffee. She sent me a voice note about how excited this girl was and how gutted she was that she wasn't going. I had to wait for years. Oh, there you go. You don't have to wait years. You've got to wait days. That's it. Thursday. You're going to go on Thursday to watch Sam Fender in London?

I can't believe it. Amazing. Thank you so much. I was just thinking, you don't have to do this, but as you're staying overnight in London, because we've sorted out your accommodation, would you like to come and hang out on The Breakfast Show with me on Friday?

I mean, that would be dreamy. Double whammy, Sam Bender and Greg James. Sam Bender and Greg, that's all our favourite things. Right, so that's Thursday and Friday sorted. Lizzie and Al, that is your festive feeling treat. Thank you, Greg. Have an amazing time on Thursday and we'll see you on Friday morning. I can't wait. We can't wait.

Lizzie, have you got to go to work now after all this? Not till this afternoon, so I can calm down a bit. Also, Greg, she does a lovely festive job. Tell him what you're doing. Well, so at the moment we're on tour playing the Muppets Christmas Carol. What? Live to film. Yeah, yeah. Right. Okay, now, don't say any more about that. So we're going to do the 10-minute take. I'm going to play Sam Fender. We'll do the 10-minute takeover. And then you've got to give us a song on the violin. Something. Please, something. Something.

when you do something yeah okay great every day in every way scrooge is getting worse

Okay, what's the correct day to watch this? I think it's a Christmas Eve job, isn't it, that? I can't wait. Well, I mean, for anyone coming to watch us every day, it's the first two weeks of December. Also, sorry for all my colleagues who, you know, have just had to listen to that again. No rest for the wicked. What's the holiday for you this, Lizzie? Interesting you said that, because we actually had someone who came to watch you last night in Sheffield who's listening.

They text in saying, oh my God, I was there at the Muppets Christmas Carol at Sheffield City Hall. It was so good. I saw Lizzie last night, they say. No way! Yeah, it was a long drive home last night.

But worth it. You're spreading joy all over the land. But you're not going to be doing that on Thursday night because you're going to be watching Sam Fender. So we're looking forward to having you in London. You come to see the Breakfast Show team on Friday morning as well, you and Al. So we're very excited for that. That was a great choice on the 10-minute takeover for Mickey and Missingden, The Muppets, Christmas Carol, Scrooge. And come on then. Is the violin ready? Lizzie, what have you got for us? Yes, it is. She's got it. She's got it. MUSIC PLAYS

It's beautiful. It's so nice. So that wasn't completely terrifying or maybe it was? Absolutely terrifying. Katie Thistleton, thank you for this morning. Thank you for bringing Al and Lizzie into our lives. Thank you.

It's been gorgeous. You are just beautiful human beings. You know when you meet people and just the goodness just oozes out of them? Yeah, you're amazing and you deserve your treat on Thursday. I'm so excited for you. And from today's festive feeling, by the way, there'll be another one tomorrow, let's catch up with Andy from a couple of years ago. We've had a really fun morning this morning on Radio 1's festive feeling. Al surprised her friend Lizzie live on the show earlier today.

And I love having Festive Feeling back. We've done it before on The Breakfast Show, and a few years ago, we actually spoke to a lovely man called Andy. He's on the line now. Andy, hello! Hi, good morning, Greg. Welcome back. Are you enjoying this year's Festive Feeling? Yeah, absolutely loving it. Such special causes and special people to win those. What a beautiful friendship today, eh? It was cool, wasn't it? They're really, really fun. And it's one of those great friendships where they're very, very close, clearly. There's lots of wholesome stuff, but also...

They were great at taking the mickey out of each other, which we do welcome, which I'm sure is a huge part of your community at Sands United in Brighton. Because I guess that sort of camaraderie is what gets you through the tough times, isn't it? Absolutely, yeah. Yeah, it really is. But being able to...

Take the mickey out yourself, but also those around you, the ones you care about most, yeah. They can really put a smile on your face and get you through those tough times, definitely. So we sorted out a treat for you a few years ago because you've done some extraordinary work in your community to essentially create a safe space for people to talk about grief, particularly men to talk about grief. I know it's branched out to everybody now, but Sands United is still going and you're still fielding teams and everything and the community is thriving, isn't it?

It is, yeah. It is. We managed to get a friendly together on Saturday playing the original Sands United team from Northampton.

So there was about 40 of us involved in that game on Saturday. That's so nice. Great to hear that it's still going so well. And we caught up recently because how this happened again is that we played out a highlight of this for this year's festival and then we were like, where the hell's Andy? We need to catch up with him, see how he's doing. And you told us that you had a great time at the Brighton & Hove Albion training ground. That's where you went. That was one of your treats for when you were on. And then...

When we caught up with you recently, at the end of the phone call, Andy, you said this. You say that, but if you've got any contacts at Wembley, because I know you make dreams happen. So if you've got any contacts at Wembley, please put them in touch. You want to go and play at Wembley now, do you?

Yeah, you've given us the bug. Yeah, why not? I mean, definitely. I mean, would someone from Wembley be listening? Yeah, why not? So that was a few weeks ago. Not content with Brighton & Hove Albion training ground. You thought, well, let's go for the big one. Let's go for Wembley. So, Andy, you're back on today with an update. I'm going to play you a very elaborate long drum roll. And when it's finished, I'd like you to announce to everyone what's happening, please. So, wait for it, wait for it, wait for it. I'm going to Wembley, Greg. Woo!

I have, I've got to Wembley. Can't believe it. Amazing Nick and Ben from the FA got in touch following our little segment a couple of weeks ago. Our catch up. And yeah, they're hosting an annual play on the pitch at Wembley Day for grassroots volunteers. They heard our radio clip and our story and I invited myself and Grant. He was the guy that originally completed our application form.

So they've invited us to go along, take part in this game happening tonight. I have been shaking with excitement. This is so good, Andy. What ridiculous power this radio station has. You just say a thing and then you hope people are listening and they can make it happen. But it's a very nice thing they've done. I'm really pleased. We're using this power for good, I think. Yeah, it does. So surely you must have been in training when you found out, surely. A couple of extra sessions.

Well, both Grant and myself, being of the older end of your demographic, we've tried to take a relaxing approach to it because the last thing we wanted to do was pull a muscle, get injured and jeopardise this amazing opportunity.

I mean, it's kind of epic, though, to get injured at Wembley, get stretched off. Quite fun. Pulling a hammy at Wembley is quite fun. That's quite a good story, Andy, isn't it? Come on. Oh, you've said it out loud now. Right, well, make sure you warm up before you get out there. So you're playing an actual game tonight, then? Yes, yeah. So we're getting there for about five o'clock. They've invited us for a bit of food and a bite to eat. And then, yeah, the...

They're planning for about 80 minutes, 90 minutes for a game. But they said that the journey from the changing room to the pitch can take quite a long time because there's lots of photo opportunities. This is so fancy. What an amazing night you're about to have. I'm so pleased that this happened. It's thoroughly well deserved as well. You've put in so much work to that football team and you've helped out so many people. I think this is absolutely something that you deserve to do today. Well, enjoy every minute and just imagine the players that have played there.

the history that's taken place on that pitch, not only football, but obviously all the gigs that have been there. It's like it's an unbelievable stadium.

Yeah, it really is. And not many people get to do this. So I'm going to be fulfilling and living every footballer's dream out there. Just a boy from Brighton. I can't believe this is happening. And wow. Yeah, I'm lost for words. Even now. Will you give us a little update from the medical tent tomorrow?

Yeah, absolutely. Give us a little update, let us know how you go. Well, have an amazing time tonight, Andy. Nice to catch up with you and enjoy Wembley tonight.

Thank you, Greg. Yes, can't wait. Thank you. Catch up soon. Time now to get you up to date with all the latest things. It's ten to eight and let's get you up to date with all the latest things. We start with Variety magazine. They have teased the line-up for their Actors on Actors interview. Some of them are unbearable. It's pretentious nonsense, a lot of it. However...

There's a really good one. Ariana Grande and Paul Mescal have been paired together. You also have Ryan Reynolds and Andrew Garfield. That'll be good. And Saoirse Ronan and Selena Gomez. Those are good. Here's the teaser for the Ariana and Paul Mescal one. We share a release date. We do indeed. And the fans are calling it Glickid. Right, so they're calling Gladiator and Wicked Glickid.

It's very Barbie and Oppenheimer when it became Barbenheimer. But anyway, Paul and Ariana seem to really get on. I know we are glickid and there's lots of commentary. We are glickid. I'm happy for them to call it whatever they want as long as they go to the theatre. So that interview is coming out soon. Next up, we go to a public service announcement from Danita. This just popped up on my socials and actually, I really... It really resonated with me. If you're scared of birds, just don't be. They ain't got no arms.

You can kick its ass. Yeah, I love the simple approach to life, Danita. I just, I am a bit scared of birds. Birds, ironic, I know, because I do love animals and particularly, you know, tall ducks, but I just don't like birds flapping. They flap around my head. I think if you're tall, they kind of dive bomb you as well. We had a discussion about it this morning. Vanura, you feel the same and you're not 6'4", are you? I'm not. I'm definitely 5'3".

Right, and they dive bomb you. Yeah, they don't care how tall you are. It's a problem. It really is. And are you scared of birds? Yeah. Tom, are you scared of birds? But they are kind of intimidating. And sometimes, you know, crows, for example. I think if you were locked in a room with a bird, Tom, you definitely wouldn't be okay. Crows are smart. I like crows. Imagine a crow just flew in here now. You'd probably be quite scared. We'd lose our minds. Yeah, but the bird would be more scared. No, I know, but how would we contain it and make sure it's okay? We'd call Tony.

We'd call Tony Wood, that's true. Anyway, so don't be scared of birds because you can kick their arses, is what Danita's saying. Next up, we go to Troy Sivan, who has aired a grievance with British people. Troy, come on. One of my favourite things about British people is British young people, sometimes they talk like a granny, like my nana. He's done that thing where he says, one of my favourite things about British people and then slagged us off.

Troy continues. I'm feeling poorly or, oh yeah, that'd be lovely. Are you 90? Yes, that's just how some of us speak. He's also picked up on someone he knows very well doing it. Even Charlie in the remix, she's like, shall we go back to my place? I'm like, shall? Girl, what? Troy, that is how we speak properly, dear. I'm sorry we don't all talk like bogans. Sorry about that. Hope you've had a good tour with Charlie XCX.

And Merry Christmas! And now we have a quiz and here comes Ed. I don't like that one.

I don't know. It's not very good, is it? Is that very good? Is it good? No, no. Is that good, Amy? Is that a good one? I actually really like it. I like Bieber. I'm just saying I don't like that. Do you think Bieber are like... No, no, no. I'm just saying I don't think that's a... I don't think that's a... V? I'm not offended by it. No. But I just think there's so many better Christmas songs than that one. Sorry for playing that. Ed, what do you think? Do you like that one? No. LAUGHTER

The listeners are always right, you see. Ed, welcome to the Breakfast Show. How are you? Not too bad. How are you? I'm all right. I'm jealous of your weekend. Tell us what you're doing. Off to the darts. Off to the darts. That's Ali Pally starts on Sunday, doesn't it? Yeah, we're actually going on the Monday. Oh, that'd be amazing. The World Darts Championship at Christmas is always the best. You've been before, have you? Not to the world, no.

You're going to have the best day and night of your life. I think it's going to be amazing. The atmosphere is unbelievable in there. So you've got a busy week of work and then you get to go to the darts at the weekend or Monday. And so I've been told to ask you about when you got stuck in something recently at work. Grain trailer, yeah.

Well, you can't just say he casually got stuck in a grain trailer. What happened? How did that happen? Well, I went to do a moisture test on the first tank full, jumped in the trailer, realised there wasn't a ladder in the trailer and had to wait till the combine needed a second tank full and the track and trailer not to go to the combine and realised I was stuck in a trailer. Right. There's a lot of technical terminology you've just used there, but I think I get the picture. Did someone have to pull you out?

No, he didn't get out to pull me out. I had to just try and climb out at the end. How long were you in there for? About 25 minutes. OK. But my plane was in the tractor, so I couldn't really get out any other way.

I'm going to give you a point for being honest about Justin Bieber and also for being stuck in a grain trailer. We're already, you're already on one point. Let's get on with yesterday's quiz. 90 seconds on the clock. Ed got a lot of questions about stuff that happened yesterday. 12 is your score to beat. Here we go with question number one. Taylor Swift's Eros tour came to an end yesterday, but which Canadian city did she finish in?

Pass. It was Vancouver. Beyonce posted a message to Blue Ivy following the Mufasa The Lion King premiere. Who is Mufasa's son in The Lion King? Simba. Correct. We gave listener Rebecca tickets to see which Manchester band, legendary band, is part of Festive Feeling yesterday. They're doing a big comeback this summer. Next summer.

Pass. Oasis. Of course. A teaser picture of Ariana Grande's chat with which Gladiator 2 and Normal People star was released? Who's in Gladiator and Normal People? Pass. Okay, it's Paul Meskel. West Ham United played Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, but who won the match? West Ham. They did. Gavin and Stacey was on BBC Three last night. Name one of the characters of that show that will be back for Christmas this month.

Sorry, one of the creators of the show. Sorry. Oh, Gavin. Who plays Smithy? James Corden. Yeah, I'll give you a point for that. It was National Llama Day, but can you do an impression of a llama, please? That's a sheet, but I'll take it. And I'll take it as well. Point, please. Manchester rapper H celebrated his birthday. What letter comes immediately after H in the alphabet?

Aye. Yes. What time was it this time yesterday? 7.19. It was. Nominations for the Golden Globes were released. What shape is a globe? Round. Yeah, round sphere. And I'm going to give you one more. Luke Littler was announced as part of the shortlist of contenders for the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. But what sport is he best known for? I think you did very well there.

Yeah, I'm happy with that. It was a slow start, but then we really got going and you got nine points in the end. Oh, that'll do. Yeah, that'll do nicely. Ed, thanks for being on today and we may well see you again on Friday in the final, but have a good day and stay out of trouble and stay out of them grain trailers. Yeah, will do. Thank you. Have a good one. Cheers. More quiz tomorrow morning at 7.15. It'll be day three. One.

Good from Ed. It was solid. Nine points today from him. I don't think it's going to trouble the final, but he made a good show of himself.

Next up, let's have a festive treat from Roisin Hasty. Siobhan, hello! Hello! What do you want from me? I would love Mike the Christmas Magpie and Roisin losing it in the news when she hears it. Yes, please! What we thought we'd do this week and in the run-up to Christmas was just make sure we're covering off all the breakfast show Christmas traditions. So this actually, unbelievably...

Was from the 26th of November, 2018, Siobhan. Wow, jeez. Yeah. A long time ago. Have you been listening since then? Oh, yeah. Even before then, when you were doing the afternoons and everything. Oh, my God. That's great. So you've been listening to Radio 1 for years. Okay. Indeed, yeah. So this was when I learned about a magpie, an actual magpie, by the way, called Mike.

who has been taught how to say Merry Christmas. Actually, I don't know if he was taught. Maybe he just knew. Maybe he'd heard it somewhere and just thought that sounds like a fun thing to say. And this is actually him saying Merry Christmas. It's one of my favourite things ever. Judging by your laughing, it's one of your favourite things ever as well. Gets me every time.

So Roisin Hasty was doing the news and I decided to keep playing it over her news and she loved it as well. She started giggling about the whole thing, obviously. She loves animals, she loves animal news, she loves silly things. And this happened. And it's less than a month to go before Christmas, so we can probably get away with this next clip of Mike the magpie who's feeling very festive. Yep, he's saying Merry Christmas.

You're bringing it in the news now. Well, apparently he learnt it from listening to the radio. So we could be teaching many magpies how to say Merry Christmas. At Monday morning news, a magpie says Merry Christmas. Great. Yep, Merry Christmas. So that was the first time I heard it. How about that? Amazing. And then...

I think we should play it in full. This is the Christmas treat today, Siobhan. Enjoy it. Meanwhile, Huddersfield Town... This is when Roisin just had the giggles because she was still thinking about the magpie and then I just had to keep playing it to her. Meanwhile, Huddersfield Town... I've got the giggles now from that magpie. Don't worry, hang on, don't worry.

Do you want me to come through and read it? Yeah, if you could. Can I just do the word there? Try it, try it, try it. OK. Stop it, stop playing it. Meanwhile, Huddersfield Tower moved off the bottom of the table and up six places with... LAUGHTER With their tables. Right, finish the news, this is a disaster. OK, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. You weather...

Scattered showers along the east coast, possibly moving to northern England and Wales. Mainly trials. Radio 1 Newsbeat at 7.34. Oh, that was the best Newsbeat I've ever heard in my entire life. It was a good one, Siobhan, wasn't it? Oh, amazing. It gets me every time. It kills me. It's so good. Did you hear the time when I actually introduced Roisin to Mike, the Christmas magpie?

I'm sure I did. That's kind of like in the back of my brain somewhere. I'm sure I've heard it. So before she went on maternity leave, we booked Mike. We put a magpie live on the radio. It didn't work exactly as I hoped, but what we did get was brilliant. Mike. Hello, Mike.

Mike, you're my favourite magpie. It just kept saying its own name. Just Mike. And then right before the bulletin, the news bulletin, he burst into life because he has impeccable comic timing. It's like beatboxing. It's at him still.

Well, good luck with your bulletin, Roisin. It's incoming. Follow Mike farting there. The Magpie announcing news. It was Roisin.

So he just started farting. Oh my God. He's just doing farts down the phone on the radio. Mike's a legend, isn't he? Yeah, he really is. He took his moment. Well, Siobhan, Merry Christmas to you. Thanks for suggesting that. And we're going to play Shaking Stevens, Merry Christmas, everyone, featuring Mike the Christmas Magpie. You up for it? Amazing. All right. Speak to you soon. Thanks. Bye. Thank you. And Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. And

And that is the end of today's Breakfast Show podcast. Chris, thanks for joining me today. Yes, Tom? I've got something that I asked Chris to do before we came in. Oh. See if we can maybe do it on air. Okay. If not, Luke, not Luke, Sam the Audio Wizard is going to do a proper version of it. Right. But... Producer Tom is plugging his laptop in here. Shall I fade that up? Yeah. Silence night. Holy night. Holy night.

Lots have come. Lots to come. A lovely take. Right, OK. Chris, my God. It's like duet with Justin Bieber there for you. Shall we reach out to Justin? Yeah, well, thank you for... Thank you for getting involved in it. Not a problem, thank you. You've brought a lot of joy and a lot of confusion to my friends who listen to your show. Please. LAUGHTER

And I do hope that it is taken in the spirit that it is intended. Absolutely. We love it to pieces. I don't think you're bullying me. Just let you know. Well, that's good. We can pass that on to HR. Actually, I've got an idea for another one. If you wanted to do a Christmas album, you could do lots of Oh Come, Are You Faithful? Yeah. Lots of them.

Could also work. So Merry Christmas to you. Merry Christmas. Chris, thank you and we'll catch up with you soon. Thank you very much, you too. That's the end of the Breakfast Show podcast. I'll be back with you tomorrow. Bye!

And in 2017, Miranda, a university tutor from London, joins a yoga school that promises profound transformation. It felt a really safe and welcoming space. After the yoga classes, I felt amazing. But soon, that calm, welcoming atmosphere leads to something far darker, a journey that leads to allegations of grooming, trafficking and exploitation across international borders.

I don't have my passport, I don't have my phone, I don't have my bank cards, I have nothing. The passport being taken, the being in a house and not feeling like they can leave.

You just get sucked in so gradually.

And it's done so skillfully that you don't realize. And it's like this, the secret that's there. I wanted to believe that, you know, that whatever they were doing, even if it seemed gross to me,

was for some spiritual reason that i couldn't understand revealing the hidden secrets of a global yoga network i feel that i have no other choice the only thing i can do is to speak about this and to put my reputation and everything else on the line i want truth and justice

And for other people to not be hurt, for things to be different in the future. To bring it into the light and almost alchemise some of that evil stuff that went on and take back the power. World of Secrets, Season 6, The Bad Guru. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.