Show Notes
This week on Channel Hopper, host and TV & film historian John Mabey is joined by legendary director Ed Bye for a fascinating look back at a remarkable career in British television comedy. From ground breaking favourites like Bottom, The Young Ones, French and Saunders, The Detectives and My Family, Ed reflects on the iconic shows, unforgettable moments and creative partnerships that helped shape generations of comedy fans. He also shares his thoughts on what television and film have meant to him throughout his life and career, working alongside legendary talents including Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. Packed with stories from behind the scenes and heartfelt memories from one of British comedy’s most celebrated directors, this is an episode comedy fans won’t want to miss.
More from The Channel Hopper Podcast
In this episode of The Channel Hopper Podcast John sits down with esteemed actor of TV & Film Alex Hyde-White, son of Wilfred Hyde-White (star of a 1000 movies). Alex discusses his career working with such people as Tom Hanks, Stephen Spielberg, Charles Bronson and Sean Connery. He also chooses some of his favourite films to discuss and TV themes. Alex's new book "In the Volume, My Life In Film and TV" is available now, link below. Enjoy! https://amzn.eu/d/0hrlknhi
As a change to the existing routine I am delighted to welcome Lucy Briers to the fold of Channel Hopper alumni. In this edition Lucy talks about her career, chooses her favourite TV themes and discusses her favourite films. We do also spend some time honouring her acting royalty parents in the form of Ann Davies and Richard Briers. Lucy Will be appearing in a new play called "The Sea" alongside Jennifer Saunders at the Theatre Royal Bath from 22 October - 7 November 2026. Link below. Enjoy The Sea — Theatre Royal Bath
This week John has a little natter with his old mate Jeff Bernstein, writer, composer, musician and 80s pop star. They discuss their love of film and tv themes whilst going on a bit of jaunt down the paranormal path. To find more of Jeff's work head on over to Music | Jeff BernsteinDon't forget to like share and subscribe.
In this week's episode John sits down with talented actor and writer Tony Gardner to find out what TV and film means to him, they also discuss Tony's career, including his performances in cult BBC comedy Lead Balloon with Jack Dee and his leading role in children's CITV classic My Parents Are Aliens. We hope you enjoy. Don't forget to like share and subscribe.
This week on The Channel Hopper Podcast John sits down with actor Karl Davies, many of you may remember Karl from British soap Emmerdale where he played wayward youth Robert Sugden. He later went on to play Stephen Fry's assistant in the charming and overlooked sitcom Kingdom, but to millions he will always be known as Daniel Cawood in the hit crime drama Happy Valley. Karl chooses some his favourite tv and movies to discuss, whilst he and John have a good old moan about the state of the world now. Enjoy. Don't forget to like share and subscribe.