Show Notes
🎙️ New Episode – Channel Hopper Podcast This week on Channel Hopper, host and TV & film historian John Mabey sits down with legendary writer Richard Sparks. Richard looks back on his time at the sharp end of British comedy, working on the groundbreaking sketch show Not the Nine O’Clock News alongside icons Rowan Atkinson, Ruby Wax and Mel Smith. He also revisits his work on the classic 1970s children’s adventure series The Famous Five, adapted from the beloved Enid Blyton novels, and talks about his brand new fantasy novel series New Rock, out now. Plus, Richard shares some of his all-time favourite TV themes, including The Prisoner and Star Trek. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, TV history, and plenty of nostalgia in another unmissable episode of Channel Hopper. 📺✨
More from The Channel Hopper Podcast
This week John sits down with writer, columnist and talking head David Quantick, the Emmy award winning star chooses some of his favourite films and tv theme tunes to discuss, with the obligatory ghost story. David has been on the writing team for some our best loved shows including, The Day Today, Jam, Spitting Image and Brass Eye. His new book The Hyena is available for pre-order now, link below. The Hyena – Stars and Sabers
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.