Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware

Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo

In this episode of Table Manners, hosts Jessie and Lennie Ware welcome reality stars, podcasters, and entrepreneurs Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo for a lively lunch. The conversation dives into the couple's relationship origin story, exploring the initial sparks that flew when they first met. The guests also share insights into their entrepreneurial ventures, from the world of confectionery to Jamie’s recent transformation into a dedicated marathon runner. Beyond business, the discussion turns personal as the group talks about Sophie’s childhood connection to Iraqi cuisine and shares candid, humorous tales surrounding their recent experiences with parenthood and birth stories. Listeners can expect an engaging and heartfelt dialogue that covers everything from family life and food to the realities of navigating public life together. It is an entertaining look into the lives of one of the reality TV world's most dynamic pairs.

Chaka Khan

In this episode of Table Manners, hosts Jessie and Lennie Ware are joined by the incomparable musical icon Chaka Khan. Accompanied by her sister and daughter, Chaka settles in for a delightful afternoon tea to share stories from her legendary career. Listeners get a rare look into her personal life, from her current home in Georgia to her unexpected love for the game show The Chase. The conversation flows through a variety of topics, including her upcoming album, her new musical, and even her dedicated skincare routine. Chaka also treats the hosts to incredible anecdotes about her friendships with icons like Prince, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder. This warm, engaging interview captures Chaka Khan at her most candid, offering a charming and star-studded look at the woman behind the voice that defined a generation.

Jane McDonald

Jessie and Lennie Ware welcome the legendary singer and television personality Jane McDonald to the table for a delightful and heartwarming conversation. Throughout the episode, Jane shares fascinating stories from her unique upbringing in a police lodging house and her early experiences learning to dance with her father. The discussion dives deep into her storied career, covering her time as a cruise ship performer, the secret life of crew parties, and the transition from performing in Blackpool to the stages of Las Vegas. Beyond her musical journey, Jane reveals her impressive skills as an independent manager and shares her expert culinary advice, including the secret to making the perfect gravy. Listeners can expect an episode filled with warmth, laughter, and personal anecdotes that showcase why Jane McDonald remains such a beloved figure in entertainment.

Kurt and Wyatt Russell

In this charming episode of Table Manners, hosts Jessie and Lennie Ware welcome acting royalty Kurt Russell and his son, Wyatt Russell, for an intimate family conversation. The duo discusses their recent collaboration on the series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, reflecting on their unique father-son dynamic. Throughout the episode, listeners learn fascinating details about the Russells, including Kurt’s background as a trained pilot and the surprising fact that Wyatt never initially intended to pursue a career in acting. The conversation covers lighthearted topics ranging from their shared phobia of spiders to their experiences as wine and cocktail entrepreneurs. They also reminisce about family history, including the revelation that Wyatt took his first steps on the set of the classic film Overboard. It is a warm, engaging look into the lives of one of Hollywood’s most beloved families.

Hilary Duff

In this episode of Table Manners, hosts Jessie and Lennie Ware welcome pop icon Hilary Duff for a delightful lunch and wide-ranging conversation. Fresh off a successful string of performances, Hilary discusses the creative process behind her latest album, Luck… Or Something, and the experience of collaborating on the project with her husband. The trio dives into personal topics, including the challenges and joys of raising four children and reflections on her childhood in Texas. Listeners can look forward to a relatable chat that covers everything from sourdough starter tips and local food recommendations in Los Angeles to a humorous confession about a quick bagel stop at Brick Lane. With her upcoming world tour on the horizon, this episode offers an intimate look at the star’s life, career, and culinary interests in a warm, engaging setting.

Hannah Fry

In this episode of Table Manners, hosts Jessie and Lennie Ware welcome the brilliant mathematician and broadcaster Professor Hannah Fry. Known for her expertise in science and AI, Fry reveals a surprisingly eclectic side as she joins the hosts for a lively lunch. The conversation spans a delightful range of topics, moving from her passion for Korean skincare and her aspirations to launch a beauty series, to the technical science behind achieving the perfect Yorkshire pudding. Listeners will hear about her personal culinary adventures, including cooking traditional Indian recipes and her fascination with the humble potato. Beyond the kitchen, they touch upon her experiences dabbling in stand-up comedy and her multifaceted career. It is an engaging and witty conversation that highlights Fry’s infectious enthusiasm and unique perspective on both the complex world of science and the simple joys of everyday life.

Emma Corrin

The hosts welcome actor Emma Corrin to the table for a lively conversation following their recent arrival from Los Angeles. Over a homemade Asian-style roast chicken, the discussion covers a wide range of topics, from Corrin’s path to fame in iconic roles like Princess Diana and Elizabeth Bennet to their formative years spent between Kent and South Africa. Listeners will hear about the challenges of acting, including the reality of being rejected from RADA, and how Corrin navigated professional milestones and personal preferences, such as a reluctant move away from dairy. The episode also highlights some lighthearted moments, including a unique game created with co-star Josh O’Connor, their love for baking competitions, and practical advice for battling jet lag. It is an engaging and intimate look at the person behind the acclaimed performances in this latest installment.

Margot Robbie

In this episode, Jessie and Lennie Ware welcome the globally renowned actress and producer Margot Robbie to their dinner table. Fresh from the premiere of her latest film, Wuthering Heights, Robbie offers listeners an intimate look into her life, balancing the demands of acting with her burgeoning career as a producer. The conversation covers her childhood food favorites, the creative process behind her personal gin brand, and hilarious anecdotes, including a memorable culinary mishap involving her grandmother-in-law. Robbie also reflects on her early days navigating accents on the set of Neighbours and shares delightful stories about her husband’s cooking and her friendship with director Emerald Fennell. Fans can expect a warm, funny, and engaging conversation that showcases Robbie’s down-to-earth personality and genuine passion for food, culture, and her craft.

Claire Foy

Award-winning actress Claire Foy joins hosts Jessie and Lennie Ware for a delightful afternoon tea. To honor their guest’s iconic portrayal of royalty, the hosts prepare a regal spread featuring homemade madeleines, mini trifles, and coronation chicken. Throughout the conversation, Foy shares fascinating insights into her career, including the intensive training she underwent to become a Goshawk handler for her latest film, H is for Hawk. Listeners get to know the softer side of the star as she discusses her love for desserts and musicals, her admiration for co-star Brendan Gleeson, and the comforting taste of her mother’s spaghetti bolognese. From her surprising bouts of imposter syndrome to her favorite cocktail, this episode offers an intimate and charming look at the life and culinary cravings of one of Britain’s most celebrated talents.

Bryan Cranston

Award-winning actor Bryan Cranston joins Jessie and Lennie Ware for an intimate lunch conversation filled with captivating stories and unexpected revelations. The star of Breaking Bad and Malcolm in the Middle reflects on his extensive career, discussing his experiences working alongside industry legends like Tom Hanks and his recent projects with Seth Rogen and Catherine O’Hara. Cranston shares personal insights into his daily routine while performing in London’s West End and explains the motivations behind his collaborative Mezcal brand with Aaron Paul. Beyond his professional life, the actor opens up about his love for humble TV dinners, his nurturing fatherly presence on film sets, and a wild, unforgettable encounter with magic mushrooms in Las Vegas. Listeners are also treated to a truly bizarre nostalgic secret that stands out as one of the most unique moments in the show’s history.

Alan Carr & Amanda Holden

In this lively episode of Table Manners, Jessie and Lennie Ware welcome the charismatic duo Alan Carr and Amanda Holden for a spirited lunch featuring Ixta Belfrage’s Celebration Salmon. The conversation flows as easily as the wine, covering Alan’s recent success on The Traitors and his hit sitcom Changing Ends, alongside Amanda’s impressive twenty-year tenure as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent and her work in radio. The four friends dive into their shared travel experiences, reminiscing about the filming of their series Amanda and Alan’s Greek Job and sharing stories from Corfu’s nightlife. Listeners can expect an hour packed with laughter, surprising anecdotes—including Alan’s memorable time at a lesbian festival—and plenty of classic innuendos. It is an engaging, candid look into the lives and enduring friendship of two of television’s most beloved personalities.

David Baddiel

Comedian and writer David Baddiel joins Jessie and Lennie Ware for a lively conversation that spans his diverse career and culinary preferences. Throughout the episode, Baddiel delves into his latest television project, Cat Man, sharing his thoughts on why felines deserve more attention in the media. The discussion also touches on his personal relationship with food, ranging from his love for a perfect Full English breakfast and curries to the memorable experience of being kidnapped for an unforgettable meal. Listeners will hear fascinating anecdotes about his unique allergy to alcohol, his surprising experience singing karaoke with Blur, and his reflections on the enduring cultural legacy of the football anthem Three Lions. Featuring a delicious batch of Lennie’s homemade latkes, this episode offers an engaging look into the life and tastes of a celebrated entertainer.

Emma Barnett

In this episode of Table Manners, Jessie and Lennie Ware welcome renowned broadcaster and radio presenter Emma Barnett for a candid and lively lunch. Following her busy morning on air, Emma reflects on her long-standing friendship with the hosts, sharing unexpected connections regarding their families’ histories in Manchester. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from Emma’s specific breakfast rituals and the comfort of nostalgic Jewish cuisine to her past ventures as a colouring-in-book entrepreneur. Listeners will hear Emma open up about her personal journey with endometriosis and look back on her illustrious career in journalism, including the memorable moment she famously held a politician to account on live radio. Filled with warmth, shared memories, and a mutual love for great bagels, this episode offers an intimate look at the life and sharp wit of one of Britain’s most respected broadcasters.

Kate Hudson

To celebrate the end of the year, Jessie and Lennie Ware welcome the fabulous Kate Hudson to the table for a lively breakfast conversation. Amidst her busy promotional tour for the moving new film Song Sung Blue, Kate opens up about the experience of working alongside Hugh Jackman and her memorable encounter with Neil Diamond. The trio explores a variety of entertaining topics, ranging from the ideal age for children to watch the classic film Overboard to the secrets behind the Hudson family’s legendary New Year’s Eve celebrations. Kate also shares surprising personal stories, including a brush with the LA fires and the revelation that her Italian family tree may include links to the mafia. It is a warm, candid, and wide-ranging chat that perfectly captures the spirit of the season and serves as a delightful finale to the year.

Christmas with Jessie & Lennie

In this festive Christmas Eve episode, Jessie and Lennie Ware invite listeners to pull up a chair for a holiday celebration filled with warmth and conversation. The hosts settle in with glasses of champagne to reflect on the season, joined by an international group of listeners who share their own unique cultural traditions and holiday questions. Throughout the episode, Jessie and Lennie dive into the essential components of a perfect Christmas meal, offering tips on mastering roast potatoes, crafting the ideal mulled wine, and managing oven space. They also weigh in on the classic debate regarding whether Yorkshire puddings belong on the Christmas dinner table. The episode is punctuated by contributions from a variety of friends and special guests, making for a joyful, collaborative atmosphere that captures the spirit of the holidays while providing practical culinary advice for home cooks.

Harlan Coben

The thriller master Harlan Coben joins Jessie and Lennie Ware for an engaging conversation about his life and prolific career. As an international bestseller and the creative force behind hit Netflix series, Coben offers listeners an intimate look at his creative process and the inspiration behind his beloved characters. He opens up about his upbringing in New Jersey, his deep-rooted love for Bruce Springsteen, and the humorous reality of his mother’s questionable cooking. The discussion also covers his collaborative projects, including his work with Reese Witherspoon, and the fascinating realization that his iconic lead character, Myron Bolitar, is heavily inspired by himself. From his legendary Thanksgiving bagel parties to his insights on storytelling, this episode provides a captivating blend of personal anecdotes and professional wisdom that fans of suspense literature and television will thoroughly enjoy.

John Gregory Smith

In this episode of Table Manners, Jessie and Lennie Ware welcome chef and social media star John Gregory-Smith to the table for a lively and food-filled conversation. The hosts enjoy a delicious spread featuring monkfish curry and beef coconut rice, paired with a decadent pear and chocolate tart. Throughout the meal, John shares fascinating insights into his career, including his formative training under Gordon Ramsay and his extensive culinary travels across the Middle East. Listeners can expect a fun-filled discussion covering everything from essential kitchen gadgets to the history of pesto. John also opens up about his profound love for the festive season, sharing his tips for the perfect gravy and revealing the unique role that the band East 17 plays in his family’s Christmas traditions. It is a warm, humorous episode centered on great food and even better company.

Da'vine Joy Randolph

In this delightful episode of Table Manners, hosts Jessie and Lennie Ware welcome the Oscar-winning actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph to the dinner table. Amidst her busy press tour for the new film Eternity, Randolph proves to be a true connoisseur of food and drink, engaging in a lively conversation that spans her culinary passions and personal preferences. Listeners will hear about her deep fondness for London, her self-proclaimed addiction to seltzer water, and her weakness for a classic sticky toffee pudding. The discussion also touches upon her professional experience filming The Holdovers and features a surprising revelation about her history of ending relationships based on a partner’s poor restaurant etiquette. Filled with laughter and shared stories, this episode offers an intimate and charming look at one of Hollywood’s most talented stars, making for an essential listen for any food lover.

Bill Nighy

In this episode of Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware, the hosts welcome the legendary actor Bill Nighy for an engaging lunch featuring a homemade pasta puttanesca. The conversation dives into Nighy’s vibrant personal history, exploring his days as a youth involved in the Mod subculture and his surprising experiences scamming tourists on the streets of Paris. Listeners get a glimpse into his perspective on the enduring success of the film Love Actually and his quirky culinary habits, specifically his preference for dining alone and his intense passion for adding as much spice as possible to his meals. Beyond the dinner table, Nighy discusses his recent transition into the role of an agony uncle for his own podcast project. It is a charming and insightful conversation that showcases the wit and personality of one of Britain’s most beloved performers.

Josh Widdicombe

In this episode of Table Manners, Jessie and Lennie Ware welcome comedian Josh Widdicombe for a lively conversation that almost didn't happen due to travel delays. The trio explores a variety of entertaining topics, starting with the origins of the hit television show The Last Leg. Josh shares his humorous take on the trials of modern parenting, including his disdain for school events and the chaos of parent WhatsApp groups. The discussion moves to culinary matters as Josh recalls eating his parents’ famous Hippy Stew and explains his self-appointed role as the strict guardian of his home fridge. Beyond the kitchen, Josh offers insight into the development of his latest comedy tour, Not My Cup of Tea. Listeners can expect a candid, funny, and warm chat that highlights Josh's relatable perspective on both food and life on the road.