Chicken Soap For The Soul

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Chicken Soap For The Soul

Join Elisabeth Dermot Walsh - known as scheming Dr Zara from Doctors - as she explores the stories of actors who either started in soaps, ended up there, or just briefly passed by. With the Doctors practise closing its doors after 24 years, Elisabeth has hung up her stethoscope and is ready to take you behind the scenes of the world of soap - full of drama, intrigue, and unforgettable characters.  For many actors, the world of ‘continuing drama’ is where it all began. It’s a place that shaped their craft, their careers and their lives. A stint ‘at the rockface’ of television can be a pivotal experience in an actor’s life.  In each episode, Elisabeth chats with actors past and present to uncover their journeys and the impact of those iconic roles. Chicken Soap for the Soul is a dive into the highs, lows, and unexpected twists that make soaps so special - both in front of and behind the camera. Tune in each week for your dose of heart, humour, and a touch of drama. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    With Guest Jan Pearson (Karen Hollins, Doctors)

    Chicken Soap for the Soul with Elisabeth Dermot Walsh and Special Guest Jan Pearson (Karen Hollins, Doctors) On this week’s episode of Chicken Soap for the Soul, we are honoured to be joined by the woman who gave us one of Doctors’ most beloved characters—Karen Hollins. From 2009 to 2023, Jan Pearson made us laugh and cry, and ultimately delivered one of the best soap exits of all time. With over 1,881 episodes under her belt (we thank you, Jan!), she brought heart, humour, and an unshakable authenticity to the role—earning a British Soap Award for Best On-Screen Partnership with Chris Walker (Rob Hollins). Elisabeth and Jan dive into the journey from nearly turning down the job to staying for 14 years, the chaos and comedy of remembering lines (or not), and the art of making things work when they absolutely shouldn’t.  They also chat about being a character’s gatekeeper, the perils of surgical gloves, and, of course, what made Chris Walker such a joy to work with. Be warned: there may be a few tears in this one… New CSFTS News!  You can now join us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/chickensoappodcast/ Signup for the Chicken Soap News at chickensoapforthesoul.com You can email us at: podcast@chickensoapforthesoul.com Follow the podcast and Elisabeth at instagram.com/chickensoappodcast and instagram.com/elisabethdermotwalsh For more information on Brum Radio Podcasts follow Brum Radio on instagram.com/brumradio Chicken Soup For the Soul is produced by Brum Radio and is recorded at Birmingham Podcast Studios in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Follow the Brum Radio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brumradio  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min

  2. 18 FEB

    With Guest Peter Eryl Lloyd (Series Producer, Doctors)

    Chicken Soap for the Soul with Elisabeth Dermot Walsh and Special Guest Peter Lloyd (Series Producer, Doctors) This week we truly go behind the scenes and talk to one of the ‘Letherbridge Gods’ - the man whos got to decide which characters lived or died, struggled or thrived: series producer Peter Lloyd. Elisabeth and Peter start with a short argument about Peter’s job title (he’s not a showrunner, he might settle for creative leader) but then get underway to talk about the groundbreaking storylines on Doctors, The Sofa of Tears in Peter’s office, the audition process and what to do when a storyline seems to run out of steam.  Peter may not be a famous face from in front of the camera, but if you love all things telly, then this will be a rewarding listen. New CSFTS News! You can now join us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/chickensoappodcast/ Signup for the Chicken Soap News at chickensoapforthesoul.com You can email us at: podcast@chickensoapforthesoul.com Follow the podcast and Elisabeth at instagram.com/chickensoappodcast and instagram.com/elisabethdermotwalsh For more information on Brum Radio Podcasts follow Brum Radio on instagram.com/brumradio Chicken Soup For the Soul is produced by Brum Radio and is recorded at Birmingham Podcast Studios in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Follow the Brum Radio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brumradio  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min

  3. 10 FEB

    With Lucinda Cowden (Melanie Pearson, Neighbours)

    Chicken Soap for the Soul with Elisabeth Dermot Walsh and Special Guest Lucinda Cowden (Melanie Pearson, Neighbours) G’day everyone. You defo gonna enjoy this week on Chicken Soap for the Soul. We are stoked to be joined by none other than our Cobber and Neighbours soap legend, Lucinda Cowden. You little ripper. Lucinda played the role of the much-loved, zany and off-kilter Melanie Pearson on Neighbours from 1987 to 1991 and then again in 2020 and in 2023. Elisabeth and Lucinda talk about how to sound like a cross between a honking seal and a braying donkey, eating flies in the outback (crikey), about being an expat in the land of Pommies and about being cancelled - and then uncancelled again. Strewth. Don't be a drongo, park up the bunky, open a coldie and spend the arvo listening to our best mate Lucinda Cowden on CSFTS. Good on ya mate. Lucinda is currently touring in the UK with Neighbours - The 40th Anniversary Tour - it only runs until the 18th of February so get a wiggle on to bag yourself some tickets. You can also follow Lucinda on Instagram  New CSFTS News!  You can now join us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/chickensoappodcast/ Signup for the Chicken Soap News at chickensoapforthesoul.com You can email us at: podcast@chickensoapforthesoul.com Follow the podcast and Elisabeth at instagram.com/chickensoappodcast and instagram.com/elisabethdermotwalsh For more information on Brum Radio Podcasts follow Brum Radio on instagram.com/brumradio Chicken Soup For the Soul is produced by Brum Radio and is recorded at Birmingham Podcast Studios in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Follow the Brum Radio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brumradio  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min

  4. 4 FEB

    With Guest Chris Walker (Rob Hollins, Doctors)

    Chicken Soap for the Soul with Elisabeth Dermot Walsh and Special Guest Chris Walker (Rob Hollins, Doctors) This week on Chicken Soap for the Soul, we are joined by an actor who was made in Yorkshire of brilliant stuff, a man who has played a massive range of roles over the years in more TV and Films you can shake an actor's stick at:  it's the extremely talented and funny Chris Walker. From Grange Hill to Coronation Street to Brookside to The Bill and of course Doctors plus many more TV series and Movies, Chris has done it all.  Elisabeth and Chris talk about the stress of being on Celebrity Masterchef, being recognised while on a ride-along with the rozzers in Liverpool, going to work on a speedboat and his gratitude to his mentor, John Godber. Also, it turns out Elisabeth and Chris both met the legendary actor Michael Caine and not a lot of people know that.  Chris and his son are running The Walker Kitchen this winter at The Navigation Inn in Wakefield: https://www.facebook.com/navigationwakefield New CSFTS News!  You can now join us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/chickensoappodcast/ Signup for the Chicken Soap News at chickensoapforthesoul.com You can email us at: podcast@chickensoapforthesoul.com Follow the podcast and Elisabeth at instagram.com/chickensoappodcast and instagram.com/elisabethdermotwalsh For more information on Brum Radio Podcasts follow Brum Radio on instagram.com/brumradio Chicken Soup For the Soul is produced by Brum Radio and is recorded at Birmingham Podcast Studios in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Follow the Brum Radio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brumradio  "The best research for playing a drunk is being a British actor for 20 years."  Michael Caine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min

  5. 28 JAN

    With Guest Dido Miles ( Emma Reid)

    Chicken Soap for the Soul with Elisabeth Dermot Walsh and Special Guest Dido Miles (Dr Emma Reid) This week on Chicken Soap for the Soul, we are delighted to be in the company of the unstoppable force and formidable talent, Dido Miles. Dido played the role of Dr Emma Reid on BBC Doctors for 12 years, during which she was nominated for several British Soap Awards. Dido also appeared in films such as Black Beauty and First Knight and had a recurring role on EastEnders. Elisabeth and Dido (is that her real name?) talk about heart-wrenching storylines, kissing Richard Gere, NOT being a nepo baby and being so cold on set you need to chew ice to stop your breath from showing. Dido also talks - for the first time - about why she left the series so suddenly.    New CSFTS News!  you can now join us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/chickensoappodcast/ Signup for the Chicken Soap News at chickensoapforthesoul.com You can email us at: podcast@chickensoapforthesoul.com Follow the podcast and Elisabeth at instagram.com/chickensoappodcast and instagram.com/elisabethdermotwalsh For more information on Brum Radio Podcasts follow Brum Radio on instagram.com/brumradio Chicken Soup For the Soul is produced by Brum Radio and is recorded at Birmingham Podcast Studios in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Follow the Brum Radio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brumradio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 7m

  6. 21 JAN

    With Guest Niall Fraser (Director on Doctors)

    Chicken Soap for the Soul with Elisabeth Dermot Walsh and Special Guest Niall Fraser (Director on Doctors) This week on Chicken Soap for the Soul, we are privileged to be joined by one of the people who made the magic happen, director Niall Fraser. Niall directed 295 episodes of Doctors, between 2007 and 2024. Before that, Niall has had a really interesting and varied media career including being the long term director on BBC radio drama, The Archers and running a large TV production company.  Elisabeth and Niall talk about the beauty of an accidental career, stunt scenes, tea with Judy Dench, being in charge and directing an untrained hamster.  Niall Fraser is currently working as a director on Silent Witness. Signup for the Chicken Soap News at chickensoapforthesoul.com You can email us at: podcast@chickensoapforthesoul.com Follow the podcast and Elisabeth at instagram.com/chickensoappodcast and instagram.com/elisabethdermotwalsh For more information on Brum Radio Podcasts follow Brum Radio on instagram.com/brumradio Chicken Soup For the Soul is produced by Brum Radio and is recorded at Birmingham Podcast Studios in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min

  7. 14 JAN

    With Guest Sarah Moyle (Valerie Pitman)

    Chicken Soap for the Soul with Elisabeth Dermot Walsh and Special Guest Sarah Moyle (Valerie Pitman) This week on Chicken Soap for the Soul, we are over the moon to be joined by the brilliant and talented Sarah Moyle, who played the eccentric, annoyingly nosy, but kind-hearted and funny receptionist, Valerie Pitman.  Sarah wears her special cat jumper for the occasion as she and Elisabeth discuss being punched in the head by Sean Penn, playing the Queen, co-starring with Jeffrey the Cat and of course, Sarah’s undying love for her Brompton bike.  Sarah Moyle is currently preparing for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in the play Handbagged. For more information and tickets, visit https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/whats-on/handbagged/#tour-dates You can follow Sarah on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/moylie69/ and on Twitter/ X @moylie69 Signup for the Chicken Soap News at chickensoapforthesoul.com You can email us at: podcast@chickensoapforthesoul.com Follow the podcast and Elisabeth at instagram.com/chickensoappodcast and instagram.com/elisabethdermotwalsh For more information on Brum Radio Podcasts follow Brum Radio on instagram.com/brumradio Chicken Soup For the Soul is produced by Brum Radio and is recorded at Birmingham Podcast Studios in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min

  8. 7 JAN

    With Guest Charlie Clemmow (Imogen Hollins)

    Chicken Soap for the Soul with Elisabeth Dermot Walsh and Special Guest Charlie Clemmow (Imogen Hollins) On 2025’s first episode of Chicken Soap for the Soul (happy New Year!), we are delighted to be joined by the lovely Charlie Clemmow, who played Imogen Hollins on Doctors. Elisabeth and Charlie talk about creating your own luck, having your hair dyed all the colours of the rainbow and….looking like Tony Blackburn? You can follow Charlie on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/charlieclemmow/.  Signup for the Chicken Soap News at chickensoapforthesoul.com You can email us at: podcast@chickensoapforthesoul.com Follow the podcast and Elisabeth at instagram.com/chickensoappodcast and instagram.com/elisabethdermotwalsh For more information on Brum Radio Podcasts follow Brum Radio on instagram.com/brumradio Chicken Soup For the Soul is produced by Brum Radio and is recorded at Birmingham Podcast Studios in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min
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Trailer

4.8
out of 5
53 Ratings

About

Join Elisabeth Dermot Walsh - known as scheming Dr Zara from Doctors - as she explores the stories of actors who either started in soaps, ended up there, or just briefly passed by. With the Doctors practise closing its doors after 24 years, Elisabeth has hung up her stethoscope and is ready to take you behind the scenes of the world of soap - full of drama, intrigue, and unforgettable characters.  For many actors, the world of ‘continuing drama’ is where it all began. It’s a place that shaped their craft, their careers and their lives. A stint ‘at the rockface’ of television can be a pivotal experience in an actor’s life.  In each episode, Elisabeth chats with actors past and present to uncover their journeys and the impact of those iconic roles. Chicken Soap for the Soul is a dive into the highs, lows, and unexpected twists that make soaps so special - both in front of and behind the camera. Tune in each week for your dose of heart, humour, and a touch of drama. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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