Ask Me A Question (with Arlene Phillips & Bradley Riches) – Details, episodes & analysis

With the state of the world being as it is... maybe it's time for next leadership?! On this episode of Ask Me A Question, Dame Arlene Phillips and Bradley Riches are debating which musicians should be given the chance to run the country!

Arlene chooses Ed Sheeran - citing his calm, honesty, “person of the people” warmth, and strong advocacy for music education - whilst Brad chooses Billie Eilish, arguing she is smart, humble, a good listener, open about her struggles and outspoken on climate change.

Plus: What do Brad and Arlene make of our listener suggestions of Chris Martin, Elton John and Louis Tomlinson?

Don't forget to subscribe and join the conversation — are you Team Brad or Team Arlene?

Follow Arlene & Bradley

Bradley Instagram: @brad_riches

Bradley TikTok: @brad_richess

Arlene Instagram: @arlenephillips

Arlene TikTok: @arlenephillipsofficial

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are we all just pretending? On this episode of Ask Me A Question, Dame Arlene Phillips and Bradley Riches tackle the question everyone secretly thinks about: what is something people only pretend to enjoy?

Arlene makes her case against the art world — are those gallery-goers posting sculptures on their stories just pretending to be intellectuals? - whilst Bradley confesses to the despising the excruciating experience of making small talk with a baby who has absolutely no idea what you're saying and no intention of responding.

The listeners weigh in too: running marathons, going to weddings when you barely know the happy couple and having children. Arlene's verdict on that last one? If you're not fully in, don't even go there.

Plus: why Arlene lost a pair of Dior shoes, the genius of only inviting one half of a couple, and why Bradley ultimately admits his own argument might be a bit rubbish.

Don't forget to subscribe and join the conversation — are you Team Brad or Team Arlene?

Follow Arlene & Bradley

Bradley Instagram: @brad_riches

Bradley TikTok: @brad_richess

Arlene Instagram: @arlenephillips

Arlene TikTok: @arlenephillipsofficial

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The debate is on! Welcome to the very first episode of Ask Me A Question, where Olivier Award winning choreographer and director Dame Arlene Phillips and TV Choice Award winning actor Bradley Riches are going head-to-head to debate the biggest topics in pop culture.

We're starting how we meant to go on - as Arlene and Bradley tackle the big question: What is the most iconic performance of the past 50 years?

From Bradley's passionate case for Olivia Rodrigo's Vampire - one of the most unforgettable VMA moments in recent memory - to Arlene's defence of Michael Jackson's Thriller, the 14-minute short film that went viral before viral was even a thing, the two friends find themselves surprisingly aligned in their love of music videos, even if they can't quite agree on a winner.

They also dig into the listeners' suggestions - Barbra Streisand vs. Lady Gaga in A Star Is Born, Queen's legendary Live Aid set, and the inevitable Taylor Swift nomination - debating what truly makes a performance iconic: is it global reach, or is it the way something makes you feel personally?

Don't forget to subscribe and join the conversation — are you Team Brad or Team Arlene?

Follow Arlene & Bradley

Bradley Instagram: @brad_riches

Bradley TikTok: @brad_richess

Arlene Instagram: @arlenephillips

Arlene TikTok: @arlenephillipsofficial

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Choreographer and Director Dame Arlene Phillips and Actor and Writer Bradley Riches are two friends who talk about everything… even though they disagree on almost everything!

Ask Me A Question is the podcast where they take sides and debate the biggest topics in pop culture – from the most iconic performances, to the most overrated artists.

Join Arlene & Bradley as they argue their opinions, read out your messages, and finally get to the bottom of some of culture’s biggest conversations.

New episodes every Tuesday.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Has a celebrity ever stunned you with their performance in a musical? On this episode of Ask Me A Question, Dame Arlene Phillips and Bradley Riches are debating their favourite stunt performances on stage!

Arlene goes to bat for Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond in her multi-award winning performance in Sunset Boulevard. They describe her performance as unexpectedly powerful, precise and emotionally broken! Brad goes broader - suggesting that the various celebrity castings in the West End revival of Cabaret should win.

Listener suggestions include Denise Van Outen in Chicago, Rachel Zegler in Evita (praised but considered predictably excellent), and Sarah Snook in The Picture of Dorian Gray (incredible but expected).

Don't forget to subscribe and join the conversation — are you Team Brad or Team Arlene?

Follow Arlene & Bradley

Bradley Instagram: @brad_riches

Bradley TikTok: @brad_richess

Arlene Instagram: @arlenephillips

Arlene TikTok: @arlenephillipsofficial

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes you watch a TV show and you feel seen by what is happening on the screen. On this episode of Ask Me A Question, Dame Arlene Phillips and Bradley Riches are debating which TV shows best represent real life.

Arlene opens the episode by sharing her journey with the iconic musical Starlight Express before she heads off to Germany for the 38th anniversary gala. A rare achievement and a show which has been seen by over 20 million people!

In the debate, Bradley argues in favour of soaps (as a genre), whilst Arlene chooses Russell T Davies’s It’s a Sin for its realistic depiction of the AIDS crisis and her personal memories of friends becoming ill and facing fear and cruelty.

They also respond to listener suggestions, including The Office and Malcolm In The Middle, before seeing if either of them might change their minds...

Don't forget to subscribe and join the conversation — are you Team Brad or Team Arlene?

Follow Arlene & Bradley

Bradley Instagram: @brad_riches

Bradley TikTok: @brad_richess

Arlene Instagram: @arlenephillips

Arlene TikTok: @arlenephillipsofficial

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever watched a TV show and thought... I wish I could be best friends with this character? On this episode of Ask Me A Question, Dame Arlene Phillips and Bradley Riches are debating which TV best friends should be their best friends!

We open the episode with Arlene giving a sneak peak into the behind-the-scenes action of the Olivier Awards, which she directed for the first time, including a hilarious story about Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren!

As we get into the debate, Bradley gives a passionate speech for SpongeBob SquarePants' positivity and loyalty whilst Arlene explains how Catherine O'Hara's character Moira Rose on Schitt's Creek saved her during the pandemic.

They also respond to listener suggestions, including Phoebe from Friends and Del Boy from Only Fools and Horses, before a unique Stick or Switch at the end...

Don't forget to subscribe and join the conversation — are you Team Brad or Team Arlene?

Follow Arlene & Bradley

Bradley Instagram: @brad_riches

Bradley TikTok: @brad_richess

Arlene Instagram: @arlenephillips

Arlene TikTok: @arlenephillipsofficial

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you watched a film lately and thought... wow, that's not alright! Many films have become outdated for different reasons - whether they include improper opinions or behaviour, or just references that are no longer relevant. On this episode of Ask Me A Question, Dame Arlene Phillips and Bradley Riches are debating the most outdated films!

The episode kicks off with a debrief from Bradley's star-studded wedding, before both the hosts argue their case!

Arlene argues that the original film of the musical Grease is now troubling due to misogyny, bullying of Sandy, coercive attitudes, and the message that she must change to be accepted - and she provides an inside look at her new staging of the musical. Meanwhile, Bradley argues that the Scary Movie franchise is outdated and mean-spirited.

They also respond to listener suggestions, including Ghostbusters and The Notebook, before deciding if they're going to Stick or Switch.

Don't forget to subscribe and join the conversation — are you Team Brad or Team Arlene?

Follow Arlene & Bradley

Bradley Instagram: @brad_riches

Bradley TikTok: @brad_richess

Arlene Instagram: @arlenephillips

Arlene TikTok: @arlenephillipsofficial

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are lots of incredible pop stars over the generations... but surely there can only be one Queen of Pop? On this episode of Ask Me A Question, Dame Arlene Phillips and Bradley Riches are debating who the undisputed Queen of Pop must be.

After recent headlines have been obsessed with Bradley's wedding, Arlene and Bradley share the story of Bradley's engagement and what makes their relationship 'click'. Then, both hosts argue their case!

Arlene passionately argues in favour of Whitney Houston, who she worked with on multiple music videos (and she shares some insights into what she was really like!). Bradley steps up for the Beyhive and champions Beyoncé based on her longevity across multiple eras.

They also respond to listener suggestions before deciding if they're going to Stick or Switch.

Don't forget to subscribe and join the conversation — are you Team Brad or Team Arlene?

Follow Arlene & Bradley

Bradley Instagram: @brad_riches

Bradley TikTok: @brad_richess

Arlene Instagram: @arlenephillips

Arlene TikTok: @arlenephillipsofficial

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are there any pop stars that everyone else seem to love... but you just don't "get it"? On this episode of Ask Me A Question, Dame Arlene Phillips and Bradley Riches are debating the most overrated pop stars (in their opinion!).

After Bradley shares a terrifying story from his hotel stay, he argues his case for why Meghan Trainor is overrated as a popstar (even if she has newfound fame, thanks to TikTok), whilst Arlene aims higher and explains why she can't understand the phenomena surrounding Taylor Swift. Yes, Swifties... this one's for you to fight!

They also respond to listener suggestions, including Madonna, Britney Spears, and Ed Sheeran, before deciding if they're going to Stick or Switch.

Don't forget to subscribe and join the conversation — are you Team Brad or Team Arlene?

Follow Arlene & Bradley

Bradley Instagram: @brad_riches

Bradley TikTok: @brad_richess

Arlene Instagram: @arlenephillips

Arlene TikTok: @arlenephillipsofficial

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.