Mike Batt

Mike Batt

Author: Global June 2, 2026 Duration: 1:19:07

“HELLO, public!”

An extraordinary conversation with one of the most versatile, brilliant, and fiercely independent forces in British music history. Mike Batt, LVO is offering up his five guests this week on the pod, bringing his five-time Ivor Novello Award-winning singer-songwriter, conductor, and producer FIVE-DECADE career to bear on all things ‘fantasy dinner’ - one decade for each guest. Mike's melodies are woven directly into the fabric of global pop culture, from Katy Melua ('Closest Thing to Crazy’), through Art Garfunkel (‘Bright Eyes’), right back to the British establishment that is…The Wombles (‘Remember you’re a…’).

Now he’s back in the classical music fray with a moving and timely new work, The Ukraine Symphony recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra. In the course of the episode, Tim Lihoreau touches on SO much - not least upping sticks and sailing around the world just as success struck AND…exactly what it was that Sir Paul McCartney said to him, that time! But will he take The Gatecrasher, chosen for him by Tim?

Find out by listening to the full fabulous episode Global Player.

Follow on Instagram:

@classicfm

@timlihoreau

@guesswhoscomingtodinner_pod


Ever wondered who you'd really want at your table for the perfect conversation? That's the delicious premise behind Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?, hosted by Classic FM's Tim Lihoreau. This isn't just about listing famous names; it's a deep dive into the personalities and histories that fascinate us. Each episode, a different notable guest constructs their ultimate fantasy guest list, choosing five figures from any time or realm-be they historical icons, fictional characters, or controversial modern minds. The discussions reveal as much about the selector's own passions and curiosities as they do about their chosen invitees. Just when the menu seems set, Tim introduces his signature twist: an unexpected 'gatecrasher' for the party. The resulting debate-whether to welcome this interloper or show them the door-adds a layer of spontaneous and often hilarious tension. Listening feels like eavesdropping on the most engaging pre-dinner drinks you can imagine, where the stakes are low but the ideas are enormous. This podcast seamlessly blends elements of society, culture, and entertainment, turning a simple question into a revealing exploration of human connection and intellectual curiosity. You'll come for the fascinating guest lists and stay for the witty, unpredictable conversation that follows.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 64

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?
Podcast Episodes
Fern Britton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:10
”Judy Dench, Judy Dench, Judy Dench Dench Dench!”This week it’s a great Britton! On the podcast this week is broadcaster and author Fern Britton, joining host Tim Lihoreau for a unique conversation about her five fantasy…
Philippe Sands [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:28
“She makes me octopus stew!”In the pod squad this week is lawyer and writer Philippe Sands KC, joining host Tim Lihoreau for a fascinating conversation about his five fantasy dinner party guests.The specialist in interna…
Josh Jones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:51
“I basically shagged my way into a better postcode!”It's a captivating, crazy comedian - JOSH JONES - who joins Tim Lihoreau for a swaggering, sweary chat to unveil his 5 fantasy dinner party guests.You may know him from…
Richard Coles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:39
“She’s a very difficult dog to keep on the porch, if you know what I mean?!”Getting the nod for the pod this week is the warm, friendly fluffy Rev. Richard Coles, joining host Tim Lihoreau for a feel-good conversation ab…
Debbie Wiseman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:05
“Throw a toolbox down the stairs!”Debbie Wiseman joins Tim Lihoreau this week to talk composers, cartoons and all things creative. The Classic FM Composer in Residence reveals her five fantasy dinner party guests and the…
Matthew Parris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:09
“I know a monster called Jacob!”This week, raconteur and broadcaster Matthew Parris joins Tim Lihoreau for a funny and story-filled chat to reveal his five fabulous fantasy dinner party guests. Along the way, we hear so…
Tim Firth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:58
“He’s at the dinner party… because I want to ask him… THE question!"Get inside the mind and behind the mic with Calendar Girls creator Tim Firth, who joins Tim Lihoreau for a unique and engrossing chat to reveal his five…
Babatunde Aleshe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:42
“I would never have guessed that my claim to fame would be from a Tellytubby!”Season 3 starts with a bang. Babatunde Aleshe joins Tim Lihoreau for his unique A-List dinner party line up and conversation about comedy, the…
Milton Jones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:12
“My other Grandfather….”The king of the one-liners is our final guest of Season 2. Comedian Milton Jones shares his five fantasy guests with host Tim Lihoreau and what an eclectic bunch they are. Who will win a place aro…
Howard Goodall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:12
“It’s quite hard to deal with that and not be a plonker!”In a special bumper episode, recorded over two sessions last summer, Tim talks to one of our greatest living composers, Howard Goodall. Known to millions through h…