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
Sir Tony Robinson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:30
“what my greatest sin? a filet-o-fish"Baldrick is in the building! On the podcast this week is actor, writer and knight of the realm Sir Tony Robinson, joining host Tim Lihoreau for a fabulous conversation about his five…
Ania Magliano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:47
"That is what a monarch should be doing!" In the pod squad this week is stand-up comedian Ania Magliano, joining host Tim Lihoreau for a unique conversation about her five fantasy dinner party guests.The Edinburgh Comedy…
Paul Sinha [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:27
"Quincy Jones - he's the business!"Step into the studio with The Chase’s Paul Sinha as he joins host Tim Lihoreau for a fascinating conversation about his five fantasy dinner party guests.The Chaser, the Quiz Champion an…
Meliz Berg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:43
“I would spend HOURS arranging the choir music. My students all call me Delores!”Having a blast on the cast this week is TV chef, YouTuber and food content creator Meliz Berg, joining host Tim Lihoreau for a feast of a c…
Jonathan Ross [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:57
"He [Jackie Chan]drove me at an eye watering speed up this curvy hill, said good view, good view, I got to the good view, and then he left me, laughed and drove off"Broadcaster, writer, film critic, actor, comedian and p…
Bradley Walsh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:57
"You're sending Churchill out to smoke?!"Chasing Tim Lihoreau into the pod this week is Bradley Walsh, joining for a heartwarming conversation about his ideal fantasy dinner party guests.In Bradley’s FIRST EVER PODCAST (…
Aled Jones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:51
"He was like a smoking Lord Voldemort!"The greatest showman, and the greatest snowman, is in the building. Tim Lihoreau catches up with Aled Jones for an enlightening conversation about his ideal fantasy dinner party gue…
Layton Williams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:45
"El-Dion! It’s got a ring to it. It’s 'a bit Frenchie’ but we’ll make it work"...Just arrived, all bubbling and effervescent…Layton Williams, joining Tim Lihoreau for a fun-filled role call and conversation about his 5 f…
Cariad Lloyd [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:14
"Yeah, you’d be surprised how many people haven’t heard of The Moomins OR The Killing!”Get lost in Jane Austen with the warm and wonderful… Cariad Lloyd, who joins Tim Lihoreau for an artful, articulate chat to unveil he…
Wynne Evans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:27
“Well, there was Kenneth Branagh to my left, Chas from Chas and Dave to my right, Me…and then - oh wait, it could have been Trigger from Only Fools and Horses?”Get between the ears and behind the mic with the broadcaster…