Shirley Ballas

Shirley Ballas

Author: Global December 23, 2025 Duration: 45:46

“It’s not unusual!”

The queen of the dancefloor herself Shirley Ballas joins Tim Lihoreau for a flamboyant and forthright pod to choose her 5 fantasy dinner party guests. Author, TV presenter and, of course, champion dancer, Shirley choose her quality quintet of quintessentialists - and with one of them…she has a bone to pick!

From the iconic to the unexpected — living or dead, real or fictional, beloved or controversial—who will make the cut? And will he choose the wildcard “Gate-crasher?” You’ll have to listen to find out!

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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: 62

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

Duration: 56:33
“I asked him..”Did he know kangaroos can’t fart?…"”On the pod this week, the one and only Chesney Hawkes. The pop and rock legend chooses his ideal dinner party line up this week on Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?. It’s an…
Ben and Max Ringham [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:23
“Aged steaks. And I’m next to Tom Hiddleston”On the pod this week, two legends in one. If you’ve been to the theatre in the last 15 years, chances are you’ve experienced one of the works of Ben and Max Ringham. Waiting f…
David Essex [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:07
‘Hello, Jim. Nice to see you….Ernesto, SIT DOWN!'LEGEND ALERT, LEGEND ALERT. Original Evita ‘Che’ and Rock On superstar, David Essex is in the studio this week. He has chosen 5 unique fantasy dinner guests and so Tim Lih…
Ellie Simmonds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:42
“I’m happy here on earth. On land!”Olympic swimming legend Ellie Simmonds joins the podcast to choose her 5 fantasy dinner guests. And in a first for the pod, all her guests are alive and kicking and could show up at any…
Susan Calman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:00
“This lady’s not for turning EITHER!”She is one of the great comedians of our time; she is a formidable traveller; and she has a unique relationship with ‘Helen Mirren’. Susan Calman is our vip choosing her five fantasy…
James Phelan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:24
‘She hasn’t invited me round yet!”One of the Magic Circle’s most lauded magicians is in the studio this week. James Phelan, magic royalty, is pulling his five unique guests out of the hat for inclusion in his fantasy din…
Ray Bradshaw [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:57
"The good thing is you can chat and bitch about them on a podcast!”Beloved by his fellow comedians (“A hilarious natural funny storyteller” * “One of the best comedians in the country!” **) the VIP this week is Ray Brads…
James O’Brien [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:53
‘John Major saved my life!”A radio and podcast legend is in the 'hot table’ this week: James O’Brien is the VIP on "Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?’. James unveils his five fave guests who have passed muster for inclusion…
Ardal O’Hanlon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:20
“Giles and Sinead O’Connor… singing duets!”Star of Father Ted, Death in Paradise, Derry Girls and My Hero, the award-winning stand-up, author and broadcaster Ardal O’Hanlon is the VIP this week, inviting you to Guess Who…
Emma Doran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:48
“Caroline and Miss Piggy might get on quite well!”Sell-out stand-up and ‘Last One Laughing’ (Ireland) star Emma Doran is Tim Lihoreau's VIP on the pod this week. She not only chooses her five fantasy dinner guests, she a…