BBC Factual has unveiled the impressive roster of guests set to join award-winning journalist and broadcaster Louis Theroux in the highly anticipated second series of “Louis Theroux Interviews.” The forthcoming series promises an even more diverse range of subjects from the realms of sports, entertainment, and global affairs, as it delves deep into the lives and careers of these renowned personalities.
Filmed across a multitude of locations, from the bustling streets of New York City to the tranquil shores of Normandy, the upcoming series will take viewers on a captivating journey into the worlds of some of the most iconic figures across various domains. The second series, produced by Mindhouse Productions, co-founded by Louis Theroux, is slated to air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer later this year.
The six notable guests set to share their stories in this series are:
- In a gripping episode, Louis Theroux visits two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua at his local boxing gym in North London. Against the backdrop of Joshua’s upcoming bout with American boxer Jermaine Franklin, the show explores his incredible journey to success, his challenges, and the driving forces behind his illustrious career. The duo also spends time in the Watford estate where Joshua grew up.
- Ashley Walters
- The picturesque Kent seaside town of Herne Bay plays host to Louis’s conversation with actor and ex-So Solid Crew rapper Ashley Walters, known for his role in “Top Boy.” Walters shares his upbringing in Peckham, recounting encounters with the police, his transition from music to acting, and his life by the sea with his partner and children.
- Chelsea Manning
- In an episode filmed in the bustling streets of New York City, Louis Theroux delves into the mind of the famous whistleblower and activist, Chelsea Manning. Manning, a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst, made headlines in 2010 by releasing a vast trove of classified documents. The show explores what drove her to take such monumental risks, her life today as a DJ and public speaker, and the profound impact of her actions.
- Dame Joan Collins
- Louis Theroux heads to the enchanting French Riviera to meet the Hollywood icon Dame Joan Collins. In her holiday home near St Tropez, they discuss the highs and lows of her illustrious career, including her iconic roles in “The Stud” and as Alexis in “Dynasty.” The show also provides viewers with an intimate look at Joan Collins’s life as she hits the town with her husband of over 20 years, Percy Gibson.
- Pete Doherty
- In a change of pace, Louis meets the notorious Libertines and Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty in the serene surroundings of Normandy, where he now resides with his wife and baby daughter. Their conversation touches upon music, struggles with addiction, and Doherty’s hopes for a brighter future after a tumultuous career. Louis also joins Pete on tour with the Libertines and goes backstage at Secret Garden Party in Cambridgeshire.
- Raye
- In South London, Louis Theroux meets the newly independent singer and songwriter, Raye. The episode delves into her pivotal year, marked by an Ivor Novello win and a Mercury Music Prize nomination. Louis and Raye explore her journey from a record label split to her hit single ‘Escapism,’ and her newfound artistic freedom. The episode culminates with Louis taking to the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury to witness Raye’s monumental performance.
Louis Theroux shared his thoughts on the series, saying, “Working with the team on these six new programmes has been an enormous pleasure. The six guests are all distinctive and brilliant in different ways, all of them people who have endured setbacks and huge successes, and who have something to share with the world based on their journeys through life.”
Clare Sillery, BBC Head of Commissioning, Documentaries, expressed her excitement about the upcoming series: “Louis’s genuine curiosity and warmth mean that each of these meetings will bring us something very new and different.”
The first series of “Louis Theroux Interviews” garnered a substantial audience, with an average of over 2.1 million viewers tuning in within the first seven days of broadcast.
As fans eagerly await the second series, it promises to offer thought-provoking conversations, intimate behind-the-scenes moments, and an insightful look into the lives of these remarkable individuals, all presented with Louis Theroux’s distinctive and engaging style.’
