Walking The Dog with Emily Dean

We’re back in West London with Rory Cellan-Jones and Sophie from Romania! In this part of our conversation, we discuss Rory’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, what it’s like to host a podcast with Jeremy Paxman and how he feels about being known for being Sophie’s dad. Follow @rorycellan on Instagram Rory’s written a brilliant book which follows the real journey of Sophie’s adoption – from her battles with anxiety, to the joys of play and her first time outside – as Rory and his wife Diane work to win Sophie’s trust and navigate Rory’s Parkinson’s disease. It is a moving story of love, kindness and a lot of patience, paying tribute to rescue dogs and their tender community. You can buy your copy here! You can get your copy of Ruskin Park here You can listen to Movers and Shakers: a podcast about life with Parkinson’s wherever you get your podcasts! You can listen to Emily and Ray’s walk with Jeremy Paxman from August 2020 here Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week - we’re with one of the nation’s most loved dogs, Sophie from Romania - and her fantastic owner, Rory Cellan-Jones. Rory is a journalist and he is best known for being a BBC News technology correspondent. Rory was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in May 2019 and left the BBC after 40 years in 2021. Then in December 2022 - Rory and his wife Diane adopted their Romanian rescue dog, Sophie. Rory documented Sophie’s progress settling her new life on social media - and she subsequently grew a huge following, and changed Rory’s life! In this part of our chat, we discuss Rory’s early life, growing up with a single mother, reconnecting with his father and the experience of welcoming a nervous rescue dog into his family. Follow @rorycellan on Instagram You can get your copy of Sophie From Romania here You can get your copy of Ruskin Park here You can listen to Movers and Shakers: a podcast about life with Parkinson’s wherever you get your podcasts! Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re in Kew for the second part of our walk with the brilliant journalist and presenter of Channel 4 News - Krishnan Guru-Murthy and his Chihuahua, Chubby Chops! In this part of our chat - we talk about how it Krishnan’s job makes it necessary for him to be confrontational and how he feels about being liked. He also tells us about his love story with his wife Lisa, and what his kids make of his job. You can watch Ways To Change the World on YouTube here - or you can find it on all podcast platforms. Follow @krishgm on Instagram See more of Krishnan’s work on Channel 4 News here Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Emily and Raymond in Kew with one of the nation’s most respected news presenters - Krishnan Guru-Murphy. Krishnan is a journalist and the lead presenter of Channel 4 News - and we were thrilled to meet him and his chihuahua - Chubby Chops! Chubby is very sweet boy with a very self sufficient and independent spirit… he and Ray didn’t exactly hit it off - but that’s what you get when you put two introvert dogs together! We had such a fascinating walk with Krishnan - finding out all about his childhood in a medical family - and how his passion for performing led him away from following in his father’s footsteps to become a doctor. There are so many interesting facets to Krishnan - and we found out that there is a lot more to him than just being the king of news… You can watch Ways To Change the World on YouTube here - or you can find it on all podcast platforms. Follow @krishgm on Instagram See more of Krishnan’s work on Channel 4 News here Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time for the second part of our walk with bestselling author Jojo Moyes and her Bosnian rescue dog Sisu. Jojo tells us about selling 14 million copies of her book Me Before You and the experience of having the book adapted by Hollywood… We find out Jojo’s attitude to writing about people she knows, her thoughts on forgiveness and how therapy has benefitted her life. We also discuss Jojo’s new novel - We All Live Here - which s a warm-hearted, wry and empathetic novel about a woman getting to grips with her estranged family. You can order your copy here! Read more about Jojo’s work at https://www.jojomoyes.com/ Follow @jojomoyesofficial on Instagram Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re on Hampstead Heath with the brilliant bestselling author Jojo Moyes and her gorgeous dog Sisu. Sisu is a Bosnian rescue dog who had a very dramatic entrance into Jojo’s life which ended up with a call to the pet detective. It’s clear now that Sisu and Jojo have a very special bond - and Raymond absolutely being a part of Introvert Dogs Club! Jojo tells us about her childhood rebellions, her extraordinary early jobs and how she coped with toxic workplaces in the 90s. Jojo’s new novel We All Live Here is a warm-hearted, wry and empathetic novel about a woman getting to grips with her estranged family. You can order your copy here! Read more about Jojo’s work at https://www.jojomoyes.com/ Follow @jojomoyesofficial on Instagram Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s nearly time to take to the stage - so join us as we walk from St James’s Park to the Sondheim Theatre with the brilliant Luke Kempner! In this part of our chat, we discuss Luke’s two stints in Les Miserables, being an understudy for Gareth Gates and the experience of being married to a twin. Luke will be performing his show, ‘GRITTY POLICE DRAMA: A ONE MAN MUSICAL’, at Phoenix Arts Club on Sunday 16th and Sunday 23rd February – tickets on sale now at www.lukekempner.com Follow @lukekempner on Instagram Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re in London’s Green Park with the impressionist, comedian and actor Luke Kempner! We joined Luke just before he took to the stage for a matinee of Les Miserables - where he is playing Monsieur Thenardier… but Luke isn’t the only theatrical member of his family - he tells us all about his showbiz pets and their iconic roles of stage and screen… Luke tells us about growing up in a creative household, how he honed his talent for impressions and we also hear from some very special guests… who knew that David Attenborough hangs out in Green Park?! Luke will be performing his show, ‘GRITTY POLICE DRAMA: A ONE MAN MUSICAL’, at Phoenix Arts Club on Sunday 16th and Sunday 23rd February – tickets on sale now at www.lukekempner.com Follow @lukekempner on Instagram Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us back on Hampstead Heath with the fabulous Rebecca Front for the second half of our walk with her lovely Cockapoo Bailey. In this part of our chat, we find out about Rebecca’s exciting new podcast - Three People with Rebecca Front - which will be coming out soon. We also discuss what it was like going to meet her son's politics teachers at parents' evening after starring in The Thick Of It and whether she believes in soulmates. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for Rebecca's new podcast Three People with Rebecca Front - which will be coming out soon! You can listen to Emily and Raymond's first walk with Rebecca and Bailey here! Follow @msrebeccafront on Instagram Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we’re on Hampstead Heath with the wonderful and immensely talented actress, writer and comedy genius Rebecca Front! Rebecca and her very handsome Cockapoo Bailey have previously appeared on this podcast - you can go back and listen to that episode if you haven’t heard it already. We were thrilled to take another walk with Rebecca - we talked about the benefits of being vulnerable, bad dog haircuts and her experience of going to therapy as a child. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for Rebecca's new podcast Three People with Rebecca Front - which will be coming out soon! Follow @msrebeccafront on Instagram Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Emily and Ray back with Shona McGarty and her lovely chihuahua Cici on the second part of our chilly North London stroll! Shona tells us all about navigating her first EastEnders storyline - which involved her character Whitney being a victim of grooming. We also found out how Shona spent her EastEnders money as a 16-year-old, what led her to make the decision to leave the show - and what the future might hold for her. Follow @shonabmx on Instagram Follow @shona.mcgarty_shoniqua on TikTok Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Emily and Ray are in North London with the fabulous actress and singer Shona McGarty, and her adorable chihuahua Cici! Shona is well known for having played Whitney Dean in EastEnders - first landing the role when she was just 16 years old. She tells us all about growing up in Borehamwood, a stone’s throw from where EastEnders is filmed - and what led her to joining one of the UK’s most popular soaps. She also tells us about the advice she received from Barbara Windsor that she’ll never forget, her drum-and-bass dancing granny and her hatred of plastic shoes. Follow @shonabmx on Instagram Follow @shona.mcgarty_shoniqua on TikTok Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back in Thorndon Country Park with the brilliant Ferne McCann and her lovely cockapoo Clemmie! Ferne tells us all about how going into the jungle for I’m A Celebrity changed everything for her, why she always says yes and she gives us an update on her very exciting new project… We also chat about Ferne’s brilliant reality show - My Family and Me - how it bought her out of a challenging period in her life and then why she made the very difficult decision to bring the show to an end. Ferne is currently starring in the 2025 series of Dancing On Ice - you can watch Dancing On Ice on Sundays on ITV1 and ITVX! Follow @fernemccann on Instagram All episodes of Ferne McCann: My Family and Me are available on ITVX Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re in Essex’s Thorndon Country Park with the fabulous Ferne McCann and her cockapoo Clemmie! Clemmie is a bit like her owner - charismatic, charming and incredibly well-groomed. Ferne tells us all about growing up in Essex - and how she started out her working life as a colourist at Vidal Sassoon, but knew that she was destined to do something more! We find out how she became a part of the cast of The Only Way Is Essex, and eventually what led to her making the decision to leave the show. Ferne is currently starring in the 2025 series of Dancing On Ice - you can watch Dancing On Ice on Sundays on ITV1 and ITVX! Follow @fernemccann on Instagram All episodes of Ferne McCann: My Family and Me are available on ITVX! Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back in Victoria Park on a freezing cold day with the wonderful Chloe Petts! In this part of our conversation, Chloe tells us about what comes after having a brilliant debut in Edinburgh, her reaction to being trolled and she also reveals some tales from being tour with Ed Gamble and Frank Skinner… Chloe brings her brand-new show, How You See Me, How You Don’t, nationwide as part of her third UK tour, kicking off with a two-week run at London’s Soho Theatre, Downstairs from Monday 13th – Saturday 25th January at 7.15pm and running till Sunday 9th March at Brighton Komedia. Full dates and tickets at chloepetts.org Follow @chloepetts on Instagram Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our first walk of 2025, we’re in East London’s Victoria Park with the brilliant comedian Chloe Petts! With a name like Petts - we had high expectations that Chloe was going to be a dog person… and we weren’t disappointed! Chloe told us all about her imaginary golden retriever and then her *real* childhood dog Grady - who had a rather flirty entry into The Petts Household. Chloe tells us about the perks of being misgendered, the anxiety of her early years in comedy and what it was like to have a mum who worked as a forensic scientist. Chloe brings her brand-new show, How You See Me, How You Don’t, nationwide as part of her third UK tour, kicking off with a two-week run at London’s Soho Theatre, Downstairs from Monday 13th – Saturday 25th January at 7.15pm and running till Sunday 9th March at Brighton Komedia. Full dates and tickets at chloepetts.org Follow @chloepetts on Instagram Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to the second part of our best bits from 2024! In this episode, you’ll hear clips from the following episodes: Katherine Ryan David Baddiel Tim Key Richard Arnold Pierre Novellie Jonathan Ross and Honey Ross Bella Mackie Ed Balls Layton Williams Luke Evans Click the links to listen to any of these episodes in full! Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Walking The Dog, we’re taking a look back at some of our favourite walks of the past year! In this episode you will hear clips from the following episodes: Lee Mack Suzi Ruffell Frank Skinner Gabby Logan Phil Wang Angela Barnes James O’Brien Ed Gamble Ross Noble James Middleton Click the links to listen to any of these episodes in full! This episode contains some very strong language Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re at Goodwood this week with the brilliant Kevin McCloud! Kevin tells us about how a Channel 4 commissioner initially didn’t think he was the right presenter for Grand Designs, how he feels about having uncomfortable conversations on the show, and whether he makes a habit of judging other people’s homes. Grand Designs celebrated its 25th year in 2024. You can watch every episode on Channel 4! Follow @Kevin.mccloud1 on Instagram Follow @goodwoofdogs on Instagram Follow @goodwood on Instagram Goodwoof will be taking place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025. Early bird tickets are available now here! Kevin will be appearing at the event as part of Barkitecture. Thank you to The Goodwood Hotel for kindly hosting us in one of their lovely dog-friendly rooms during our trip to East Sussex. The Hotel has 12 dog-friendly rooms. Dogs are provided with a bed, bowls, bags and treats. The Kennels is the clubhouse for all of Goodwood Estate's members, a home away from home for those looking to relax and enjoy superb food in stylish surroundings. Dogs are welcome at The Kennels and can also join as members with a Kennels' Dog Membership. Dog members receive a personalised dog bowl and their membership helps support the work of The Kennels' chosen charity, Hounds for Heroes. Walking the Dog was given special access to the Goodwood Estate, exploring The Kennels, where Goodwoof is held. There are a number of permissive paths across the Estate – further details can be found here. We ask that dogs are kindly kept on a lead when walking on the Estate. Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Emily and Ray for a very special walk with designer, writer and television presenter Kevin McCloud! The stunning backdrop for our walk with Kevin is the beautiful grounds of Goodwood House in East Sussex. Kevin has a very special connection with Goodwood - as he is the curator of their Barkitecture design contest - which is held annually in aid of charity during a wonderful event called Goodwoof. Kevin does claim to be able to speak dog - as he has three dog grandchildren, but his time at home is currently being taken up by two elderly cats. He tells us all about how he grew up surrounded by design, his year learning Italian on a Tuscan vineyard and how he felt he didn’t fit in at Cambridge University. Grand Designs celebrated its 25th year in 2024. You can watch every episode on Channel 4! Follow @Kevin.mccloud1 on Instagram Follow @goodwoofdogs on Instagram Follow @goodwood on Instagram Goodwoof will be taking place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025. Early bird tickets are available now here! Kevin will be appearing at the event as part of Barkitecture. Thank you to The Goodwood Hotel for kindly hosting us in one of their lovely dog-friendly rooms during our trip to East Sussex. The Hotel has 12 dog-friendly rooms. Dogs are provided with a bed, bowls, bags and treats. The Kennels is the clubhouse for all of Goodwood Estate's members, a home away from home for those looking to relax and enjoy superb food in stylish surroundings. Dogs are welcome at The Kennels and can also join as members with a Kennels' Dog Membership. Dog members receive a personalised dog bowl and their membership helps support the work of The Kennels' chosen charity, Hounds for Heroes. Walking the Dog was given special access to the Goodwood Estate, exploring The Kennels, where Goodwoof is held. There are a number of permissive paths across the Estate – further details can be found here. We ask that dogs are kindly kept on a lead when walking on the Estate. Follow Emily: Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean X - @divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.