Emma Bunton, Jade Jones, Leigh and Jill Francis team up for new podcast ‘Unlikely Friends’
They say opposites attract, but when total contrasts collide and somehow become best friends, that’s where the real magic — and the best stories — begin. Just ask Spice Girls icon Emma Bunton and her husband, Damage singer Jade Jones, who are joining forces with their BFF’s, BAFTA-winner Leigh Francis and his wife Jill, for a brand-new podcast ‘Unlikely Friends’.
Launching TOMORROW (October 16th), the hilarious and totally relatable new series gives listeners an exclusive peek inside the 20-year friendship of this awesome foursome. Guided by fan questions, Emma, Jade, Leigh, and Jill pick each week’s topic from a plastic pineapple affectionately named Pauline the Pineapple after Emma’s Mum. Expect plenty of laughs, a few unexpectedly deep moments, and a whole lot of chaos as the fab four chat about everything from the ups and downs of parenting to the all-important mystery of Leonardo DiCaprio’s suspiciously squeezable cheeks. Nothing’s off limits — just honest, funny, and refreshingly real conversation.
In a joint statement announcing the pod, the quartet say: “The papers called us ‘Unlikely Friends’ years ago, whilst we were papped on holiday together. We might be unlikely friends, but behind closed doors we’re just a pretty normal bunch from similar backgrounds who really just clicked! We’ve talked about doing something together for ages, so we’re excited it’s finally happening in the form of a weekly visual podcast! It’s an invite for the viewers, to feel like you’re spending an evening with us, except YOU dictate the conversation. So once the school run’s done and the dog’s been walked, bring your ears round to ours and join the chat… about whatever you like!”
Vicky Etchells, Director of Global Podcasts, adds: “Bringing Emma, Leigh, Jade and Jill together for this show is something really special. Having spent so much time with them over the past few months, I know just how much fun and energy they’ll bring to it, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience that. Global Player is the perfect home for a show like this, delivering a full 360 entertainment experience across video, audio and social.”
Produced by Global Studios, Unlikely Friends is available to listen and watch from Thursday, October 16th 2025 on Global Player and all major podcast platforms.