<p>This week Emily and Ray take a stroll on Hampstead Heath with the wonderful <strong>Stephen Mangan,</strong> actor, writer, presenter and all-round comic genius.</p><br><p>Stephen talks to Emily about his childhood in Enfield with his Irish-born parents, studying law at Cambridge, and ultimately deciding to become an actor. It turned out to be a very good decision, as he went on to appear in some truly iconic shows, from <em>I’m Alan Partridge</em> (as the unforgettable Dan) to <em>Green Wing</em>, <em>Episodes</em>, and the hugely popular legal drama <em>The Split</em>.</p><br><p>Stephen is also a best-selling children’s author, and has just released his latest book <em>Barrie Saves Christmas</em>, illustrated by his sister Anita. It’s a brilliantly funny and heartwarming festive story about a giant St Bernard dog on a mission to stop an elf sabotaging Christmas, the perfect gift for young readers who love dogs, humour and the magic of the season.</p><br><p>It’s a warm, funny and wide-ranging conversation with one of the most likeable and talented figures in British comedy and drama. And yes, he and Ray definitely bonded over their suspiciously similar hairstyles.</p><br><p>Pick up your copy of Barrie Saves Christmas <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Barrie-Christmas-funniest-festive-adventure/dp/0702344176/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=194864516548&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jOCDclvJdGJW9Lj1UpVkrGeKlMVwX3RiWT4OFVT1-ZUcjaG45ce2E12VmziQjjsQfxpsQHL6gQTmrqA0xtjYutBlXSxubcxVIuTLVee0AWhbNX4t4cTwMBpz8XocRFp3wW3T7dPt99YrSs9rRZ9tLQ.y4RJ1nfFA30WxmA2pVxCcRSznhJQ0Am1NRSsNKq6tH4&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=779282955820&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9196031&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=4259286231427760941--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4259286231427760941&hvtargid=kwd-2465852933674&hydadcr=18049_2289091_4676&keywords=barrie+saves+christmas&mcid=fd3269787f823b82bbd004e5320c77e1&qid=1764616222&sr=8-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p><br><p><strong>Follow Emily:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">X</a></p><br><p><strong>Walking The Dog</strong> is produced by <strong>Will Nichols</strong></p><p><strong>Music:</strong> Rich Jarman</p><p><strong>Artwork:</strong> Alice Ludlam</p><p><strong>Photography:</strong> Karla Gowlett</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
