Happy Place

Actor Will Mellor burst onto the nation’s screens as Jambo from Hollyoaks in 1995. Since then he’s tackled the ups and downs of fame, the heartbreak of loss and the joy of becoming a father.

He and Fearne talk about going back 30 years (!), discuss the complex relationship he has with his dad and why Fearne thinks more dads should cry. They also talk about the tough journey of working through grief, and what can fall into your lap when you’re ready to give up.

Plus, Will leaves us with a striking mental image of Prince William at a urinal.

Will’s debut memoir, Where There’s a Will: My Story is out on the 5th of November 2026.

If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:

Steven Graham and Orly Klein

Miquita Oliver

Ant and Dec

Child on the line is a three-part documentary podcast series celebrating the Volunteer Counsellors of Childline, and the brave children & young people who contact the helpline service.

Listen here: https://www.childonthelinepodcast.com/

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That moment you want the ground to swallow you whole - we’ve all been there!

On this week’s Happy Place Hotline, Fearne helps listener Charlotte get an embarrassing moment off her chest, and shares some of her own red-faced experiences.

We also hear from Olivia, who feels like she’s carrying the weight of friends, family and colleagues on her shoulders.

Plus, Rosie asks Fearne a very relatable question - how do you stop resisting rest?

Got something you want to share with Fearne? The Happy Place Hotline is open! Email hello@happyplaceofficial.com, or send us a DM or voice note on Instagram @happyplaceofficial

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When did you last look at the sky? Sleep expert Dr Sophie Bostock takes Fearne from her windowless studio onto the streets of London to remind her what daylight looks like, before they delve into how we get good quality rest.

Fearne unpacks her own longstanding battle with switching off her racing thoughts and getting good sleep, and gets some tips from Sophie on how to quieten a busy mind, and stop fighting sleep.

Plus, Sophie shares her upcoming adventure - rowing unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean. A journey of 3,000 miles which will see her having to sleep in 2 hour intervals, something which will undo years of work establishing a sleep routine. So what will she learn about sleep as she faces the waves?

You can follow Sophie’s incredible journey across the Atlantic here.

If you have questions about Melatonin, NICE has published guidance for both adults and children.

We'd love to hear from you - email Fearne at hello@happyplaceofficial.co.uk

If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:

Adam Kay

Dr Nicole LePera

Poorna Bell

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The Happy Place Hotline is officially open… and we want to hear from YOU!

This is a bonus dose of Happy Place, inspired by your stories.

Whether you have a dilemma, or problem that needs solving, thoughts on a recent episode of Happy Place, or just want to get something off your chest - Fearne is here to listen!

We have a shiny new email address hello@happyplaceofficial.com, where you can send all your correspondence. And, as always, you can send us a DM or voice note on Instagram @happyplaceofficial

So, what are you waiting for?

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How do you find joy in the darkest of times? Broadcaster, writer and DJ Gemma Cairney has some ideas. She joins Fearne in the Happy Place studio to talk about sisterhood, shame and subverting the status quo.

Fearne and Gemma go way back. From their heady days on Radio 1, to trudging through the fields of Glastonbury, they reflect on the industry that tried to mould them as young women.

Gemma opens up about growth, the messiness of the human experience and the beauty we should see in the world around us - even if it is intense and terrifying.

Plus, she shares more about the women in her imagined sisterhood, from Erykah Badu to Marsha P. Johnson, and the bottle of wine she shared with her hero, Grace Jones.

Gemma’s book, The Immortal Sisterhood: 12 Guiding Stars to Grow, Heal and Navigate Life, is available now in paperback.

We'd love to hear from you - email Fearne at hello@happyplaceofficial.co.uk

If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:

Miquita Oliver

Phillipa Perry

Ashley Roberts

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TikToker Chris Olsen shot to stardom during the pandemic. But while all eyes were on his viral videos, he was struggling to forgive himself for the challenges of his past.

In this candid conversation, Chris sits down with Fearne in New York City to talk about fame, recovery, and his journey to self-forgiveness.

He talks about the addiction that consumed his late teenage years, and the life-changing intervention staged by his friends and family.

He also reflects on his time in rehab, and why the worst version of yourself doesn’t have to define you.

Chris’ book, I Think My Therapist Hates Me: A Memoir, is out now.

A warning that this episode contains references to alcohol and drug addiction. If you’re affected by these issues, please listen with care.

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Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Spencer Matthews

Millie Gooch

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Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson spent 11 years on our screens as Mitchell Pritchett in the hit series, Modern Family. But when the opportunity presented itself to be alone on stage, in front of a sell-out audience, a different feeling started to creep in.

In this chat with Fearne, Jesse opens up about the fear that drives him. He reflects on how he’s learned to work through it, and what he does to lean in and embrace the challenges ahead.

He also talks about how playing Mitchell helped him prepare for fatherhood, and the impact his relationship with his onscreen daughter had on him becoming a dad.

Plus, Jesse shares some of the White House secrets he learned when interviewing former First Lady, Jill Biden.

You can catch Jesse as Truman Capote in Tru at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London until the 14th November 2026.

If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:

Joe Lycett

Joseph Fiennes

Caitlin Moran

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Entertainment personality Megan McKenna was once advertised in a straitjacket. She was nicknamed Mental Megan, branded mouthy, and edited down to her worst moments on camera. Now, she can see that none of that was who she really was.

In this chat with Fearne, live from the Happy Place Festival, Megan explores how she’s learnt to live more authentically. For her, that means less drinking and more home cooking for her young family.

Megan also opens up about the anxieties and sleep issues she’s been left with after a traumatic robbery. Fearne has some gentle advice for when your body feels unsafe, and your mind is spiralling.

Plus, Megan reveals what really goes on behind the scenes on reality TV shows, from being plied with alcohol, to being nudged into confrontations by producers.

Megan’s latest cookbook, Love Gluten Free, is out now.

If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:

Olivia Atwood

Michelle Keegan

Tulisa

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What part do male role models need to play in young boys’ lives? How do we raise young men with empathy and love? What should masculinity even mean? Adolescence’s Stephen Graham has teamed up with psychology researcher Orly Klein to answer these questions.

In this chat with Fearne, Stephen and Orly explore what they’ve learnt about manhood, fatherhood, and generational trauma through asking lots of dads to write letters to their sons.

They chat about why we need to stop treating boys like they’re a problem to be fixed, and why it’s so important to offer them positive messages so they don’t fall into the hands of toxic influencers.

Plus, Stephen reveals how he felt about filming each Adolescence episode in one take...

Stephen and Orly’s book, Letters To Our Sons, is out now.

If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:

Ashley Walters

Caitlin Moran

Sam Claflin

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When mysterious symbols appear as graffiti around Oxford, lexicographer Martha Thornhill recognises them from an alphabet created by a deceased writer whose papers she once worked on. But this is no publicity stunt, and tensions intensify when further graffiti is found near the body of a university lecturer...

Countdown’s Susie Dent has written Death Writ Large, a murder mystery that cleverly weaves her linguistic skills around a killer plot. In this chat, live from the Happy Place Festival, Susie teaches Fearne a few new words (confelicity, anyone?) and explains where phrases like Flaming Nora come from. Plus, why is it actually really good for you to swear, and how can naming emotions help you manage them?

In October, we’ll be reading Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley and Agatha Christie.

Thank you to Zaffre for the use of the Death Writ Large audiobook, narrated by Louise Brealey.

If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:

Book Club Meets: Chloe Ashby

Book Club Meets: Candice Carty-Williams

Book Club Meets: Caro Claire Burke

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Back in the noughties, Miquita Oliver thought Fearne Cotton was an irritatingly gorgeous, successful presenter – everything she wasn’t. Fearne was jealous Miquita was part of the TV cool gang. In reality? Fearne worried she was an unsophisticated nerd, and Miquita was feeling like the fat, ugly sidekick.

In this episode, live from the Happy Place Festival, Fearne and Miquita chat for the first time in decades, finally able to see that it was press cruelty that created their feud. They talk through how to cope if you feel projection, assumption, or a misunderstanding have created a rift between you and a friend.

Miquita also explores why she felt the need to drink to stay in a haze for much of her younger years, and why getting curious about why she felt like sh*t was the first step to getting her life back on track.

Plus: how to dream bigger for yourself, and why adults need to play more!

If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:

Matt Edmondson and Mollie King

Ruth Langsford

Ashley James

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There’s probably a bit too much pressure on reaching a definitive state of happiness isn’t there? It’s not realistic guys. So Fearne’s dropping into your feed every week for some honest chat about what’s making her (and you lot) feel great, and what’s making us all feel completely rubbish.

This is a cosy little corner for all of us to explore what’s been on our minds, what’s been getting us down, inspiring us, and making us laugh. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!

In this chat, Fearne explores:

-Running – both the joy of it, and the sadness when you can’t because you’re injured

-In a similar vein: why skipping is so fun... but also makes you pee yourself

-The little interactions with strangers that make your day

-‘Friends’ chatting behind your back

-Whether we’ve started hibernating for winter a little too early

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We’ve all got quirks. Tom Read Wilson realised early on that no one else was going to celebrate his differences if he didn’t own them himself. In this chat with Fearne, live from the Happy Place Festival, Tom explains how he learnt to honour his eclectic personality.

Fearne and Tom both have a history of extreme people pleasing, so they share what they’ve learnt about self-advocating and getting good at uncomfortable confrontation. Why does turning 40 seem to be when the real honesty kicks in?

The I’m A Celeb jungle had a profound impact on Tom, particularly the digital detox part... he explores the huge physical and mental impact giving up his phone has had.

Plus, Tom delights in finding the perfect whimsical words, and wonders that language is the key to unlocking better mental health.

Tom’s new children’s book, Pricklepaper’s Letter Magic, is out on the 24th of September.

If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:

Todd Rose

Joe Lycett

Ruby Wax

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What’s been going on for you this week? What are you happy about, and what’s really not floating your boat? Fearne’s here with more chat about what’s putting her, Team Happy Place, and you lot in a good mood, and what’s feeling a bit heavier too.

This is our space to explore what’s been on our minds. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!

In this chat, Fearne explores:

-The wholesome dream of growing your own food

-Finally being paid to create the stuff you love

-Being in awe of Marilyn Monroe

-Sending your kid to high school when they’re not ready to cope

-Why there’s always something on the Being A Grown Up to do list

-The dull details of buying new white goods

-The people who insist on being tw*ts to strangers

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Writer Caitlin Moran's anxiety started when she was 13, when she accidentally let a family secret slip. That anxiety kept her wired for the next 30 years.

In this chat with Fearne, Caitlin explains how choosing to be hopeful and see the good in life means she’s now two years anxiety-free.

They also talk about how social media has drastically altered our perception of reality, and just how unkind (or kind!) a place the world really is. Angrily posting on Instagram at 3am? It’s not going to change society, but volunteering to pick letter... well... that might!

Caitlin talks about the severe dread she feels when meeting up with her best friends; do you have that social anxiety too? Because Fearne does... Plus, how could presuming everyone’s having a really bad day make you a happier person?

Caitlin’s book, How To Be Hopeful, is out on September 17th.

If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:

Todd Rose

Lucas Jones

Nicole LaPera

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There’s probably a bit too much pressure on reaching a definitive state of happiness isn’t there? It’s just not realistic. So Fearne’s dropping into your feed every week for some honest chat about what’s making her (and you lot) feel great, and what’s making us all feel completely rubbish.

This is a cosy little corner for all of us to explore what’s been on our minds, what’s been getting us down, inspiring us, and making us laugh. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!

In this chat, Fearne explores:

-Why being middle aged is actually ace

-The iconic TV show that is Below Deck

-Loving having grown up kids

-How to lean into the cosiness of autumn

-Dressing like a teenage boy in a 90s American TV show

-Coping with imposter syndrome at work

-Why on earth there have to be so many school Whatsapp groups

-How to block out chronic pessimists

Ps, you heard Fearne, if anyone has a contact for Below Deck’s Captain Sandy… slide into our DMs @happyplaceofficial!

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Do you ever feel like the universe is trying to tell you something? Call it spirituality, intuition, or science... we’ve all had moments that feel like a bit of a sign – a gentle nudge in a certain direction.

In this episode, Fearne looks at the Happy Place moments that have explored the things we can't always explain… This is a curious dive into what happens when we leave a little room for mystery, wonder, and the possibility that there might be more to life than meets the eye.

In this episode –

-Poet and actor Lucas Jones’ take on why whether we call it religion, spirituality, or science, we’re all ultimately searching for meaning

-Spiritual leader Gabby Bernstein is clear that the best thing you can do to change the world is tend to your inner world first

-Musician Charlotte Church reflects on why she turned to nature to heal from trauma

-Moon mentor Kirsty Gallagher explains how to live in tandem with the moon’s cycles

-Holistic therapist Estelle Bingham explores the magic and the science behind the energy in your heart

-Intuitive guide Sonia Choquette chats about how to trust your own gut instinct more

-Entrepreneur Poppy Jamie shares a beautiful story that explains why she puts her faith in the universe

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains a number of conversations about trying to conceive and baby loss.

A FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT! Early Bird tickets for our London and Tatton Happy Place Festivals 2027 are out now. Head to happyplaceofficial.co.uk to get your Early Bird tickets.

Listen to the full Happy Place episodes –

Lucas Jones

Gabby Bernstein

Charlotte Church

Kirsty Gallagher

Estelle Bingham

Sonia Choquette

Poppy Jamie

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What does a truly restful holiday look like to you? Do you want novelty or routine? Horticulturalist Monty Don relaxes most when he knows the drill: same Greek island, same terrace for breakfast, same collapsable travel kettle packed!

Welcome to The Happy Place Guide To Holidays! In this chat with Fearne – brought to you by British Airways Holidays – Monty explains the difference between all the globe-trotting he does for work, and a proper switching-off holiday.

They chat about the excitement of stepping off a plane into an entirely different culture, as well as why you won’t find either of them staying up late for a social dinner.

Monty also explores why it was important to be one of the first people to talk about his mental health in the media decades ago, and what more still needs to be done to support those with depression. Plus, how does Seasonal Affective Disorder manifest for Monty?

British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, offer a 24hr holiday helpline, and allow you to book with a low deposit. All holidays include a generous baggage allowance per person. Go to http://Ba.com/holidays to find out more.

Listen to other episodes of The Happy Place Guide To Holidays:

Fearne’s holiday likes and dislikes

Chris McCausland

Sophie Ellis-Bextor

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How do you feel the morning after drinking the night before? For Millie Gooch the hangxiety was huge, so she stopped drinking and founded Sober Girl Society.

In this chat, Fearne and Millie explore how to recognise when the silly, lols-in-the-group-chat stories from nights out have morphed into moments that are risky, dangerous, and not really you.

For Millie, she had to be honest with herself about what she was trying to forget or avoid by drinking. She talks through how to get comfortable with sitting in uncomfortable emotions.

Millie also explains why she didn’t know she was neurodivergent until she stopped drinking; how do the effects of alcohol get mixed up with symptoms of menopause, ADHD, and OCD?

Millie’s book, Hangxiety, is out on the 8th of September.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank chat about sexual assault.

If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:

Millie Mackintosh

Professor David Nutt

Louise Newson

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For 20 years Maggie and Will have spent idyllic summers in the south of France with their friends Lydia and Roland. This year though, tension is brewing and loyalties are being tested. Their young kids are all there too, and they might end up stumbling upon secrets that were being kept from them...

August’s Happy Place Book Club read is Family Friends. In this chat with Fearne, author Chloe Ashby explains why she wanted to explore relationship dynamics around the age of 40. Each character has brought a bit of extra baggage to this year’s holiday, so through them Chloe wonders at what point doing one bad thing makes you a bad person.

Plus, why was it controversial to include a teenage holiday romance?

Thank you to Penguin for the use of the Family Friends audiobook, narrated by Sally Scott.

If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like:

Book Club Meets: Candice Carty-Williams

Book Club Meets: Caro Claire Burke

Book Club Meets: Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees

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