The Guardian announces Siobhán McSweeney as the new host of the podcast Comfort Eating when it returns on Tuesday 3 November.
A previous special guest on Comfort Eating herself, Siobhán is renowned for her roles in Derry Girls and Amandaland, as well as hosting popular shows the Traitors Ireland and the Great Pottery Throw Down. She takes the hosting reins from food critic Grace Dent, who stepped down after ten series.
A foodie at heart, Siobhán stays true to her Irish roots, says the publisher. When alone she enjoys nothing more than tucking into a mix of cheese and onion Tayto crisps and Dairy Milk chocolate, finished off with a swig of Guinness.
The new season of Comfort Eating will serve 10 weekly episodes. Each week, Siobhán will welcome a new guest to lift the lid on what they eat when no one else is watching. As they introduce Siobhán to their favourite comfort foods, she’ll explore the memories and relationships behind them, and the role food has played throughout their lives. The first episode features comedian and actor Asim Chaudhry, with upcoming guests including actress Nicola Coughlan, journalist Caitlin Moran, and Good Morning Britain host Ed Balls.
For the first time, full episodes of Comfort Eating will be available to watch on YouTube, alongside the podcast on all audio platforms, added the publisher. Audiences can also follow the show on social media for highlights and exclusive content.
Siobhán McSweeney, Comfort Eating host, says: “Even though it is impossible to fit into the elegant shiny stiletto heels of the incomparable Grace Dent, I am so excited to be gifted with the very special hosting crown of Comfort Eating. Food is such a big part of our lives, and I just love that with each weird and wonderful meal comes a beautiful story, endless memories and nostalgia. I can’t wait to hear and taste it all. Tune in and join me!”
Phil Maynard, global head of podcasts, Guardian News & Media says: “We’re delighted to have Siobhán on board as the new host of Comfort Eating. Siobhán brings her quick-witted humour, sense of fun, honesty and warmth to a brilliant new series of celebrity interviews based around food and nostalgia.”
Read an exclusive interview with Siobhán in this weekend's Saturday magazine.
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