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Episode details

Radio 5 Live,05 Oct 2021,59 mins,

Contains some strong language.

Available for over a year

Former X Factor winner and multi-million selling singer-songwriter James Arthur reveals all about violent outbursts, Twitter storms and regrets in this frank chat with Tony Bellew. As well as being fans of each other, it’s clear Tony and James have loads in common. From a mutual love of boxing and music to tough upbringings as James talks about being sent to foster care as a teenager. They’re also both quick to react with anger, with James telling Tony about the time he smashed his arm through a window trying to ‘protect’ his sister. He opens up about angry social media fails as he tried to prove he wasn’t one of those ‘shiny popstars’. And he reveals his regret over using homophobic language in a rap battle, why it still affects his career today and why he’s thought about leaving the music industry for good. Full of revelations and deep chat. Not to be missed. Producer: Alice Lloyd Audio editing: Mike Holt Booker: Charlie Copsey Social Media: Lucy Oliva An Orion Publishing Group production for BBC 5 Live and BBC Sounds

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