REEL STORIES RETURNS TO BBC TWO AS RICK ASTLEY JOINS DERMOT O'LEARY FOR SPECIAL EPISODE

In February 2026, the multi award-winning singer and songwriter Rick Astley will join BBC Radio 2’s Dermot O’Leary for the next edition of BBC Two and BBC iPlayer’s Reel Stories.

Reel Stories, which launched in 2018, sees Dermot sit down in a London cinema with some of music’s biggest stars to watch back the pivotal moments of their lives and careers.

In Reel Stories: Rick Astley, Rick and Dermot discuss: Rick’s early years as the drummer and then lead vocalist in the soul band FBI; his time at Stock Aitken Waterman, which saw him evolve from tea-maker to global popstar with the release of his debut album, Whenever You Need Somebody (1987); his debut appearance on Top of the Pops; Rick’s relationship with fame, after his debut single went to Number 1 in 25 countries; leaving Stock Aitken Waterman and his renewed focus on family life.

Plus the viral Rickrolling phenomenon; deciding to record new music after 20 years – thanks to comedian Peter Kay; his success over the last decade, which saw him release his Number 1 album 50 in 2016, appear on Glastonbury’s Pyramid stage in 2023; what he rates as the best Stock Aitken Waterman single of all time, and more.

Rick says: “I loved doing Reel Stories with Dermot O’Leary, what a treat to be taken back to the start and come right through to today. Dermot is the perfect companion to go on that rollercoaster of emotion, love and thanks, Rick x”

Dermot says: “What a pleasure to spend time with Rick and hear him talk so openly about his memories from over the decades. I’ve long been a fan of his, and after recording this Reel Stories episode, have even more admiration for him as a performer and a person. There’s so much more to his story than we know, a really interesting and interested person. A true gent, wise soul and real talent. I hope that viewers enjoy this extended interview as much as I did."

Rachel Davies, Commissioning Editor, BBC Pop Music TV says: “Reel Stories is all about telling artists’ stories in a unique way - one which allows audiences to reflect alongside them, as we relive footage of their achievements and career milestones together on screen. I’m thrilled that in February, Dermot will be joined by the one and only Rick Astley, celebrating Rick’s life and work as he reaches his 60th birthday.”

Reel Stories: Rick Astley will be broadcast as part of a themed night, featuring another chance to see Rick’s Glastonbury 2023 set.