meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
Full Disclosure with James O'Brien

Graham Fellows: Playing John Shuttleworth Came at a Cost

Full Disclosure with James O'Brien

Global

Society & Culture

4.63.5K Ratings

🗓️ 11 July 2025

⏱️ 65 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Before he became known as the quirky, banana-snacking John Shuttleworth, Graham Fellows was a kid from Sheffield with dreams of classical acting and a knack for writing unforgettable songs. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien meets the man behind the cult characters to trace the unpredictable path from Jilted John to Chicken Town.

They explore Graham’s early life, from his mum’s quiet environmentalism to a fleeting moment of baby photo fame, and his parallel passions for drama and music that led him to Manchester Youth Theatre and, later, punk-inflected pop stardom. Graham reflects on the shock of overnight fame, the decades spent wrestling with alter egos, and the complex relationship between creator and character.

Thoughtful, eccentric and candid, this is the story of a performer who’s built a singular career by blurring the line between parody and poignancy.

Find out more about Chicken Town here

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

The first bounce, the first serve, the moment it finally goes over the net.

0:05.7

Suddenly your local park feels like centre court.

0:08.6

You aren't just playing.

0:09.8

You're growing more confident with every session.

0:12.6

At Barclays, we know the small moments can build lifelong confidence.

0:16.1

That's why we invest £5 million a year in grassroots sport,

0:19.5

from free park tennis sessions to supporting the Wimbledon Foundation.

0:22.7

There's even a Barclays Free Park tennis session at Southwark Park.

0:25.5

Search Barclays Free Park tennis to find out more.

0:30.3

Lunch time. Time to get my macro in the microwave.

0:33.9

Oh, kitchen banter afoot. If in doubt, join in.

0:37.9

Oh, hey Jim.

0:39.6

You listen to Comedy on Audible, too?

0:41.8

Uh, yeah.

0:44.0

So funny.

0:45.1

Yeah.

0:46.0

What's your favourite title?

0:47.7

Uh, the comedy comedian show.

0:52.3

That's not a real show, is it, Jim?

0:54.6

Get in on the jokes with comedy on Audible.

0:57.7

Subscription requires theaudible.com.

0:59.1

UK for terms.

...

Transcript will be available on the free plan in 25 days. Upgrade to see the full transcript now.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Global, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Global and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2025.