Miriam Margolyes and Emma Doran Shine in Late Late Show Banter

The latest episode of the *Late Late Show* featured lively discussions with guests including the outspoken Miriam Margolyes and comedian Emma Doran, who shared humorous anecdotes and poignant reflections. The show, hosted by Ryan Tubridy, took place in front of a live audience at the *Cork Opera House* on March 15, 2024, showcasing a blend of entertainment and social commentary.

Toilet Talk and Social Issues

Miriam Margolyes, known for her unapologetic wit, opened the show with a candid discussion about her new book, which she humorously suggested is best read while on the toilet. “It’s not for the coffee table or kids, don’t leave it anywhere where kids can read it!” Margolyes quipped. She emphasized the importance of daily bowel movements, stating, “This will assist it.”

In a striking transition from humor to serious issues, Margolyes addressed the ongoing situation in Gaza. As a Jewish woman, she expressed her concern over the misconceptions surrounding Jewish identity amidst global conflicts. “It’s very important for people to realise that all Jewish people are not killers,” she asserted. “What happened in Gaza is utter wrong, wicked and terrifying.”

Margolyes also praised the Irish community for their demonstrations supporting Gaza, acknowledging their efforts to show solidarity.

Humor and Heartfelt Stories

Emma Doran, who is about to embark on her “Emmaculate” tour, shared her experiences growing up in Ireland. The comic reflected on the cultural significance of funerals in Irish society, describing them as akin to an Olympic event. “My dad taught me at a young age how to conduct myself at funerals,” she explained, adding that her father would review the events afterward.

Doran’s humorous anecdotes took a light-hearted turn when she inadvertently asked Margolyes if she had ever eaten a ham sandwich, showcasing her knack for blending humor with genuine conversation.

Actor and singer Damian Lewis joined the show next, reminiscing about his time on the acclaimed series *Band of Brothers*. He reflected on the star-studded cast, including Andrew Scott and Michael Fassbender, noting that he didn’t realize the significance of the ensemble at the time. Lewis also discussed his latest project, *Pressure*, which tells the story of meteorologist James Stagg, who played a crucial role in the D-Day landings. He joked about the challenges of promoting a film focused on weather.

In a heartfelt segment, rugby player Andrew Porter shared insights from his autobiography, *Heart on My Sleeve*. He candidly discussed the mental health struggles he faced after the death of his mother when he was just 12. “Starting secondary school the day after her funeral was chaotic. I didn’t know anyone, and it was incredibly scary,” he recalled. His experience led to an eating disorder that he struggled to overcome during those formative years.

Closing the show was the ever-charismatic Rick Astley, who entertained the audience with his hit “Cry for Help.” He reflected on his four-decade-long career in music and shared his fondness for Guinness. “It tastes better over here,” he remarked, eliciting laughter from the audience.

Astley also shared a quirky story about a toilet named after him in Japan, amusingly describing his encounter with a fully automatic Japanese toilet adorned with photographs of him while his songs played in the background. “It was a bit of a weird question,” he said of the bouncer’s insistence that he visit the loo, highlighting the lighthearted nature of the evening.

The *Late Late Show* continues to provide a platform for engaging conversations, combining humor with important social issues, all while celebrating the unique aspects of Irish culture.