Rick Astley is ready to take a nostalgic deep dive into his life and profession as he joins Dermot O’Leary for a model‑new version of Reel Tales, airing on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in February 2026.
Photograph: Ora Et Labora and Craft Movies
The lengthy‑operating sequence, which launched in 2018, brings music icons right into a London cinema the place they revisit defining moments from their private {and professional} journeys. Astley, who celebrates his sixtieth birthday subsequent 12 months, turns into the most recent artist to sit down reverse O’Leary for the intimate retrospective.
Reflecting on the expertise, Astley mentioned: “I cherished doing Reel Tales with Dermot O’Leary, what a deal with to be taken again to the beginning and are available proper by means of to right now. Dermot is the proper companion to go on that rollercoaster of emotion, love and thanks, Rick x.”
O’Leary was equally enthusiastic, including: “What a pleasure to spend time with Rick and listen to him speak so overtly about his recollections from over the many years. I’ve lengthy been a fan of his… A real gent, smart soul and actual expertise. I hope that viewers take pleasure in this prolonged interview as a lot as I did.”
Rachel Davies, Commissioning Editor for BBC Pop Music TV, mentioned the episode arrives on the excellent second: “Reel Tales is all about telling artists’ tales in a novel method… I’m thrilled that in February, Dermot shall be joined by the one and solely Rick Astley, celebrating Rick’s life and work as he reaches his sixtieth birthday.”
The particular will chart Astley’s rise from his early days in soul band FBI to his transformation into a worldwide pop phenomenon underneath Inventory Aitken Waterman. Viewers will see him revisit his Prime of the Pops debut, mirror on the pressures of sudden worldwide fame after By no means Gonna Give You Up topped charts in 25 nations, and focus on stepping away from the highlight to give attention to household life.
Astley additionally opens up concerning the surprising resurgence of his music by means of the viral Rickrolling pattern, his return to recording after twenty years — inspired by comic Peter Kay — and his current profession renaissance, together with his chart‑topping 2016 album 50 and his 2023 efficiency on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage.
The themed evening can even characteristic a repeat of Astley’s Glastonbury set and Inventory Aitken Waterman on the BBC, showcasing traditional performances from Astley alongside Lifeless or Alive, Donna Summer time, Bananarama, Mel and Kim, and Kylie and Jason Donovan.
Astley joins a powerful listing of earlier Reel Tales visitors, together with Dave Grohl, Jon Bon Jovi, Kylie, Noel Gallagher, Pet Store Boys, Robbie Williams, Shania Twain, Rod Stewart, Sting, and Take That.
