Ep 114: Jessica Gunning

Reign with Josh Smith

This is such a special episode as we are joined by the star of Baby Reindeer, Jessica Gunning, who shares her coming out story for the very first time publicly.

I felt so honoured to be able to help Jessica tell her story, and I hope as we start Pride Month, no matter how you identify, or how you are currently feeling about your identity, Jessica’s story will inspire you to embrace yourself and celebrate YOU.

As you will hear in this episode Jessica is every bit as incredible off screen as she is on screen and the entire world has now woken up to her talents in Netflix’s Baby Reindeer. If you are one of the few who hasn’t watched the show yet, it was created by, and stars Richard Gadd, who brings his own life story to screen as his character Donny is intensely stalked by Jessica’s character, Martha. It’s one of the best TV shows not just of the year, but ever, as it goes from comical to heartbreaking in just a few seconds.

But this is no overnight success, as Jessica talks us through her epic career and the incredible lessons she has learnt along the way from her first big role in one of my favourite movies of all time, Pride, to playing the hilarious parole officer Dianne in the BBC comedy, The Outlaws, which is back for a third season.

Along with our emotional chat about coming out, Jessica serves the comedy too as we talk about our failure to grasp the French language and her hilarious run in with The Outlaws co-star, Christopher Walken.

If you love this chat as much as I do please get in touch with me via social media @joshsmithhosts - it is always great hearing from you. Love, Josh x

P.S. You will also have heard me mention my book in this episode. ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ - you can pre-order it here: https://geni.us/GreatChat ahead of its release on 20th June!

P.P.S. This episode is sponsored by Bicester Village which I am so excited about as it’s one of my favourite go-to day trips for great chats and great bonding time with my loved ones. If you need a little retail therapy with a pal, Bicester Village is home to more than 150 fashion and lifestyle boutiques, renowned restaurants and five star service - and we all deserve a bit of five star service don’t we?! But luxury doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, as Bicester Village offers up to 40% off the original retail prices ALL YEAR ROUND. Race you there? It’s only an hour from London Marylebone station if you are based in London!

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