About this episode
Ian Smith: Finding Your Feet in a Foot Spa Half Empty 🎙️ Episode Overview In this episode, Steve Otis Gunn chats with comedian, writer, and actor Ian Smith. From the unlikely inspiration behind his new show, Foot Spa Half Empty, to the surreal experience of debuting on Have I Got News For You. Ian relives his early sitcom work on Popatron , his acting turn in The Ark , and his fleeting appearance on Siblings. Expect talk of mouth-guards, Foot Spas, Reality TV, and the fate of the short-lived digital channel - BBC Switch 🎬 Episode Highlights The Awkward Reality of Filming Panel Shows Why the Audience of Deal or No Deal Shouldn’t Be Allowed to Vote Writing Original Work in the Age of Streaming This episode is perfect for anyone who loves British comedy that’s equal parts clever, chaotic, and catastrophically relatable — or just wants to know where Carl’s gone. 🎠About Ian Ian Smith is an award-winning stand-up comedian, writer, and actor from Yorkshire. He’s appeared on Have I Got News for You , The News Quiz , and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown , as well as starring in Popatron and The Ark . Ian’s acclaimed work includes his Edinburgh Fringe shows Crushing and Foot Spa Half Empty , and the popular podcast Northern News, which he co-hosts with Amy Gledhill. 🔗 Connect with Ian Instagram YouTube TikTok 📢 Follow the Podcast Stay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content: Instagram TikTok YouTube Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn Host: Steve Otis Gunn Guest : Ian Smith – Comedian, Podcaster & Writer Duration : 48 minutes Release Date : October 16, 2025 Season : 4, Episode 22 All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn Please buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You , available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.