Rick Astley will take viewers on a reflective look back at his life and career when he appears alongside Dermot O’Leary in a new episode of Reel Stories, due to air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in February 2026.

The series, first broadcast in 2018, invites major music figures into a London cinema to revisit key moments from both their personal lives and professional paths. With his 60th birthday approaching next year, Astley becomes the latest musician to sit down with O’Leary for the thoughtful and personal conversation.

Looking back on taking part, Astley said: “I loved doing Reel Stories with Dermot O’Leary, what a treat to be taken back to the start and come right through to today. Dermot is the perfect companion to go on that rollercoaster of emotion, love and thanks, Rick x.”

O’Leary shared his own praise for the experience, saying: “What a pleasure to spend time with Rick and hear him talk so openly about his memories from over the decades. I’ve long been a fan of his… A true gent, wise soul and real talent. I hope that viewers enjoy this extended interview as much as I did.”

Rachel Davies, Commissioning Editor for BBC Pop Music TV, described the timing of the episode as ideal. She said: “Reel Stories is all about telling artists’ stories in a unique way… I’m thrilled that in February, Dermot will be joined by the one and only Rick Astley, celebrating Rick’s life and work as he reaches his 60th birthday.”

The programme follows Astley’s journey from his early work with the soul group FBI through to becoming an international pop star guided by Stock Aitken Waterman. He revisits his first appearance on Top of the Pops, speaks about the intense pressure that followed worldwide success when Never Gonna Give You Up reached number one in 25 countries, and reflects on his decision to step back from fame to focus on family.

Astley also talks about how his music found a new audience through the Rickrolling phenomenon, his return to recording after a 20 year break with encouragement from comedian Peter Kay, and his later career revival. This includes the success of his 2016 album 50 and his appearance on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in 2023.

As part of the themed evening, viewers will also be able to watch a repeat of Astley’s Glastonbury performance along with Stock Aitken Waterman at the BBC. The additional programme features classic moments from Astley as well as performances by Dead or Alive, Donna Summer, Bananarama, Mel and Kim, and Kylie and Jason Donovan.

Astley now joins a notable group of past Reel Stories guests that includes Dave Grohl, Jon Bon Jovi, Kylie, Noel Gallagher, Pet Shop Boys, Robbie Williams, Shania Twain, Rod Stewart, Sting, and Take That.

50 Cent has never been shy about sparring with people online, but as the year winds down, it looks like he may be easing up on the chaos. Even so, a recent post from the rapper raised eyebrows. The message itself was cryptic, framed as a warning for anyone he might go at next, but plenty of readers took it as a subtle shot at Fabolous, Maino, Jim Jones, and Dave East.

For anyone who missed it, the hosts of the Let’s Rap About It podcast released a new freestyle this week that many listeners felt was aimed squarely at the G Unit boss. They rapped over his beats, dropped references to him throughout their verses, and even titled the track “Squatter’s Rights,” a playful nod to the accusations 50 Cent has previously thrown their way.

In a fresh social media post shared with his followers, Fif hinted that he has no interest in feeding negativity as 2025 comes to a close and 2026 approaches. Still, his words suggested that calm might only be temporary.

“Let’s toast to success, health, and prosperity. I’m planning my new year. When I’m done, I’ll come out to play. You know everyone who plays with me wishes they didn’t in the end,” he wrote. The image paired with the caption shows the Queens rapper edited into Leonardo DiCaprio’s role in The Great Gatsby, using the now famous party toast scene.

That said, it is worth not reading too deeply into it. While some see the post as a coded message, it could just as easily be 50 Cent doing what he often does best, poking fun at critics without singling anyone out directly.

In the past, his ongoing tension with these artists has arguably worked in everyone’s favor, or at least that is how Maino once framed it, calling the situation smart business. Dave East, Jim Jones, and Fabolous all have their own complicated histories with him, each at different stages, which makes the situation hard to pin down.

For now, it remains to be seen whether 50 Cent will respond more directly or if the Let’s Rap About It crew will fire off another verse before hearing back. Chances are this all stays confined to social media rather than turning into anything that reaches the studio.

 
 
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