Bill Nighy is single, has never read a self-help book, and never planned on becoming an actor. He once temporarily lost his hearing after stuffing toilet paper in his ears to help him sleep. His bedroom has shutters instead of curtains, and he doesn’t keep track of what time he wakes up. If you invite him to a dinner party, he might bring you exfoliating products—but don’t bother inviting him, because he won’t show up. He’s skilled at making custard but avoids cooking because he lives alone and thinks it would feel “too sad.”
The Surrey-born actor is as famous for his sharp suits as he is for his unique talent of fully embodying a role while still being unmistakably himself. Now, nearly 50 years into his career, Nighy is finally playing his own persona. In a new podcast called “Ill-advised,” the 75-year-old acts as an agony uncle, sharing advice and personal secrets with listeners from Italy to Mongolia to Scotland. He describes the show as a “refuge for the clumsy and awkward,” and it’s quietly becoming this year’s cult podcast. In the latest episode, Nighy has even joked about creating merchandise.
Launched last month, the podcast covers a wide range of questions—from how to avoid parties to “Why doesn’t my horse like me?” His advice is conversational, generous, and often uncertain, sprinkled with his trademark self-deprecation. Each episode starts with several reasons why you shouldn’t take his word seriously.
Listeners tune in for the advice—like his indulgent insomnia cure involving a Marmite sandwich, two kinds of cake, and a good book—but many stay for his wandering life stories. He tells how he left home inspired by a Bob Dylan album and later ended up owning one of Dylan’s harmonicas (the only other person with one is Carla Bruni, who is reportedly “still fighting” Nicolas Sarkozy over it). He also shares how his habit of smuggling Marmite onto film sets got him stopped twice at Heathrow customs, and the origin of his signature fidgeting—a mix of nerves and a way to hide that he “can’t act”—which once led Donald Sinden to call him the first actor to “act with his legs.” His advice is engaging and meandering, but always with a sharp edge. One might suspect his love of Marmite has something to do with his single status.
Celebrity podcasts aren’t new—in fact, they’re everywhere. Even Tom Hanks, one of Hollywood’s most private stars, has appeared on three different podcasts this year. Whether as a guest or host, podcasts have become another part of the celebrity circuit, offering stars more control over their narrative.
Ben Kerr, CEO of Cold Glass Productions, which produces the food podcast “Dish” hosted by Nicholas Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett, says podcasts let celebrities shape their own stories. “The best celebrity-led podcasts make you feel like you’re in an intimate space and part of something bigger,” he explains. With the rise of streaming, “we’re missing those big, gather-round-the-TV moments” shared with like-minded audiences.
Examples include Stanley Tucci, who went viral with his Negroni recipes during the pandemic, or the success of “Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud,” where Sigmund Freud’s great-granddaughter draws intimate stories from A-listers as they lounge on a couch—not to mention shows like “Celebrity Traitors.” Kerr notes, “The most successful shows aren’t always the most likable celebrities, but the ones with a sense of fun, honesty, and personality. In Bill’s case, it’s that of a stylish man with a quirky authority.”
As for why some podcasts succeed and others don’t…”I don’t think it’s self-selecting,” says Kerr. “But it’s also about providing the right perspective to draw people in.” Having Nighy involved helps—a man who is surprisingly anti-drugs yet enjoys “saying ‘fuck’ into a microphone.” Actor Johnny Flynn, who starred with Nighy in the 2020 adaptation of “Emma,” describes him as not only “one of the best people I’ve ever met” but also “deeply honest and kind.” He tells the Guardian: “He reminds anyone he works with what life is really about.”
“We are living in an age where people feel lonelier than ever, with more change—whether in lifestyle or technology—than ever before,” says Kerr. “We’re looking for company, we want to spend time with our friends, and a good podcast can make you feel that way.”
The authenticity of the medium makes it seem as if he’s speaking directly to you, even though it’s a one-way relationship—like the auditory equivalent of sharing a warm bath with him. As Flynn concludes: “Bill becomes everyone’s confidant within five minutes of meeting him.”
Bill Nighy’s Rules for Living
– Keep collars long. Spread collars make him “uneasy,” and low-slung trousers are “unsettling.”
– Glasses are for hiding behind. Avoid colored frames. His black-framed specs are from Cutler and Gross.
– Every man should own a navy suit…
– …and Levi’s 501s—”just not too tight—don’t be weird.”
– The minimum age to get a tattoo should be 12.
– No men should wear linen, and never go sockless.
– The words “beverage,” “moist,” and “sheathed” should all be banned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Bill Nighys role as an agony uncle in the world of celebrity podcasts
General Beginner Questions
1 Who is Bill Nighy and what is an agony uncle
Bill Nighy is a celebrated British actor An agony uncle is a British term for a person often a columnist or broadcaster who gives advice and sympathetic listening to peoples personal problems
2 What is Bill Nighys podcast about
His podcast Where Theres A Will Theres A Wake has a unique premise where guests plan their own fantasy funeral While not a traditional advice podcast his role as a thoughtful witty and empathetic host has drawn comparisons to a modern agony uncle creating a space for deep lifeaffirming conversations
3 Why are celebrity podcasts like his so popular now
They offer a sense of intimate unfiltered access to wellknown figures Listeners feel a personal connection hearing their favorite stars in casual deep or humorous conversations rather than in scripted roles
4 Whats the benefit of listening to this kind of podcast
It can be comforting thoughtprovoking and surprisingly uplifting It makes you reflect on your own life and relationships often with a good dose of humor which is a classic function of an agony uncle
Deeper Advanced Questions
5 How does Bill Nighys style differ from a traditional advice columnist
He doesnt give direct instructions like do this not that Instead he creates an atmosphere of warmth and curiosity allowing guests to uncover their own insights through conversation Its more about exploration than prescription
6 What is the appeal of a celebrity hosting an advicestyle show
Their fame creates an initial draw but their real skillin Nighys case his intelligence wit and empathyis what keeps listeners engaged Were interested in their unique perspective on universal human problems
7 Whats a common challenge for this type of celebrityled podcast
The biggest challenge is balancing authenticity with performance The host must be genuinely engaged and not just playing a role or the advice and conversations can feel insincere and lose the audiences trust
8 Can you give an example of his agony uncle style in action
On his podcast he often
