Shooting Star launches star-studded new podcast hosted by Karen Sugarman MBE
Shooting Star has launched its first-ever podcast, Shooting Star Unwrapped, bringing together some of the UK’s best-loved names from entertainment, music and television in candid conversations that support families facing the unimaginable.
Hosted by Shooting Star’s Executive Vice-President, Karen Sugarman MBE, the fortnightly series aims to shine a light on the vital work of children’s hospices while offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the lives, careers and personal experiences of celebrity guests.
The first series features an impressive line-up including Dame Joan Collins DBE, Michael Ball OBE, Brenda Blethyn OBE, Tony Hadley MBE, Philip Glenister MBE, Don Black and Julian Clary.
Launching today with two episodes, the podcast opens with Dame Joan Collins in what is believed to be her first-ever podcast interview. A long-standing Vice-President of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, Dame Joan reflects on her extraordinary career, her family life, her friendship with Karen Sugarman, and her commitment to supporting children and families cared for by the charity.
Episode two sees Michael Ball OBE share stories from a remarkable career spanning musical theatre, broadcasting and live performance, while discussing the importance of giving back and his long association with Shooting Star.
A unique feature of Shooting Star Unwrapped sees every guest bring along their favourite treat to enjoy over a cup of tea. These simple moments spark memories, laughter and personal stories that listeners may never have heard before.
To coincide with the podcast launch, Shooting Star has also unveiled a special Virtual Charity Shop auction. Each guest has donated an exclusive item, ranging from Dame Joan Collins’ Valentino clutch bag, gifted to her by Valentino himself, to VIP experiences with Michael Ball and Tony Hadley.
The auction runs from 15 September until 15 December 2026, with new items released alongside each episode. Funds raised will help ensure the charity can continue providing specialist care, therapies, nursing support and bereavement services to families with a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition.
Karen Sugarman MBE said:
“I am proud to mark 40 years in cancer and palliative care and incredibly honoured to host Shooting Star Unwrapped. I hope this podcast will highlight the importance of the hospice movement. The work of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is vital and we need to be there to support and care for families going through the most unimaginable circumstances now and long into the future.”
The first series is sponsored by Jet2 and is available now on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
