Bill Nighy Wins Best Host at the British Podcast Awards

Actor Bill Nighy has added a new achievement to his long career after winning Best Host at the 2026 British Podcast Awards for his series Ill-Advised.

The 76-year-old actor, known for films including Love Actually and Living, has taken on a very different role in the podcast, becoming an “agony uncle” who responds to listeners’ questions and reflects on everyday life.

A Different Side of Bill Nighy

Ill-Advised is presented as a podcast for people who may not feel comfortable going out or dealing with everyday situations. Nighy offers advice while also talking about subjects including music, books and life.

His style combines humour with thoughtful observations, giving the programme a tone that is very different from the dramatic roles for which he is widely known.

Recognition From the Podcast Industry

Nighy received the Best Host award at the tenth annual British Podcast Awards, held in London on October 1, 2026.

The award came after the podcast had already received recognition earlier in the year. Ill-Advised was also named Podcast of the Year at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards in March.

A New Chapter After Decades on Screen

Nighy’s move into podcasting demonstrates how established performers are finding new ways to connect with audiences outside traditional film and television.

Rather than playing a fictional character, his podcast work allows listeners to hear his personality more directly as he responds to questions and discusses topics that interest him.

Other Winners

The 2026 British Podcast Awards also recognised programmes across entertainment, factual storytelling, health and wellbeing, lifestyle and other categories.

Man Made, presented by Pete Wicks, won both Best Interview Podcast and Best Health and Wellbeing Podcast. Sean Bean’s birdwatching series Get Birding also received two awards.

The Prison Radio Association’s Hold or Fold, which explores the effects of gambling, won both Best Podcast and Best Factual Podcast.

From Acting to Giving Advice

For Nighy, the award marks another chapter in a career that has already included decades of work in film, television and theatre.

His success with Ill-Advised shows that audiences are also interested in hearing a different side of familiar performers — not simply watching them on screen, but listening to them talk about ordinary questions, culture and life.

Sources

• BBC News — “Bill Nighy wins best host at British Podcast Awards” — October 1, 2026.
• British Podcast Awards — 2026 Winners.
• PodcastingToday — “British Podcast Awards winners include top honour for Hold or Fold” — October 1, 2026.
• Broadcasting Press Guild — 2026 Awards information.