The Buzzcocks team have some fresh blood this season as Sophie Willan becomes an official member of the gang.
Initially appearing in the captain’s seat to take over from Daisy May Cooper during maternity leave in series four, Sophie is now a fully-fledged captain – but she has her work cut out for her to beat Noel Fielding and keep her teammates in line.
Speaking ahead of the series, Sophie talks about her love of the show, and what to expect from the upcoming episodes.
How does it feel to be back on Buzzcocks after your stint last season?
I was buzzing to come back! Last season was such a laugh so when they asked me back, I leapt at it.
How do you rate yourself in terms of music trivia? Do you have a game plan, or do you just wing it?
This time around I’ve definitely had baby brain… I can barely remember my own name some days, never mind random song lyrics and band names! So, my game plan was just to wing it and hope the guesses land.
What sort of music are you listening to at the moment? Has your music taste changed over the years?
I’ve always had a really eclectic taste, but at the moment I’m loving my female artists. Lola Young, Chappell Roan, Little Simz – they’re on repeat for me right now.
With 90s nostalgia-mania running wild in the charts, were you at all tempted to join the crowds at the Oasis reunion?
I mean, part of me would love to – but I’m also pregnant, so the thought of standing in a field surrounded by 50,000 people fighting over pints of warm lager doesn’t feel that appealing right now.
Are the intro rounds as much fun as they look?
Yeah, they’re very fun and very silly - you can’t help but throw yourself into them.
You’ve finished two series now – do you have any guests that you particularly enjoyed having on the show? Or were especially excited to meet?
Jessie J was brilliant. I love her music, and I already follow her online, so I was genuinely excited to meet her. And Nelly Furtado was another one – I’ve loved her music for years, so that was a real highlight.
The show itself is almost 30 years old now, originally appearing in 1996. Why do you think the show has lasted as long as it has?
I think it’s just a really nice combination to have both musicians and comedians – they bring such different things and ultimately, it’s just a really fun show. I think the reason it’s worked so well 9 coming back is because they’ve adapted with the times, and the atmosphere is lovely these days. It still has all the punk energy of the 90s, but with a more playful and kind-spirited feel.
And finally, congratulations on the baby news! If you had to describe pregnancy in one song, what song would it be?
Probably “I Wanna Be Sedated” by The Ramones — because physically, that’s exactly how I feel.