Real conversations, unexpected plot twists and the moments that stop you in your tracks.
Hosted by Holly Bannis, Hold Up with Holly is where guests share the moments that changed everything - with plenty of laughs, chaos and plot twists along the way.
Che Chesterman | X Factor, American Idol & The Man Behind The Music
From finding fame on The X Factor at just 18 to taking on American Idol years later, Che Chesterman joins me for an honest conversation about life in and out of the spotlight. 🎙️
We talk about the pressures of overnight fame, why American Idol was such a different experience and what it really means to find your place in the music industry.
But beyond the talent shows, Che opens up about the heartbreaking loss of his dad, the man he grew up singing alongside and who helped shape the person he is today.
We also explore the incredible support of his partner, becoming a father himself and how love, loss and family have changed his outlook on life.
An emotional, uplifting and heartfelt conversation about fame, grief, fatherhood and the people who shape us. 🤎
Welcome to another episode of Hold Up with Holly!
#CheChesterman #HoldUpWithHolly #XFactor #AmericanIdol
15 Oct 2026
Janice Robinson | The Story of Dreamer, Tina Turner & Reclaiming Her Legacy
From creating one of the biggest dance anthems of the 90s to being personally chosen by Tina Turner to open her world tour… Janice Robinson has quite the story to tell!
This week on Hold Up with Holly, I’m joined by the incredible Janice Robinson — singer, songwriter and the original voice behind Livin’ Joy’s iconic hit “Dreamer.”
We talk about her extraordinary journey through the music industry, working with some of the biggest names in music, her unforgettable return on The X Factor and the personal challenges that have shaped the woman she is today.
With a career spanning decades, a documentary in the making and a new chapter of music ahead, Janice proves that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and keep chasing your dreams.
Expect stories, laughter, inspiration and a little musical nostalgia! 🤍
🎙️ Hold Up with Holly — real conversations, remarkable stories and the moments that change everything.
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1 Oct 2026
From The Voice to Pressing RESTART on Life | Jamie Johnson
Jamie Johnson left college to pursue his dream of becoming a singer — a decision that would eventually take him all the way to the finals of The Voice UK, being coached by Kylie Minogue, spending time with her away from the show and even meeting Justin Timberlake and singing with his band.
But one phone call changed everything.
Jamie had flown to New York for a huge gig opportunity when, before the performance could happen, he received the devastating news that his dad had passed away. He flew home, and what followed became the beginning of a completely different chapter — pressing restart on his life.
Jamie opens up about grief, family, redefining success and the career he has built today performing with high-end entertainment bands. He also explains why he wants to challenge the stigma around being a “wedding singer” and celebrate the incredible musicians who make their living in that world.
There’s a personal connection to this one too: Jamie and Holly grew up in the same town, both pursuing careers as singers. Years later, they sit down to look back at where those dreams have taken them.
A conversation about dreams, loss, family, music and having the courage to start again.
🎙️ Hold Up with Holly
Moments that stop you in your tracks. Plot twists welcome.
17 Sept 2026
Michelle John | From Backing Vocals to Centre Stage
In this episode of Hold Up with Holly, I sit down with the incredible Michelle John for an open and honest conversation about her journey through the. music industry.
From years spent behind some of the biggest names in music to stepping into the spotlight herself, Michelle shares what it took to find her own voice, navigate the highs and the lows of life and finally taking to centre stage.
We talk about The Voice UK, life as a backing vocalist, resilience, self-belief and some of the personal experiences that have shaped the woman and artist she is today.
A powerful conversation about knowing your worth, trusting your path and finding the courage to use your own voice.
Please note: This episode includes discussion of coercive control and domestic abuse, which some viewers may find triggering.
Support: Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline (England) is available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247 (tel:0808%202000%20247).
3 Sept 2026
Dan Frost | From So Solid Crew to A New Life chapter
From the highs of being part of the iconic So Solid Crew to embracing a completely new chapter in life now, Dan joins me for an open and honest conversation about the moments that changed everything.
Dan reflects on the realities of being part of such a legendary UK music collective, including how he became part of this and how his perspective has evolved over the years in the industry. He discusses the challenges of moving forward, finding purpose beyond the industry and music and the importance of resilience, family and personal growth.
This is a conversation about reinvention, looking ahead and proving that every ending can become the start of something new.
Follow now:
Dan- @frostuk_
Insta: @holdupwithholly
Tiktok: @holdupwithholly
20 Aug 2026
Stacey Lee Cuddy | From singing in pubs to singing to Adele
From singing in pubs and clubs to performing on television alongside Adele and touring in theatre, Stacey Lee Cuddy's journey has been filled with incredible highs, unexpected setbacks and moments that changed everything.In this episode of Hold Up With Holly, Stacey speaks with complete honesty about her career. She shares the reality behind building a career in music, the rejection, the resilience and the life-threatening surgery that really stopped her in her tracks.This is a raw, uplifting and inspiring conversation about chasing your dreams, whether you're a performer or simply love hearing stories behind the spotlight, Stacey;s honesty, humour and heartfelt advice makes this conversation one you wont forget,Subscribe for more honest, uplifting conversations with people behind the magic and industry.
6 Aug 2026
The Voice Behind Hot Chocolate | Greg Bannis | Hold Up With Holly
This episode is a really special one for me because todays guest isn't just an incredible artist - he's also my dad.Greg Bannis is best known as the iconic lead singer of Hot Chocolate, performing around the world and helping bring some of the band's biggest songs to audiences across the globe.In this honest and uplifting conversation, Greg shares the story behind his career in music, from life on stage and touring internationally to the highs, the challenges, and the moments that stopped him in his tracks.We talk about what its really like performing in front of thousands of people, where his journey began and his road to success.For me, this was a conversation I'd always wanted to have - not just as a podcast host, but as a daughter. I learned things I'd never heard before and i hipe you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed recording it.If you've ever loved Hot Chocolate, grown up with their music, or simply enjoy hearing the real stories behind a life in entertainment, I think you'll love this episode.Don't forget to like, comment and subscribe if you enjoyed the conversation, and follow @holdupwithholly for more honest, positive and uplifting stories from inspiring guests.Follow on:Instagram @HoldUpwithHolly (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC6BwxOn_5bqPtV94sFG21Bg) Tiktok: @HoldUpwithHolly (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC6BwxOn_5bqPtV94sFG21Bg)
30 Jul 2026
Hold up... Let me explain
In the very first episode of Hold Up with Holly, Holly introduces herself, the story behind the podcast, and the "hold up" moments that inspired it all.
Its like going from a long voice note, to real conversations - this is just the beginning.
Plot twists welcome <3
1 Jul 2026
Hold up With Holly - The Trailer
Welcome to Hold up With Holly - a podcast about the moments that stop you in your tracks.
This is where honest, funny, uplifting and sometimes unexpected conversations unfold around career highs, challenges, plot twists and the life moments that mak you pause and think... hold up.
From singers and performers to inspiring guests with incredible stories, no topic is off limits.
Plot twists welcome...
Follow now so you don't miss Episode 1.
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