By Jessica Sansome

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Emma Bunton has revealed she’s a ‘vault of secrets’ as she announced her next major project alongside her ‘unlikely friend’. Some may not imagine the former Spice Girl and her husband, Damage frontman Jade Jones, would strike up a lasting friendship with BAFTA-winner Leigh Francis and his wife, Jill, but that’s exactly what happened – and now their making a podcast. Described as “warm, funny and highly relatable”, the Unlikely Friends podcast celebrates a 20-year bond that “nobody saw coming. bringing audiences into the chaotic joy of four friends who just ‘clicked'”. Available from Thursday (October 16), Unlikely Friends is led by the fans as Emma, Jade, Leigh and Jill choose a topic from a plastic pineapple nicknamed ‘Pauline The Pineapple’ after Emma’s mum – some silly and irreverent and some surprisingly deep. The foursome will get together every week on Unlikely Friends to natter about everything from the chaos of parenting to the pressing issue of Leonardo DiCaprio’s suspiciously squeezable cheeks. According to a preview: “Nothing is off limits, taking questions and topics from the viewers, answering honestly and truthfully about anything and everything.” The Unlikely Friends said: “The papers called us ‘Unlikely Friends’ years ago, whilst we were papped on holiday together. We might be unlikely friends, but behind closed doors we’re just a pretty normal bunch from similar backgrounds who really just clicked! “We’ve talked about doing something together for ages, so we’re excited it’s finally happening in the form of a weekly visual podcast! It’s an invite for the viewers, to feel like you’re spending an evening with us, except YOU dictate the conversation. “So once the school run’s done and the dog’s been walked, bring your ears round to ours and join the chat… about whatever you like!” Vicky Etchells, Director of Global Podcasts also commented: “Bringing Emma, Leigh, Jade and Jill together for this show is something really special. “Having spent so much time with them over the past few months, I know just how much fun and energy they’ll bring to it, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience that. Global Player is the perfect home for a show like this, delivering a full 360 entertainment experience across video, audio and social.” Unlikely Friends is available to listen and watch from 16th of October on Global Player and all major podcast platforms. It is produced by Global Studios.