Rick Astley Looks Back on a Life in Music for BBC Two’s Reel Stories

Image: Ora Et Labora/Craft Films via BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

In February 2026, Rick Astley will take a seat in a London cinema alongside Dermot O'Leary for the next edition of Reel Stories on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. The programme, which first launched in 2018, invites some of the biggest names in music to revisit the defining moments of their lives and careers through archive footage, memories and reflection.

For Astley, the experience proved deeply personal. He describes the programme as a journey that takes him right back to the beginning and carries him through to the present day. Watching it unfold with Dermot O'Leary, he says, was an emotional ride filled with love and gratitude, made all the more special by O'Leary's presence as a companion through those memories.

Dermot O'Leary, a long time admirer of Astley's work, speaks warmly about the time they spent together recording the episode. He says Astley talks openly about his memories across the decades, revealing a depth to his story that many viewers may not expect. O'Leary describes him as a true gent with a wise soul, and hopes audiences enjoy the extended interview as much as he did.

Rachel Davies, Commissioning Editor for BBC Pop Music TV, says Reel Stories is designed to let audiences reflect alongside artists as they watch back their achievements and career milestones together on screen. She adds that the February edition is a celebration of Astley's life and work as he reaches his 60th birthday, and calls him the one and only Rick Astley.

During the programme, Astley and O'Leary discuss his early years as a drummer before becoming lead vocalist in the soul band FBI. They explore his time at Stock Aitken Waterman, where he progressed from making tea to becoming a global pop star following the release of his debut album Whenever You Need Somebody in 1987. Astley also revisits his first appearance on Top of the Pops and reflects on his relationship with fame after his debut single reached Number 1 in 25 countries.

The conversation continues through his decision to leave Stock Aitken Waterman and refocus on family life, the unexpected global phenomenon of Rickrolling, and his return to recording new music after a 20 year break, encouraged by comedian Peter Kay. Astley also talks about his success over the past decade, including his Number 1 album 50 in 2016 and his appearance on Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage in 2023. Along the way, he even shares his thoughts on what he considers the best Stock Aitken Waterman single of all time.

Reel Stories: Rick Astley will air as part of a themed night on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. The evening will also include another chance to watch Astley's Glastonbury 2023 set, alongside Stock Aitken Waterman at the BBC, featuring classic performances from Astley, Dead or Alive, Donna Summer, Bananarama, Mel and Kim, and Kylie and Jason Donovan.