Pearls of Wisdom presented by Julie Peasgood

A stitch in time saves nine… Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth… Proverbs like these are drilled into us at an early age and can be considered universal Pearls of Wisdom.

However, other pearls are more personal and unusual. They may be unique words of advice handed down by parents, or insights gained through individual experiences and circumstances.

These gems of knowledge can be valuable and inspiring for others. That’s why, during the UK’s 2020 lockdown, Saga’s #notgoingoutclub teamed up with presenter Julie Peasgood. She asked some special friends to share their personal Pearls of Wisdom.

Julie’s interviews are enlightening encounters with some of our most popular famous faces. So why not join her now to see what you discover?

Watch now

Dr Dawn Harper

You may recognise Dr Dawn from Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies, but she’s also a practising GP with many enlightening things to say about the pandemic. What special insights does she have for the #thenotgoingoutclub?

Janet Ellis

As a Blue Peter presenter, Janet is famed for her record-breaking freefall from 20,000 feet. She then starred in many other TV programmes before writing two successful novels. Her tips for the #notgoingoutclub are really engaging.

Lynn Faulds Wood and John Stapleton

Pioneering journalists Lynn Faulds Wood and John Stapleton recorded Pearls of Wisdom interviews with Julie Peasgood for the #notgoingoutclub shortly before Lynn’s sudden tragic death in April. John has kindly given his blessing for these to be shown now.

Claire Sweeney

Check out Claire’s bed! Since playing Lindsey Corkhill in Brookside, her success in Guys & Dolls, Chicago and Shirley Valentine has obviously been paying off. Starring with Patrick Swayze was another big perk, she tells the #notgoingoutclub.

Episode archive - click the links below to watch

• Lesley Nicol – the talented Downton Abbey and Mamma Mia! (stage show) actor talks about what keeps her going.
• Sue Jenkins and David Fleeshman – the theatre directors discuss the launch of their drama workshops for the #notgoingoutclub and share their inspiring thoughts about environmentalism.
• Michelle Collins – the versatile actor, writer and producer describes how Eastenders changed her life, and reflects on the impact of Covid-19 on the future of theatre.
• Sharon Marshall – the entertainment journalist and screenwriter talks about her work on Emmerdale and Eastenders.
• Simon Rimmer – the presenter chef (Channel 4's Sunday Brunch) and restaurant owner shares his advice for making the best of things in the aftermath of lockdown.
• Russell T Davies – the successful screenwriter and producer (Dr Who, A Very English Scandal) shares the advice that transformed his career.
• Katherine Parkinson – the BAFTA-winning actor from The IT Crowd and Humans talks about how our energy and attitude can affect others.
• Rosemary Shrager – the exuberant TV chef talks about the simple rules she tries to live by.
• Joanne Clifton – the professional dancer, singer, actor, presenter and Strictly Come Dancing star shares her life lessons.
• Dame Esther Rantzen – the journalist, tv presenter, campaigner and Childline founder talks about the philosophies that help her tackle today's issues.
• Sir Michael Palin – the celebrated comedian, actor, writer, travel adventurer and Monty Python legend shares his life lessons.
• Toyah Willcox – the multitalented artist, actor and storyteller shares how she is dealing with her biggest-ever tour being thwarted by the lockdown.
• Michel Roux – the award-winning chef describes how it feels to lock down a world-famous restaurant like Le Gavroche.
• Jennie Bond – the former royal correspondent for the BBC shares life lessons learned through a diverse career in broadcasting and journalism.
• Eric Knowles – the antique ceramics expert shares the best advice he's ever been given.