John Lewis unwraps brand-new vodcast ‘Gift List’ hosted by Angela Scanlon with first guest Louis Theroux

• Launching today (3 September), ‘Gift List’ deep dives into the highs and lows of gifting with some of the nation’s favourite celebrities
• For episode one, Angela Scanlon is joined by much-loved documentarian, Louis Theroux 
• The new social first vodcast is shot in The Box Studio at John Lewis, a new content creation space in the brand’s flagship store

Thursday 3 September: John Lewis has launched a brand-new vodcast, Gift List, hosted by broadcaster and presenter Angela Scanlon, to lift the lid on how our favourite celebrities approach gifting. The first episode drops today, 3 September, with famous face and fellow broadcaster, Louis Theroux.

This new series sees warm and witty host Angela Scanlon chat candidly with well-known guests as she unlocks unheard memories of gifting and self-gifting. From funny anecdotes and embarrassing mis-gifts to heartwarming emotional stories and hilarious name-drops, this fresh take on gifting provides rich content that’s set to entertain viewers. 

For the first episode, Angela is joined by documentary legend and viral ‘Jiggle Jiggle’ star Louis Theroux, to unwrap his gifting track record. Despite being known for keeping his cool under pressure, Theroux admits he much prefers being on the receiving end of a gift, citing the ‘high stakes’ of choosing the perfect gift for someone else.

In a series of hilarious confessions, Louis admits to once (accidentally) attempting to swipe a silver spoon from Joan Collins at her Birthday party - only to be caught red-handed by the star’s sister in law. He goes on to reveal that his gift-giving skills were once completely upstaged by none other than movie legend, Tom Cruise. When Louis’ grandmother hit her 100th birthday, ‘TC’ - as Theroux jokingly nicknames him - personally sent the birthday girl 100 cupcakes to mark the milestone.

Angela Scanlon said: “We’ve all received that one gift that made us laugh, cry, or scratch our heads in total confusion - but whichever it is, it makes for a great story. So I’ve joined forces with gifting experts, John Lewis, to uncover these golden nuggets from some of my favourite people. Kicking-off with Louis Theroux was a dream - he brought all the charm and unfiltered confessions you’d expect. I can’t wait for everyone to give it a listen.”

Rosie Hanley, John Lewis Marketing & Loyalty Director, said: “Nobody does gifting quite like John Lewis, and 'Gift List' is a celebration of all the special, funny and unforgettable moments that are created by gifting. Angela Scanlon’s effortless humor and infectious energy make every interview feel like a catch-up over coffee with a close friend. We know our customers will be hooked from episode one."

The duo are sat on plush John Lewis sofa, broadcast directly from the brand’s new state-of-the-art content studio at its flagship store on Oxford Street. As the ‘shop window’ shifts evermore towards social channels, The Box Studio at John Lewis is a content creation playground that will deliver insider product reviews, reaction to trends, seasonal highlights and creator takeovers.

Beyond ‘Gift List’, the brand has already started seeding out content from The Box Studio with a distinct look that is set to become synonymous with the John Lewis social channels. The content follows different formats - from self-gifting, to seasonal moments or what’s new - all in the name of the joy of gifting. Stars such as Daisy May Cooper, Tom Davis and Stephen Libby have already entered The Box Studio to delve into their must-have products.

The new series will have six episodes, released every three weeks, with a new guest for each installment. It will be available for viewers to enjoy on Youtube, johnlewis.com and via Spotify and Apple podcasts, as well as via social cut downs and shorts. The first episode is live now.

Notes to Editors

For more information please contact [email protected]

Imagery can be found here:

• Gift List
• The Box Studio

About John Lewis

John Lewis serves customers with curated fashion, beauty, home and technology, combining quality products with market-leading service they can trust.

With 36 shops and a strong omnichannel presence, it creates inspiring retail destinations, bringing together shopping, hospitality and services in one place. Popular partnerships include eateries like Benugo, Ori Cafe and Jamie Oliver’s Cookery School and Cafe, as well the likes of Waterstones and David Clulow Opticians.

Its Never Knowingly Undersold brand promise ensures customers receive both quality and value they can rely on, and the business has been granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment as supplier of Household Goods and Furnishings to His Majesty King Charles III.