Siobhán McSweeney has been announced as the new host of the Guardian's award-winning podcast Comfort Eating, taking over from food critic Grace Dent. The Irish actress, known for her roles in Derry Girls and Amandaland, will bring her own love of food to the show when it returns in November.
McSweeney is no stranger to the podcast, having appeared as a special guest in a previous series. Now she steps into the hosting chair, ready to explore the comfort foods of her guests and the memories they evoke.
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Who is Siobhán McSweeney?
Siobhán McSweeney is an Irish actress and presenter, celebrated for her portrayal of Sister Michael in the hit Channel 4 sitcom Derry Girls. She has also appeared in Amandaland and hosted popular shows such as The Traitors Ireland and The Great Pottery Throw Down.
Known for her sharp wit and warm personality, McSweeney is a self-confessed foodie. She stays true to her Irish roots, and when alone she enjoys a unique mix of cheese and onion Tayto crisps and Dairy Milk chocolate, finished off with a swig of Guinness.
What to expect from the new season
The new season of Comfort Eating will serve 10 weekly episodes. Each week, Siobhán will welcome a new guest to lift the lid on what they eat when no one else is watching. As they introduce her to their favourite comfort foods, she'll explore the memories and relationships behind them, and the role food has played throughout their lives.
The first episode features comedian and actor Asim Chaudhry, with upcoming guests including actress Nicola Coughlan, journalist Caitlin Moran, and Good Morning Britain host Ed Balls. For the first time, full episodes will be available to watch on YouTube, alongside the podcast on all audio platforms.
Why Siobhán McSweeney is the perfect fit
McSweeney's background in comedy and her genuine passion for food make her a natural choice for the role. Her own comfort food choices reflect her playful and down-to-earth personality, which is sure to put guests at ease and lead to revealing conversations.
She takes over from Grace Dent, who stepped down after ten series. Dent's shoes are big ones to fill, but McSweeney's fresh perspective and Irish charm are likely to bring a new flavour to the show.
Key takeaways from the announcement
- Siobhán McSweeney is the new host of the Guardian's Comfort Eating podcast.
- The new season starts in November with 10 weekly episodes.
- Guests include Asim Chaudhry, Nicola Coughlan, Caitlin Moran, and Ed Balls.
- Full episodes will be available to watch on YouTube for the first time.
- McSweeney's own comfort food is a mix of Tayto crisps, Dairy Milk, and Guinness.
Comfort Eating podcast: old vs new
| Aspect | Previous host (Grace Dent) | New host (Siobhán McSweeney) |
|---|---|---|
| Host | Grace Dent | Siobhán McSweeney |
| Number of series | 10 | 1 (upcoming) |
| Episode format | Audio podcast | Audio podcast + YouTube video |
| Guests | Various celebrities | Asim Chaudhry, Nicola Coughlan, Caitlin Moran, Ed Balls, and more |
What this means for fans
For fans of the podcast, the change in host brings a new dynamic while keeping the core concept intact. McSweeney's humour and Irish perspective will offer a different lens on the comfort food stories that listeners love.
The addition of YouTube video episodes also opens up the show to a wider audience, allowing viewers to see the guests' expressions and the food they bring to the table. The background to this story is set out in Jane Campion Remembers Sam Neill: A Peaceful Grace. A related thread runs through Reverse Comfort Eating: Britons Crave Cottage Pie in Heatwave. Earlier coverage in Reverse Comfort Eating: Why Britons Crave Cottage Pie in shows how the argument developed.
What to watch next
As the new season approaches, fans can look forward to the first episode with Asim Chaudhry and the promise of more intimate and revealing conversations about food and memory. The show's social media channels will also offer highlights and behind-the-scenes content. A closer look at the same subject appears in Reverse Comfort Eating: Britons Choose Cottage Pie Over Salad in. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Reverse Comfort Eating Drives Britons to Cottage Pie and Red Wine. The same theme surfaces in The Guardian Wins Gold and Silver at 2026 British Podcast Awards, which takes a different angle.
With McSweeney at the helm, Comfort Eating is poised to continue its success and perhaps reach even more listeners and viewers. Context on how this played out before sits in Claudia Winkleman: The Perfect 'Bad' Gameshow Host on TV.
FAQ
Who is the new host of Comfort Eating?
Siobhán McSweeney is the new host of the Guardian's Comfort Eating podcast. She takes over from Grace Dent, who hosted the show for ten series.
When does the new season start?
The new season returns in November with 10 weekly episodes. The first episode features comedian and actor Asim Chaudhry.
Where can I watch or listen to Comfort Eating?
Full episodes will be available to watch on YouTube for the first time, as well as on all audio platforms where the podcast is available.
What are Siobhán McSweeney's comfort foods?
She enjoys a unique mix of cheese and onion Tayto crisps and Dairy Milk chocolate, finished off with a swig of Guinness.
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