Hilary Whitehall reveals life with Jack and Michael, from a childhood escape to Hollywood adventures, on Routes with Jenni Falconer.

From meeting husband Michael 40 years ago to travelling the world alongside son Jack Whitehall. the Whitehall family has grown into one of Britain’s best-known showbusiness families, Hilary reveals what life is really like behind the scenes, sharing stories from family holidays, Jack’s filming adventures and her decades-long marriage to Michael.

Speaking to Jenni, Hilary also recalls the extraordinary story of how Michael, aged just nine, attempted to escape boarding school – travelling by train to York and checking himself into the Station Hotel after missing the last train home. Years later, the couple returned to York while touring with their podcast and recreated the moment at the hotel reception.

Hilary also opens up about travelling with Jack, including the time she joined him in LA and found herself hiking the Hollywood Hills during one of the hottest days on record, as well as a particularly memorable trip to a sweat lodge which ended with her emerging naked – much to Jack’s horror.

Episode highlights include:

40 years of Hilary and Michael: Hilary looks back on meeting Michael at a party, where he was working as an agent and, as she puts it, was “looking for a wife” while she was looking for an agent. The couple have now been married for 40 years.

Life as Jack Whitehall’s mum: Hilary reflects on having a son whose career has taken him around the world, including joining him on filming trips and seeing first-hand some of the unusual situations his work can lead to.

From Hugh Grant to the Acropolis: Hilary recalls her first holiday with Michael in the Peloponnese, where they visited Nigel Havers while he was filming with a young Hugh Grant and Julian Fellowes. Hilary, who had previously worked as a photographer, was offered the role of unit photographer on the film.

The train journey that nearly went hungry: A keen train traveller, Hilary explains why she loves travelling by rail and shares a recent LNER journey where she headed to the buffet car for breakfast, only to discover the passenger in front had bought the last two bacon baps. She later discovered she could have ordered food directly from her seat using the QR code.

The Robert Pattinson connection: Hilary reveals that she photographed Robert Pattinson before he became a household name and recalls how Michael once advised him against pursuing acting because it was such a competitive industry. Around a year later, Pattinson landed his role in Harry Potter before going on to star in Twilight.

Family holidays and the dream campervan: Hilary talks about her love of travelling, from family camping trips to her dream of taking a campervan around Scotland’s North Coast 500 – something Michael is firmly against.

Routes with Jenni Falconer sees the broadcaster travel across the LNER network with well-known guests, uncovering the journeys, destinations and memories that have shaped their lives.

The episode featuring Hilary Whitehall is available from 29th September 2026 on all major podcast platforms.