Nicola Adams hosts new BBC Local LGBTQ+ sports podcast

BBC Local is launching a new podcast hosted by double Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams to mark Pride Month 2025, featuring conversations with LGBTQ+ sporting stars.

Titled the LGBT Sport Podcast, the series will highlight uplifting stories from across the LGBTQ+ sports community and promote inclusivity, resilience, and representation.

Nicola, who made history as the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing, leads candid discussions with a wide range of athletes, including Dame Kelly Holmes, Paralympian Lauren Rowles, racing driver Charlie Martin, and England Rugby’s Sarah Bern.

The first episode features Dame Kelly Holmes reflecting on her time in the army, her struggles with identity, and her emotional journey to coming out.

“At the time, you could get kicked out of the army, jailed, and lose your long service medals,” Dame Kelly said. “The thought of that was just terrifying to me at 22… which is why I only came out three years ago.”

She also opens up about winning two gold medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics: “I believed I could win two medals, but I never thought about winning two golds. It wasn’t that I disbelieved it. I just didn’t want to believe it too much!”

Nicola said: “As a proud gay athlete, it’s a huge honour to present this celebration of LGBTQ+ Sport… Each episode shines a light on a different LGBTQ+ sporting hero.”

Stephanie Marshall, the BBC’s Head of Content and Production for the West, South West, and Local Sport, said: “What better way to mark Pride Month 2025, and to kick-off another fantastic summer of sport, than to hear from some of the LGBTQ+ community’s most prominent sporting stars?

“Bringing people together with some outstanding figures in sport telling their stories, we’ll also be diving into the wider ‘playing field’ of sport – including officiating, motor sport, and more!”

The LGBT Sport podcast will launch on BBC Sounds from Thursday 26 June, with episodes releasing weekly.