The Mirror today launches Sense Check, a hard-hitting flagship YouTube show hosted by broadcaster and activist Nicola Thorp. The launch episode features Angela Rayner as Thorp’s first guest.
Angela Rayner’s first interview on the show
In the episode, Angela insists she didn't consider walking away from frontline politics when she was forced to resign from the heart of government over her tax affairs. She addresses those infamous vaping photos, opens up about the traumatic premature birth of her son and gives an update on the government's commitment to ensuring all rough sleepers have a bed this winter.
Talking to Nicola, Angela said: "I know that gut-wrenching feeling when your kid's shoes are knackered and you need to buy a new pair of shoes and you've just got no money... I know how that feels for people and that never leaves you."
Weekly episodes and guest contributors
New episodes will be released every week, supported by a rotating panel of guest contributors and Mirror journalists. The premiere episode is available on Sense Check’s YouTube channel.
Why the Mirror created Sense Check
Nicola Thorp, Host of Sense Check: "I’m thrilled to be joining forces with The Mirror for Sense Check. With so much misinformation and division online, we wanted to create a show that dives headfirst into the topics everyone is talking about and brings real understanding, great conversation, and a much-needed sense check to the news agenda."
Chloe Hubbard, Editor-in-Chief, the Mirror: "We need to meet people where they are accessing their news - and today, that’s often on YouTube. Sense Check is our chance to bring our journalism directly to the audiences we know will connect with what The Mirror has to say in 2026, but who may never have picked up the newspaper. We’re also delighted to have the brave and formidable Nicola Thorp hosting the podcast. Her fearless, authentic approach makes her the ideal person for this exciting next step."
