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William Hanson (Part One)

October 13, 2026 · 42 min

Show notes

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll through Hyde Park with etiquette expert, bestselling author and podcast host William Hanson.


Impeccably dressed, unfailingly polite and armed with plenty of advice, William was the perfect walking companion. Ray, meanwhile, chose to introduce himself by doing a poo. Not quite the first impression Emily had hoped for.


William grew up in Bristol, where a book on etiquette given to him by his grandmother when he was just 12 sparked a lifelong fascination with manners. He went on to become one of Britain's best-known etiquette coaches, sharing his expertise on programmes including This Morning and The One Show, and co-hosting the hugely successful podcast Help I Sexted My Boss with Jordan North.


Along the way, Emily discovers that William is considerably more than a man who knows which fork to use. They discuss his childhood, his extraordinary career and the finer points of modern etiquette, including whether it's acceptable to bring your dog as a plus-one. William has some thoughts.


There's also plenty to look forward to. William's first crime novel, A Fatal Forking, is available to pre-order ahead of its release next May, and he's been working with the BBC on a new Maestro course exploring modern etiquette and social confidence, available in December.


William's BBC Maestro course, Modern Etiquette and Social Confidence, launches on bbcmaestro.com on December 4th. BBC Maestro is the home of online courses taught by the world's leading experts, and William's is about helping people handle any social situation with confidence. To get 40% off the course, use the code - WALKINGDOG40


Follow Emily:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean

X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em


Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

Follow Emily:

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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols

Music: Rich Jarman

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett

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