The Meaning of Life with Gay Byrne

Cecila Ahern talks to Gay Byrne about growing up with Bertie

In a special extended episode, recorded in the former Dublin home of his idol, Oscar Wilde, shortly before his recent marriage to Elliot Spencer, Stephen Fry talks to Gay Byrne with astonishing frankness about his childhood, his career, his criminal past and drug habit, his sexuality and the bi-polar condition that gave rise to depression and two suicide attempts, before a combination of medication and a loving relationship brought him to a much happier state. A convinced atheist, he believes his life has no more meaning than the universe itself, but sees that as a liberation, not a curse, and all the more reason to live life to the full.

Barry McGuigan talks to Gay about his strong Catholic faith.

Mary Black talks about her disillusion with the Church, her struggles with depression and her mystical experiences.

Dr Rowan Williams talks about his controversial time as Archbishop of Canterbury, his infamy in the tabloids over his view on Islam and his deep personal faith.

Earl Spencer talks for the first time about his sister Diana’s tragic death.