26 April 2024 – BBC Sounds is welcoming Lioness legends Ella Toone and Alessia Russo to the team, as they link up with Radio 1’s Vick Hope to launch their first ever podcast series - The Tooney & Russo Show.

The Lionesses will give an exclusive peek into the England camp like never before. With Tooney's unfiltered opinions and Russo's new London adventures, audiences can expect a no-holds-barred conversation where nothing is off limits. Vick Hope will step into the role of the ultimate 'third wheel,' asking the burning questions that fans have been dying to know. Plus, Vick spills some juicy insights from her own world of TV, radio, music and more.

In episode one, the trio delves into the story of how Tooney and Russo became best friends, and discuss their wildly different tastes in music and food. Vick asks about the rumours surrounding their friendship, addressing head-on the whispers that circulated when Alessia made her move to Arsenal.

Alessia Russo said: “Ella and I wore the same trainers to our first ever England camp and I knew since then that we would definitely go on to be best friends, so being able to host this podcast with her feels right! It’s so exciting to be alongside Vick who is such an icon, and I can’t wait for the listeners to hear a new side to us.”

Ella Toone said: “When we first met, I followed Alessia on Insta and she never followed me back. I thought she’s dead cool, she’s funny, she’s got nice shoes - so I was desperate to be her friend since we were 12 years old. I’m so happy we get to spend some quality time together and welcome Vick into the friendship on BBC Sounds.”

Vick Hope said: “Like so many people, I am absolutely obsessed with the Lionesses, so I hope the girls don’t mind me third wheeling, getting involved and becoming the third best friend! I’m going to be asking all of the questions that we’re desperate to know more about, so I hope the listeners on BBC Sounds enjoy hearing all the tea, just as much as I do.”

Episode 1 & 2 of the Tooney & Russo Show will be available on BBC Sounds and on the BBC Sounds YouTube channel on 29 April, with new episodes dropping weekly.