Episode 13 - Comedy, haematology and andrology with Dave Spikey & Sheryl Homa

In Episode 13, we heard the fascinating career story of Biomedical Scientist in Haematology turned famous comic and actor Dave Spikey. Dave is best known for his stand-up comedy tours, starring in sitcom Phoenix Nights alongside Peter Kay and Paddy McGuinness, presenting Bullseye, Chain Letters and being a team captain on 8 out of 10 Cats. Before he moved over to comedy, Dave led a successful 30-year career in Biomedical Science – rising the ranks to become Chief Biomedical Scientist in Haematology at The Royal Bolton Hospital. Dave recollects his journey into Biomedical Science from school pupil to trainee medical laboratory technician to senior biomedical scientist. He discussed the various roles he held and the innovations in the field he brought about. We then challenged Dave, who is a former Mastermind champion to our very own Haematology quiz. He then took us through his move from Biomedical Science into comedy, writing, film production and television - from a local hospital pantomime performance to a national stand-up tour, starring in iconic sitcoms and hosting television game shows. In the Quick-Fire round, Dave shared his most funny memory from his days back in the lab! Then in LabLife, Dr Martin Khechara is joined by Andrologist Sheryl Homa, who discussed the importance of this marginalised, but vital specialism. She also tells us about her recent appearance on a BBC documentary with comedian Rhod Gilbert.