Gail Porter talks Irvine Welsh and Trainspotting

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Gail Porter and thehe most fantastic of decades..

The 1990s were a fantastic time for music, film, television, and magazines. What made it special was that it all happened before the widespread use of the internet and mobile phones, meaning people were more focused on the present. We saw bands like Oasis, Blur, and The Prodigy rise to fame, the launch of Loaded magazine and the ‘lad and ladette’ culture, Chris Evans become a radio and TV star with his breakfast show and TFI Friday, and iconic films like Trainspotting and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels hit the big screen.

Danny Boyle’s film ‘Trainspotting’ truly put Irvine Welsh on the map. Based on Welsh’s debut novel, the film was known for its raw, stylish depiction of life, and helped launch Welsh to stardom, fueled by his vibrant personality and love of the club scene. A new documentary, ‘Beyond Trainspotting: The World of Irvine Welsh,’ explores the author’s powerful influence and lasting impact during his most creative period.

Beyond Trainspotting with Gail Porter…

The documentary features Gail Porter, a prominent figure from the 1990s alongside other well-known women like Zoe Ball, Sara Cox, Denise Van Outen, and the Spice Girls. A particularly memorable moment from that time was the projection of Porter’s nude photo from the magazine Loaded onto the Houses of Parliament, and it remains an iconic image of the era.

Gail, like Irvine Welsh (the author the film is based on), is from Edinburgh, which is also where the movie takes place. We spoke with her about the documentary, the original book, and how Welsh’s work impacted the film.

Watch our chat with the gregarious and utterly delightful Gail Porter here…..

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2026-02-22 15:23