talkSPORT is launching a new series, After the lights go out, from Sunday November 22 to uncover what happens to leading sportsmen and women when the curtain falls on their careers.

The new six part series is hosted by talkSPORT Cricket commentator and former Ashes winner, Steve Harmison and former Crystal Palace forward and professional boxer Leon McKenzie who have both documented their own struggles with retirement.

The pair interview former sports stars including Kieron Dyer, Marcus Trescothick, Wayne Bridge, Luke Chadwick, Claire Rafferty and Matthew Etherington across the series to discuss what happens when a top competitor has to face a future without the identity of being a professional athlete.

Steve Harmison said: “Retirement is a period of reflection for most professional athletes and can have different effects for different people. Retirement for me was like carrying heavy shopping and with every step the bags just got heavier and heavier. This series is an important reminder to the sports world of the impact leaving the stage has on many professional athletes and tells their powerful stories, in what I hope is an honest and engaging way.”

Head of talkSPORT Lee Clayton said: “In this landmark new series we ask whether sport does enough to prepare its respective athletes for life after a career ends. It’s a fascinating listen with real depth and some very honest conversations from people from across the world of sport. Brilliantly presented by Steve and Leon, they bring their own personal experiences to the fore and help our guests to tell their stories, whilst looking for constructive ways we can make life easier for sportspeople leaving the field.”

The first episode of After the lights go out airs at 9.30pm on November 22 and is available in podcast form shortly afterwards.