Latest news with #ScottMills
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Katy Perry told music star she was 'GLAD' they left American Idol... amid fears for Orlando Bloom relationship
Katy Perry 's tenure on American Idol was under the spotlight after a former contestant–turned–music superstar opened up about their interactions. According to the rising star, Katy told them she was 'glad' that they left the long-running music competition series when they ran into each other years later. Katy, 40, first joined the series as a celebrity judge for season 16 in 2018, and stepped down six years later in 2024 after season 22. It was in early 2021 that her path crossed with the future singing sensation when they competed in season 21. During an appearance Wednesday on Scott Mills' BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show, the Grammy Award nominee Benson Boone opened up about catching up with Katy years after he decided to leave American Idol. He admitted to bumping into the singer — who has been beset by rumors that her relationship with fiancé Orlando Bloom is in trouble — a 'couple months ago' and learned that she seemed to be happy that he had quite the show. According to the rising star, Katy, 40, told them she was 'glad' that they left the long-running music competition series when they ran into each other years later; seen in 2023 in LA Boone was asked if he thought Katy believes that she had 'discovered' him on American Idol. During his stint on the series, she said on camera that he had what it took to win the competition, adding that viewers were 'gonna swoon for Benson Boone.' 'Do you want to know the actual truth?' Benson replied. 'I actually think she is really glad that I left the show.' After the two had a chance to catch up a recent awards ceremony, the TikTok sensation came away thinking that Katy was 'really happy' for him. However, he also thought she was 'really worried' for his future. 'I think she understands that when you're starting to go through all of this, like, there's just a lot of hate coming your way, a lot of people that want things from you, so she was more just checking in on me,' he explained. Though Katy was widely mocked for her recent Blue Origin space flight, Benson declared that she 'actually really is a lovely person.' 'She told me, she was like, "Leaving that show was, like, the best thing you ever did." I think she just understands, like, I didn't even know if I wanted to do music at that time.' Despite his misgivings as American Idol was poised to make him a star, Boone later found his way back to music on his own terms. He had already established himself as a popular TikTok performer and singer before auditioning for the series, but the baby-faced performer — who didn't yet have his instantly recognizable mustache — blew away Katy and fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan at his audition, where he also showed that he could play passable piano. After Benson admitted that he wasn't a singer growing up, Lionel declared him a 'natural talent,' and Luke urged him to 'have fun' with his voice now that he had discovered it. Katy dramatically added, 'I'm gonna tell you something that you may not believe, but if you believe it it might happen. I see American Idol, and I see you, and I see you winning American Idol... if you want to.' An awe-struck Benson said that was the 'biggest compliment' he had ever received. He was invited to continue on to Hollywood Week, a round of multiple performances that helps weed out the large group of singers who had survived the initial auditions. But shortly after he was selected as part of the final 24 contestants, Benson opted to end his run on American Idol, which led the series to not broadcast his Hollywood Week performances. But Benson wasn't done with the music industry, and months later Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds signed him to his label Night Street Records via a deal with Warner Records. His first single, Ghost Town, just barely scraped the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with a peak at number 100, but the song had longevity after gaining exposure on TikTok, and it later was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His 2022 single, In The Stars, did even better. It only topped out at 82 on the Hot 100, but it went on to be certified 2x Platinum. Benson's career seemed to floundering after multiple singles in 2022 and 2023 that failed to chart, but he came roaring back last year with his biggest success to date, the single Beautiful Things. The song was buoyed by its omnipresent status on TikTok and Instagram, and it reached number two on the Hot 100 and was certified 5x Platinum. Since then, he has had multiple top 40 hits, including last year's Slow It Down and this year's songs Sorry I'm Here For Someone Else and Mystical Magical. Benson looked back on his auspicious first encountering with Katy just as she has been inundated with fan fears for the state of her relationship with her fiancé Orlando Bloom. Yesterday, the 48-year-old Lord Of The Rings star was reported by TMZ to be attending Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's wedding in Italy without Katy by his side. But the absence turned out to be because Katy had a prior commitment, as she is touring in Australia at the moment. Katy's widely mocked space flight, the critical revulsion her album 143 earned and the poor reviews her ongoing tour have received have all reportedly added to the strain in her relationship with Orlando; seen with Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez in 2023 in Dubrovnik, Croatia Still, the couple have been apart for much of the past month, raising concerns of a potential split. A source previously told People magazine that 'They're pretty much done,' while an insider alleged to Page Six that 'It's over' and the two are 'just waiting until the tour is done before they split.' A friend of the couple exclusively told that the couple are 'are on the rocks' this week. Perry and Bloom first met in January 2016. They had a brief breakup in 2017, but later reconciled by March 2018. The pair got engaged on Valentine's Day in 2019 and welcomed their daughter, Daisy, in August 2020. Bloom also has a 13-year-old son named Flynn with his ex-wife, Miranda Kerr, 42. Katy's widely mocked space flight, the critical revulsion her album 143 earned and the poor reviews her ongoing tour have received have all reportedly added to the strain in her relationship with Orlando.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Awkward moment Hollywood star SWERVES James Bond question live on air – fuelling rumours he could be new 007
A HOLLYWOOD star swerved a James Bond question live on air, fuelling rumours he could well be the new 007. Speculation over who will replace Daniel Craig in the iconic role has been heating up for months. 4 4 And there have been a fair few names thrown into the mix in recent months. Now, another star has got tongues wagging after his recent interview on BBC Radio 2 on Tuesday morning. This star in particular has already been brought up into conversation when it comes to who the next Bond could be, but even more so after he swerved a question. It's none other than Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey, who was talking to Scott Mills on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show. Jonathan joined Scott to celebrate the release of the Jurassic World Rebirth film, which stars the actor. And they ended up discussing rumours that Jonathan is a contender to be the next James Bond: Scott said to the star: 'It's an obvious question, but I'm going to be honest with you, it's the one people are asking the most, so I'm going to ask it. Do you, or would you be, James Bond?' Jonathan playfully replied with: 'Scott, how dare you!' to which Scott clarified: 'It's not me, it's the listeners and there are thousands.' The actor managed to somehow sidestep the question, responding: 'I mean, that's an amazingly flattering ask. I could imagine you as James Bond, Scott.' James Bond expert drops huge hint about new 007 actor after he starred in movie with huge A-list actress And Scott was quick to pick up on the change of direction, saying: 'Well, swerved, because that's not true. But, I mean, we know you could do it, but you'd want to do it?' Jonathan seemed to be more open to replying, as he said: 'I don't...I am not sure... I don't know. I really, honestly, I mean... it would be hard to say no, but I know that it's going to be exciting whatever they do.' Leaving Scott to reply: 'Thank you for answering that, because it was the most popular question. And I'll be honest, I almost ran away from you a bit like you did with Steven Spielberg, before I asked, but I'm glad I did. Thank you very much.' It seems many actors are in the running for the career making role. Timeline of James Bond actors Over the years there have been seven actors who have played 007. The first ever James Bond film was in 1962, and this is who has played the lead role over the years: Sean Connery - The late star was the first ever actor to play Bond, and reprised the role for seven movies. George Lazenby - The star only played Bond once, but was the youngest actor to ever play the spy. Roger Moore - The late movie star spent 12 years making seven films in the famous franchise. Timothy Dalton - The smooth actor took over from Roger Moore and appeared in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill. Pierce Brosnan - The handsome star played Bond for four movies from 1995 to 2002. Daniel Craig - The British star was the first blonde James Bond and the sixth actor to win the role in 2005. Theo James' name was thrown into the hat after he wowed fans in Netflix's The Gentlemen last year. His performance in the Guy Ritchie series made him an ideal candidate for the next actor to fill the shoes of 007. Other names still in the running include Aaron Taylor-Johnson after it was revealed back in 2022 that the Brit had already "filmed a top-secret scene" at Pinewood Studios, Berkshire. Famed for the Kick-Ass movie series and the Marvel movie Avengers: Age of Ultron, Aaron shot to fame playing John Lennon in Nowhere Boy. The Sun previously exclusively revealed how Bond bosses had offered the job to Aaron. And with his quintessential Englishman good looks, James Norton has been a hot contender for the next Bond for many years. The chiselled star is known for playing the lead role of Sidney Chambers in Grantchester, and also evil Tommy Lee Royce in Happy in the running is Jack Lowden, known for BBC gangster drama The Gold and the TV hit Slow Horses. 4
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Radio 2's Scott Mills reveals secret Liam Gallagher feud as he says Oasis star called him a 'c**t' - but he hopes they can reconcile
Scott Mills has revealed how he has secretly been feuding with Liam Gallagher for years - although he hopes they can reconcile. The BBC Radio 2 DJ came clean about his relationship with the Oasis frontman in his memoir, Love You Bye. Scott, 51, revealed he had a falling out with Liam in the late Nineties, when he felt the full force of Liam's wrath whilst backstage at Top Of The Pops. With the Gallagher brothers going on tour in two weeks, it doesn't look like they'll be invited for an interview on Radio 2. Writing in his memoir, Scott shared: 'I'd met them before and chatted to them briefly, so I thought that might be a bit of an in. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'They were absolutely huge at the time and renowned for being outspoken. Their radio plugger took me over to Liam and said, "You remember Scott, don't you? You've met him before." Liam looked me up and down and went, "Yeah, he's a c**t."' Speaking about the situation today, Scott told The Sun: 'I think he's completely changed. I actually think I am completely changed, but I think he's probably a nicer man now. 'In the Nineties, it was the thing to be mean. All pop stars now are pretty nice. When I joined Radio 1 in '98, a lot were horrible as that was the thing to do. It doesn't happen any more.' The iconic Manchester band are set to reunite in July for their first tour in 16 years, dubbed Oasis Live '25, after finally burying the hatchet last year. The band have been busy rehearsing the past few days and frontman Liam said it's a shame they've missed out on so much because he feuded with his brother Noel as he hailed their practice sessions as 'spiritual'. Oasis split following a backstage disagreement between the Gallagher brothers at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris in 2009. Their return to the stage has been one of the most anticipated music events over the past decade and rehearsals are now well and truly underway. A new book titled Live Forever by John Robb has detailed just how bitter the bands split was at the time. However, fans and friends are hoping that nothing happens on tour, like the row they had backstage in 2009, which took them more than a decade to move on from. One witness said: 'Liam was goading Noel constantly and then the two snapped.' Another witness remembered: 'There were proper punches and Liam smashed up one of Noel's guitars. Liam was like a man possessed. They continued: 'He was swearing constantly and really angry. Medical staff were called along with security. Noel got out as quickly as he could. This was a truly vicious fight - quite horrible.' In his statement confirming he had quit the band at the time, Noel wrote: 'The level of verbal and violent intimidation towards me, my family, friends and comrades has become intolerable.'
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘Mean' Liam Gallagher branded top BBC DJ a ‘c**t' leaving him ‘floored' as pair's secret feud revealed
OASIS' long-awaited reunion tour kicks off in just two and a half weeks, but don't expect to hear reconciled brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher giving their first chat on Radio 2. The station's breakfast show host Scott Mills revealed he had a falling out with Liam in the late Nineties, when he felt the full force of the singer's acid tongue backstage at Top Of The Pops. 8 8 In his memoir, Love You Bye, Scott recalled: 'I'd met them before and chatted to them briefly, so I thought that might be a bit of an in. 'They were absolutely huge at the time and renowned for being outspoken. Their radio plugger took me over to Liam and said, 'You remember Scott, don't you? You've met him before'. Liam looked me up and down and went, 'Yeah, he's a c*** '.' Reflecting on it now, Scott hopes Liam's behaviour was just a sign of the times, when almost all stars were a nightmare to deal with. In an exclusive chat, he said: 'The Liam Gallagher thing really floored me at the time, because I think it was, like, my second week at Top Of The Pops. 'I think he's completely changed. I actually think I am completely changed, but I think he's probably a nicer man now. 'In the Nineties, it was the thing to be mean. All pop stars now are pretty nice. When I joined Radio 1 in '98, a lot were horrible because that was the thing to do. It doesn't happen any more. 'I can't remember the last time I had an interview that was horrible, or that was hard work. Back then, I used to go down to Top Of The Pops and do the interviews every Thursday. Often, I would be like, 'That was really hard work', or, 'I didn't enjoy that because they were awkward or difficult, or just a bit unpleasant'.' But I suspect that Edinburgh Council bosses will be seeing more of Liam's unpleasant side if his messages on X yesterday are anything to go by. It came after The Sun On Sunday revealed that local authority officials had branded Oasis fans 'drunk', 'lairy', 'fat' and 'old' in secret safety briefings ahead of their three sell-out Murrayfield megagigs in August. Liam said: 'To the Edinburgh council I've heard what you said about Oasis fans and quite frankly your attitude fing stinks. I'd leave town that day if I was any of you lot.' I couldn't have put it better myself. MARIAH REVERTS TO TYPE THIRTY-FIVE years since hitting the charts with her debut album, Mariah Carey will pay homage to favourite songs from her back catalogue on her new record, the first since 2018's Caution. And the superstar, who wowed London's Wembley Stadium when she headlined Capital's Summertime Ball with Barclaycard, will have plenty to choose from across her 15 previous albums. 8 A source said: 'It's been a long time coming but MC16 – which is what fans are calling the album – is some of her best work in years. 'Of course she's moved with the times but a few of the tracks pay homage to where she's come from. Fans will love it.' Mariah dropped the first single, Type Dangerous, from the album earlier this month, but I've learned she is already lining up a remix. The savage track sees Mimi sing: 'I came in the door, dripped in Balenci'. Cropped leather coat and some nine inch Fendis. 'The crowd opened up and I started to strut. I need my space, but I'm signing autographs and such.' My insider added: 'If you thought the original version was fire, you've not heard anything yet. 'Mariah has secretly recorded a remix version with a top rapper which is coming out very soon. 'She's keen to make sure this new era is a success and is really proud of the music she's created.' MILEY CYRUS is plotting a very different career if she ever she packs in pop. The End Of The World singer said: 'My dream actually is for when I'm much older, I'd like to have my own glass shop in Italy.' Asked if she has had any lessons in glass-blowing, she revealed it was the next thing on her to-do list following the release of her recent album Something Beautiful. She told the Reclaiming With Monica Lewinsky podcast: 'My very sweet partner, my boyfriend, he got me glass-blowing lessons for my birthday. 'So I'm supposed to start that as this next thing. The album, as it starts to kind of grow up, it's going to be an adult soon. So I've raised it. 'It's been my baby. Now it's in this child state. And then it's going to go off and do what it's going to do without me. 'And then I'm going to start taking my glass courses.' JADE rocked her performance at Capital's Summertime Ball with Barclaycard with the former Little Mix star opening the show at London's Wembley Stadium before artists including Myles Smith, Benson Boone, Zara Larsson and Mariah Carey hit the stage. I was watching the action from Barclaycard's Summertime Suite and Jade absolutely nailed her set – with Angel Of My Dreams going down a storm with the crowd. 8 8 8 Jessie J also performed at the show which was her first public event after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She told her fans she was having surgery in the coming days but used her trademark humour when opening up about her diagnosis, adding: 'It's a very dramatic way to get a boob job.' Jessie's set was electric and she got one of the biggest cheers of the night – and rightly so. Jessie, you rock. SABRINA Carpenter has a fight on her hands if she wants to get Manchild a second week at No1. Alex Warren has overtaken her song, which topped the Official Singles chart last Friday, with his runaway hit Ordinary. Insiders said it's a very close call at the moment, with Sabrina not far behind in sales and downloads. ROBBIE Keane is a legend of my beloved Tottenham Hotspur and us fans won't hear a bad word against him. Now he's gone up even further in my estimation for his Soccer Aid antics. The ex-striker's old Spurs gaffer Harry Redknapp told me Robbie was the 'life and soul' of the training camp – even leading some sing-songs. Harry said at training: 'Robbie's a legend. I had an early night, but I think Robbie led the karaoke. He loves it. He's a great character.' When I caught up with Robbie, he admitted he'd been partying with Tom Grennan and DEermot Kennedy the night before. Robbie said: 'I enjoy singing but these guys are on a different level.' Asked if there had been pints flowing, Robbie responded wryly: 'We had a sing-song.' I'll take that as a yes. Never change, Robbie. ROBBIE WILLIAMS and Chesney Hawkes gave the crowds at his show at Bath Royal Crescent a cheeky surprise. Ches joined Rob on stage to perform his No1, The One And Only, before the pair flashed their bellies for fans. Robbie said of Ches: 'He's a f***ing lovely bloke. He's the best.' I'll join you in the fan club, Rob. I love a bit of Ches. Charli's celeb show LIDO Festival was like whack-a-mole with celebs this weekend, as stars including Lewis Capaldi, Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson gathered to watch Charli XCX. The Brat superstar put on an amazing show in London's Victoria Park. 8 8 Amelia Dimoldenberg was shown on the big screen doing the viral Apple dance, while Diana Vickers was bopping along, too. As Charli raced through anthems including 360 and Von Dutch, she told fans to 'put your f***ing hands up' as the crowd went absolutely nuts, before she brought out Bladee to perform their Rewind remix live for the first time. JUST For One Day: The Live Aid Musical is set up in its new home at London's Shaftesbury Theatre and it's one of the best shows I've seen in ages. It is packed full of hits from the iconic event back in 1985 including songs from Queen, Bob Dylan, Elton John, The Police and Status Quo. Stage star Craig Els is uncanny as cantankerous Bob Geldof but it's Julie Atherton who steals the show as PM Margaret Thatcher. Tickets start from £25 and are on sale now. Go and see it – you won't be disappointed.
Telegraph
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
BBC Radio 2's Scott Mills: ‘It's odd for everyone to know your salary'
Scott Mills, 52, is a household name and presents The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 to a daily audience of around 6.45 million. He began his career at a local radio station in Southampton at the age of just 16, before going on to host shows for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2, becoming one of the broadcaster's most high-profile presenters. In 2023-24, Mills reportedly earned £315,000, ahead of his promotion in January, when he took over the prime breakfast spot from Zoe Ball. He is also the host of a new podcast associated with Mercedes-Benz, Vans Under the Bonnet: On the Road Podcast, which is aimed at Britain's van drivers. Mills lives in Hertfordshire with his husband Sam Vaughan and dog Teddy. Were you aware of money and finances growing up? I would say that my childhood was mixed, money-wise. As a young child, my dad was doing really well with his local removal company business. We would get good Christmas presents and go on holidays to Spain. But then there was a financial crash in the 1980s, and he lost almost everything. We had to sell the house, and my parents split up. My dad had to build it all back up again from really nothing, which he did, and I'm extremely proud of [him]. It's part of the reason I wanted to do this podcast with Mercedes Benz – because my dad wasn't there when I was born, and he wasn't there for a lot of when I was growing up, because he was working so much. I do remember being a bit worried because I didn't really understand it at that age, and obviously my parents tried to keep it from me. But suddenly, dad's cars were being sold, and we had to move house. It felt like something had changed. Has that experience shaped your approach to money? The thing is, I just love working. I'm prepared to put the graft in to earn the money. For my first job, I'd hassled this local radio station for so long, eventually they were like, 'Do you fancy going on air?'. So I ended up doing the overnight show, which was 1am to 6am five days a week, and then Sunday was the Breakfast Show, 6am till 9am. This was just after my GCSEs, and I was paid £28 per show, which seemed a lot of money at the time. I was so young that I couldn't even get to the radio station because I couldn't drive. So my mum or dad would take me there at around 11pm and I would sleep on the floor of the studio. Then my dad bought me a little Honda Vision scooter and I could make my own way to work. But it was driving through country roads at midnight when it was pitch black in all weathers. My attitude to money has been that you don't know when it might run out, or when your situation might change. I like to think that I've worked my way up. Have you reached a point now where you feel more secure? I still feel that insecurity a little bit. I also think that's because I work in an industry where you don't sign up thinking this is a job for life. Contracts can end, radio stations get taken over, and then they decide, 'we don't have a slot for you'. That's happened to a lot of people I know. Through my 20s, 30s, even 40s, if I was offered work, I'd take it, sometimes at a risk to my health. I was working way too much, because my mindset was that you don't know when it might end. There was one freshers' week where my schedule for playing in student unions was: Monday: Aberdeen, Tuesday: Glasgow, Wednesday: Edinburgh. I would do my show in London, fly to Scotland, do the gig around midnight, stay over with four hours sleep, fly back, do the show in London, repeat. I took every opportunity for 20 years, and actually I don't really want to any more. I enjoyed it, but life is different now. I want some quality of life and I'm in a position now, although I've only recently reached it, where it's okay to say no sometimes. What do you think of social media or TikTok stars who become famous quickly? I wouldn't say I resent those people, because fair play to them for finding that place and that niche. But I would say, really, there's no longevity in it. We're all going to get older, and you're not going to be a TikTok star, probably, in five years. So you can make a lot of money very quickly, but I would still rather the way that I've done it, which has been very gradual. My first radio job was in Southampton when I was 16. The rise in money and the rise in career were definitely a long game, but I wouldn't have done it any other way. I am now in my 50s, I'm still doing it, and doing the best I've ever done. So there is something to be said for it. The BBC publishes the salaries of its presenters. How does it feel to have your earnings public knowledge? The thing is, you just have to accept that that is part of working at the BBC. The first time you realise you're on that list and then there it is in the newspaper in black and white, it's an odd feeling to be sure. It felt quite exposing, because I'm not someone who talks about money. Have you had luck with property? I've had mixed fortunes with properties. One of the best things I ever did was [getting] on the property ladder early, which is pretty impossible now. I bought a tiny one-bed flat in Islington, north London, when I had just started at Radio 1. When I sold that, I moved to a place in Kentish Town, which was a real heap. My brother, who is absolutely exceptional at these kinds of things, redid the whole house from scratch. It would have cost me so much more if it weren't a labour of love, but I ended up making close to £100,000 on that place. And that enabled me to buy in Finsbury Park. I also lived in east London for a while, which I loved at the time, but it took me so long to sell it. I think it sold for less than I paid. So I've had ups and downs. Sam (my husband) is from Wales and he likes London, but he doesn't want to live there. So we moved out to commutable Hertfordshire, because I obviously have to still be in town five days a week. It's half an hour on the train, but it feels completely different from London and I love it. We have the dog now, and no plans to move. Do you think you're a spender or a saver by nature? I used to be terrible with money. Not that I was particularly extravagant, I just did not understand it. And, to a point, I still don't. It's not that I'm going out and buying sports cars or making bad decisions, it's just that when I started to earn all right money I had no concept of how to handle it. I remember I was working on Heart Radio in London and my dad crunched some numbers for me and said, 'Do you know you're actually spending more than you're getting?' It felt like I had to keep up with the Joneses a bit back then, and the lifestyle I had wasn't working out. I did find myself in quite a lot of trouble for a while. While I was doing the early morning show on Radio 1, bills would arrive and I just wouldn't open them. Now I have a handle on it, but every month I put what I still call 'pocket money' into another account. Then it's on my phone, and I know and can see what I have to spend. I know this sounds like childhood or student behaviour, but it gives me that peace of mind I didn't have then. Do you support any charities? Yes, I support a multiple sclerosis (MS) charity because my mum has MS. I also like to think that I'm quite generous with money. There was a point around 30 years ago when my mum, before being fully diagnosed, couldn't work for a while. I remember thinking, my mum is not making ends meet. So I was in a position where I could put a bit of money into my mum's account every month. She is 70 and retired now, but it just gave her a bit of peace of mind. That standing order is still happening to this day, so that she is in a comfortable financial place and doesn't have to worry. And now we dip into that money, it's £100 or so a month, but it's been going for so many years that we use it for medical bills or things like expensive physio. It's fantastic that something we set up so many years ago has been very useful to help my mum's quality of life later on. Do you think you will stay on the radio forever? I do, I think this is probably it now. When I was working in Manchester, I was extremely happy and earned enough where I never felt I had to worry. I had everything I could need, I could pay my rent and I could go out a couple of times a week. And if that was where it ended – if I just kept working in Manchester on that money, and maybe it goes up a little bit every couple of years – I would have been happy with that. I never expected my career to escalate as much as it did. I feel lucky every day, and when I look back, I almost can't believe that happened to me. It all goes very quickly, but I managed to have 24 years on Radio 1, then I did two years of afternoons on Radio 2. And now I have the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, which is the most listened to radio show in Europe. That's mad to me because I grew up with very little expectation of what I could achieve. Do you feel like you've 'made it'? I do, and actually, for the first time, I really do believe in myself. It's like, 'you have to look at the facts. They've put you on the breakfast show. You must be doing something all right'. But I think that radio presenters, all of them, are very insecure. You don't know when it's going to end. And there is huge impostor syndrome all around. This is my dream job, and I would do it for the rest of my time if I could.
