One album to see you through life?
Tea For The Tillerman by Cat Stevens. I was a huge fan back in bedsit land and I love all of the songs. On the other hand, one I never want to hear ever again is Shaddap You Face by Joe Dolce.
A song that reminds you of your childhood?
San Francisco by Scott McKenzie. It takes me back to living in Prittlewell near Southend-on-Sea and listening to pirate radio stations.
Which of your interviews has gone horribly wrong?
William Shatner who came in to talk about his book, TekWar. He wouldn’t talk about Star Trek which made it difficult to spin the chat out.
What’s the most useless factoid you’ve ever read out on the show?
Probably “Ducks’ quacks don’t echo.” It’s not even true.
It’s the BBC Music Awards this week. Important?
They have become very, very important as they recognise the role the BBC plays in promoting music of all kinds. That’s vital.
Do you still get excited by new music?
Absolutely, I get excited by favourites such as Ed Sheeran, George Ezra and Years & Years. We had them in at the start of their massive popularity.
Is UK radio too samey now?
UK radio is vibrant and there’s a great deal of choice. There are some wonderful niche stations and I think there should be more, so if you want a folk, jazz or country station it should be there for you.
Is privacy difficult?
No, I don’t do a great deal of TV so I’m not recognised much.
Who’s your favourite broadcaster?
The late Alistair Cooke who used to do Letter From America for Radio 4 on the World Service.
You have 24 hours left to live. How do you spend the time?
No contest. I’d spend it drinking soup, of course. Pea and ham since you ask.
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