Jo Whiley: ‘I’ve thrown away my bra thanks to lockdown!’
Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley opens up exclusively about family life, why she’s NOT cut out for reality TV and this weekend’s virtual festival
The curse of Covid-19 may have scuppered live music events this summer, but superglam DJ Jo Whiley will be back in her sequins and wellies to front Radio 2’s Live At Home festival this weekend. Although Northamptonshirebased Jo, 55, has everyone from Adele to Ed Sheeran on speeddial, she’s happiest at home with music exec husband Steve Morton, 56, and their four children – India, 28, Jude, 22, Cass, 19, and Coco, 11. We caught up with Jo to discuss the secrets of a happy marriage, her passion for keeping fit – and why she’s hooked on the Kardashians!
Hi Jo! Tell us about Radio 2’s Live At Home…
It’s the next best thing to a real festival. People have such a yearning to get together, jump around and sing, but we still can’t do that. Live At Home means everyone can have their own mini festival – without the FOMO [fear of missing out]! We’ve got some great performers, including Sheryl Crow, John Legend, Gregory Porter, Tom Jones and Erasure. It’s a classic Radio 2 line-up, with something for everyone.
How have you been coping with this strange year?
Doing my week-night Radio 2 show has been surreal, but it’s definitely helped my sanity. Being connected to listeners through texts and emails has been a lifesaver – and hopefully it’s been the same for them, too. At home, the small things – like my garden and taking the dogs for umpteen walks – have also really helped.
Was it nice to have all four kids home in lockdown?
It was lovely. We did lots of cycling and walking, and saw nature unfold in amazing ways. I planted a vegetable garden with my daughter
India (who said nothing would grow!). Now, we’re eating everything we planted. We’re currently adjusting again though, as the oldest three have left again. It’s been hardest for our youngest, Coco, who adored having her siblings home.
How else have you kept yourself busy?
We’ll watch shows like Tiger King together, or lately, Keeping Up With the Kardashians.
Never in a gazillion years did I think I’d watch that, but I really empathise with what Kris [Jenner] goes through when her kids are upset. It’s like a Shakespearean drama – I’m totally gripped.
Staying fit is important to you, isn’t it?
Absolutely. It’s good for my head, and going swimming or running and just caring for my body makes me happy. In lockdown we did the Joe Wicks sessions together – and then couldn’t walk the next day! I found being unable to go to a pool hard, but swimming in rivers and lakes has been gorgeous. I’ve even got used to creepy crawlies – until someone mentioned eels to me the other day. Don’t tell me about them!
You and Steve celebrate 30 years of marriage next year, right?
Yes, which seems unbelievable because I remember my parents and grandparents having big anniversaries – now it’s us! We always forget on the day, though, and when one of the kids messaged us to say happy anniversary this year, we both replied saying, ‘Sh*t!’
Does Steve spoil you?
He’s definitely the romantic one in the relationship! I’m terrible, but he often turns up with flowers, or thoughtful little presents. During lockdown, he also drove me to and from the Radio 2 studio in London every day for 10 weeks, sitting in the car for hours until I’d finished the show each night. It was exhausting for him, and the most selfless thing anyone could do.
Your kids call him Disco Steve – why’s that?
Because he’s the life and soul of the party, and always the last one to bed! He constantly tries to DJ, but he’s a terrible mixer. When Glastonbury didn’t happen a couple of years ago, we did GlastonWhiley, and had DJ sets and a fire pit, with our friends camping in fields near our house. That will happen again at some point, and it’ll be the best party we’ve ever had.
You have so many rock ’n’ roll pals. Are your kids impressed?
I’ve been in the industry so long, they’ve just grown up seeing people like Chris Martin and Ed Sheeran around. For Coco, the highpoint was Olly Murs filming a video for her at a festival. She said, ‘My life’s MADE.’ Now, Olly’s been replaced by Harry Styles, so we need a video of him. She keeps changing the goalposts!
Do you get offered lots of reality shows?
I get a few polite requests – but not for cooking shows, funnily enough. India’s an amazing cook, so when she’s home, I leave it to her. Heat and burn stuff, is all I do. I can’t dance either, so Strictly’s out – I’d be flailing around like Ann Widdecombe. The jungle vaguely appeals because I’m adventurous, but you also have to eat testicles. I don’t think I’ve got that in me.
Radio 2 Live at Home is on Radio 2, BBC TV and iPlayer and BBC Sounds on 12 and 13 September.