Face behind the voice

Gaydio

Age 32 Current job

Has co-presented Gaydio Breakfast (Mon—Fri, 7—10am) with Dave Cooper since 2021. “Lots of chaos! Dave and I are like pets with the ‘zoomies’.” On 12 January 2022 they opened up as trans, live on air. “I started this job pre-testosterone and I decided to open up to everybody. I always lay my heart on the table. I just wanted to show visibility. I did it and I felt so good.”

CV Born in Northampton, they studied music practice at college, then TV and radio at Salford University. Along with student radio, they first worked at Gaydio in 2012. Subsequent jobs were at XFM, Capital Manchester, Heat Radio, Star Radio and for the Wireless Group. After graduating, they presented a drivetime show for 2BR. From 2017 they were at Heart North Wales and from 2019 they did in-house radio for the Spar supermarket chain. They also do cover slots for Kerrang! Radio and will be doing Christmas cover for Loz Guest.

Their music career includes the soundtrack for the film The Legend

of the 5ive (2012) and recording singles as MNRO. Their podcast

Queer and the Beat launched in March. “We talk to artists from the LGBTQ+ community about mental health and what makes them feel safe in music.” Season 2 is scheduled for next March.

Social media — yes or no? “If I could choose whether to do social media I wouldn’t, because it’s a lot of work. I’m on it for work purposes and to stay relevant!”

Best moments “The Brit Awards 2023 was the highlight for me. To be there and interview the artists was a dream come true. Another one was chatting to McFly at the 2023 Heavy Music Awards. It was amazing and I’ll never forget it.”

Off air “I live in Manchester with my wonderful, supportive partner, Zoe. I have two Jack Russell/ chihuahua cross-breeds, Tilly and Luna. I come home every single day to a house full of love. I also like to play PlayStation. And I’m getting back into music again, because the music I released [from 2020] was me pre-testosterone, with a different voice.”

First radio memory “I remember being in a really old brown car with windows you had to physically wind up and down. We were listening to Free by Ultra Naté and that has always stuck with me as a song of love and comfort. I actually interviewed her for Queer and the

Beat, which was lovely.”

Favourite broadcasters “Jules Hardy is big in the gaming world. I really look up to them because they’re the only non-binary presenter that I’m aware of. I love AJ Odudu, she’s a massive ray of sunshine. I love Clara Amfo, there’s something so genuine and pure about her. And I also love The Dotty Show on Apple Music Radio. You learn something new from her every single day.”

Ambition/Dream job “I’d love to be on a TV dating or gaming show.

Secret skills “I can do a Chewbacca sound...” DAVID MCGILLIVRAY