‘george ezra came to life when my daughter interviewed him’

Charlotte hawkins on hosting Pet Classics after Bill Turnbull’s passing and why her seven-year-old daughter may follow in her presenting footsteps

There is something very poignant for Charlotte Hawkins about the annual Bonfire Night Classic FM

Pet Classics programme, especially this year.

Originally it was hosted by TV and radio presenter Bill Turnbull, with Charlotte taking over in 2021 due to his poor health. Bill sadly died on 31 August this year following a battle with prostate cancer.

“I stepped in last year because of Bill’s health,”

Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte explains. “Having lost him now, it will definitely be a poignant show for us this year, because I know it was really special for him.

“I sent him an email last year and I said to him, ‘You know, I am just borrowing this [show], thank you for letting me borrow it temporarily.

I really look forward to having you back.’

“It’s really sad he’s no longer with us, and we’re missing him very much.”

The 47-year-old has lots of great memories of working with Bill, both at Classic FM and on Good Morning Britain. “He was such a gentleman, he was so lovely to work with. He had such a lovely sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye.”