With roots in South Wales and humble beginnings as a balloon-modeller, face-paint artist, party hostess, festival litter picker, waitress, directory enquiries call girl and club DJ Philippa has finally landed a job with a bit more substance.

Phil remembers dancing to Michael Jackson and grooving to Glenn Miller on a shoddy old record player in the back end of the 80’s then thinking running around gardens mimicking David Attenborough was better. Things changed when she played Cinderella in Brownies and again when she took second place in the Welsh heats of Junior Masterchef in 1997. But schooldays were ska-days going to gigs religiously and Phil developed a love for music.

And so URN – Student Radio Nottingham is where Phil’s passion for radio blossomed. She won Gold for her Unsigned Show as judged by Lamacq, an award for Best Female at the Student Radio Awards in 2006 and has had short stints at Galaxy and Radio 1.

As Head of Music at URN she has commandeered the station’s playlist contributing to the station’s success as Student Radio Station of the Year.

Now, at 6 Music and whilst still only 21 and finishing her Politics degree at the University of Nottingham Philippa presents the Chart Show, bringing you the best of new music….


First record you bought?
Catatonia - Mulder and Scully and B*witched – C’est La Vie

First gig?
Feeder at Newport Centre, Newport – I then wrote a letter to Grant Nicholas declaring my undying love. And no, he never wrote back.

Best gig?
Foo Fighters at Hyde Park last year. I wasn’t planning on going being the pauper I am so I went to sit by the lake to listen through the fences but miraculously I found a wristband on the floor and cunningly attached it to my wrist but THEN the crowning glory, Queen came on stage with the Foos. Joy of joys a dream come true.

First record you played on the radio?
Technically I didn’t play it but I did request many years ago The Beatles on Radio 2 and alas it was played.

A record that makes you laugh?
Mr Mistofelees from Cats off my West End Hits CD

A record you'd like played at your funeral?
Have you met Miss Jones?

Soundtrack for a long car journey?
I need a good shuffle to keep my concentration in shape; mix it up with The Cat Empire, Sublime, Mr Scruff, The Crocketts, DJ Shadow, Cinematic Orchestra, G Love and Special Sauce and Groove Armada.