BBC - Radio 2 - Chris Evans

Pudsey wants me to tell you he is blown away this morning and not because of the weather...

Chris Evans — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:24:06 +0000

Last night's Drivetime auction was "your" most successful ever with over £530k being raised for Children In Need, simply incredible. Thank you to everyone who bid... It'll be around before you know it.

So, last day today for a week as next week we start work on the new breakfast show, two days of planning and then three pilot shows, Wed, Thurs, Fri. Can't wait, lots of new ideas - some'll work, some won't, either way it's time to find out.

I just felt a pang of excitement/nervousness as I typed that last line. Now that's a very good sign.

Happy Friday gang.

Clp

2009

Last night - enter the dragon, Mr. Bannatyne - tonight, THE AUCTION !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris Evans — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:47:44 +0000

Seven cars for seven drivers to be in seventh heaven.

The cars :

1962 Ferrari 250 SWB
1964 Ferrari 250 Lusso
1990 Ferrari F40
1985 Ferrari 288 GTO
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB4
2005 Ferrari ENZO !!!!! (New this year)
1961 Ferrari 250 California Spyder.

Back up cars:

1957 Ferrari Testarossa recreation awesome)(
1971 Ferrari Dino

Brekkie show and bacon rolls at my house live from the garage, after which we will set off for The New forest on the Thursday morning - Longleat for a cuppa, arriving at Chewton Glen sometime late afternoon - chillax and get ready for the drivers' banquet,

Up the next day, brekkie show live from Chewton Glen and then off to a race track to meet Top Gear's The Stig where he will pilot you round a flying lap in one of the worlds most exciting supercars.

Shaking, quaking and hopefully still in one piece, we climb back into our 12 cylinder Italian beauties to go at The Cottage Inn near Ascot, where we will be hosted by the great Bobby King and Gentle Saint John for a second driver's dinner and overnight.

Saturday morning - it's one more leg over to join the Drive and Diners for the Dine and Disco big day out

And then on Sunday back to Goodwood, where the cars will have been magically transported for you to climb aboard for the famous hill climb in front of tens of thousands of people.

It's last year and some...

There will also be thirty tables of two up for grabs for the drive time dine and disco itself -

Golf in the morning, Johnny's quiz in the afternoon, a champagne reception down at my place, The Mulberry, in West Sussex as a prelude to another fabulous five course food extravaganza prepared by Giorgio Locatelli, followed by live music in the Disco tee pee from The Feeling and then tunes from myself, Johnny and big Jim on the wheels of steel through till home time... Come Sunday everyone is invited to the last day of The Festival of Speed courtesy of Lord March and the whole Goodwood team.

The cars will be auctioned off traditionally with bids increasing as the auction continues whereas the bidding for the tables will be one bid only per bidder, exactly like last year.

Right let's get this show on the road! It's gonna be a busy night

Clp

2009

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Twenty four hours to go to the Drivetime Dine and Disco auction 2009/10...

Chris Evans — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:26:32 +0000

... Didn't sleep much last night thinking about it, the show's quite complicated and we may have to change the offer slightly as the Top Gear track not available for the Friday of the weekend, thinking maybe we get The Stig around Goodwood ! Might be even better.

Plus today, Duncan Bannatyne coming in to tell us about life as a Dragon - also on my mind, the Breakfast Show pilots next week, and my own Top Gear run in the reasonably priced car which we record next Wednesday, after a Tuesday visit to The Paul O' Grady Show.

Children In Need this Friday, and a boys day at the rugby on Saturday - hey ho it's all go but none of it matters a jot at this second as Noah is demanding "more squished anything dadda !"

Be right there son.

CLP

2009

To dye or not to dye - that is the question.

Chris Evans — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:24:01 +0000

Women can and they do and no one minds, in fact it's positively encouraged. Women are here to be beautiful, each in their own unique way. But men, why are we here ?

The prettiest of us blokes look like girls anyway, the most handsome - rugged and invincible. Having never been either of the above myself, I have had to look for other reasons to justify my existence and develop my allure.

Would I ever dye my hair though ? Actually yes I probably would but I would not dye it to try to cover up the fact that it was no longer the colour I wanted it to be. I would die it obviously - to cheer myself up or cause a stir.

Of course it's every individual's choice to do what they like with what they've got, but I can't help feeling sometimes some people are doing things that have the opposite of their desired effect.

Shall we talk about Katie's trout pout at this point - now that I just don't get. And she paid for it !

Clp

2009

Hey guys, here we are again

Chris Evans — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:15:52 +0000

... it's Monday time, the weather's a bit off and it's that vacuum in between the here and there that is now and Christmas but fear not for we have three weeks of jungle antics to see us through..

I thoroughly enjoyed IACGMOOH last night, more so than ever before - why ? I can only presume it's because of our son Noah. He's the only thing that's changed in my life compared to the other years it's been on when I used to tear it apart for being bubble gum t.v. but after a busy weekend away working I couldn't wait to grab a glass of wine, settle down next to Tash, put my feet up and start shouting and laughing at the telly, both of which I did - a lot. We even recorded Top Gear so we could watch Ant and Dec live.

The thing is though I don't want Jordan in there as then it becomes the Jordan show. I really really don't care about her, or want to hear a single word she has to say - about anything. Do you think the producers have made a boob boob here ? Having said that, I suppose her inclusion means I can potentially shout at the telly more.

The biggest decision is however, dips and crisps or forks and take away!

Lol

CLP

2009

Only 24 more drives home together, sob. Xxx.

We are Dublin and Belfast bound as I speak for a couple of days of book signings and interviews - still on the radio tonight though via the generosity of RTE, thanks guys.

Chris Evans — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:55:22 +0000

Our two day trip will also include an appearance later this evening on the legend of all entertainment shows, a programme by the name of The Late Late Show.

The Late Late Show in Ireland is the longest running, longest-running entertainment show on telly anywhere in the world. By that I mean, it's been on the air for nearly forty years, is live and lasts for over two hours every Friday night !

It is a colossus of broadcasting and I can't wait to see how it all works.

Meantime I'm gonna grab some zeds as it's going to be a LONG couple of days for several reasons no doubt.

CLP

2009

PS: Still looking for your sizzling suggestions to start the show...What track do you want to kick off All Request Friday with this evening?

Morning everyone, or good day, or good evening, or how about just plain old hello, how ya' doin' - all well I hope.

Chris Evans — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:20:35 +0000

Who wants to be a game show contestant ?

Ha ha, what a palava all that was, absolutely fabulous experience to see how it all works. And to be sat in "the" chair feeling "that" pressure. It's exactly as everyone tells you it's going to be but times a thousand - maybe even more.

Now here's the thing I have learnt to enjoy such moments whereas before I used to endure them, or try to beat them into submission, or look forward to what's next, that's not what it's about and I'm so glad I finally realised as much.

I'm such a fan of the format of Millionaire, having spent years of my life writing similar albeit nowhere nearly as successful conceits, gambles, penalty shoot outs etc. for the good old telly. So it was a real honour to meet Mr. David Briggs yesterday, the man who invented the whole shebang. He used to be a radio producer but now owns a castle in France and has his own jet.

Now where's that folder with me old formats in.

Clp

2009

Watching Newsnight...

Chris Evans — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:01:44 +0000

...I remembered to write about something I have often thought about before. As the end credits roll, I always wonder about Jeremy P's journey home and what awaits him when he gets there.

]]>Does he drive home ? Is he driven ? When he arrives there, wherever there is, does he eat or have a gill, or both perhaps ? Is the house asleep ? Is there a light on ? Is it lonely or peaceful ? Does he turn to Bach or Beethoven or is silence his soundtrack ? What time does The Pax choose to repose and call it a day - finally ?

Always fascinated me, these questions, about the late night legend. And I wonder what he thinks about us lot, who watch his show, if he ever thinks about us at all - the great unwashed, along with those politicians who regard him as the gladiator. The gladiator they both want to befriend and defeat yet can usually do neither.

I love Paxo because he reminds me of how confusing it is for all of us, which is reassuring. For the record, I'm guessing he is driven home as opposed to driving himself and has a gill and a sandwich of some sort, or perhaps a plate of ready to be reheated goodness wearing a crown of tin foil crimped tight with love, loyalty and affection.

God bless you JP.

Clp

2009

Misty moist morning over Berkshire early today.

Chris Evans — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:59:29 +0000

Already got me comfies on, already feels like one of those days. Soup, toast, lots of tea, maybe even a flask to "take with."

]]>A busy week continues with a planning meeting at the publishers for the next book this a.m, a hopefully not so public fitness session at lunchtime (not a great look for anyone over 40) and then radio time.

Millionaire tomorrow, signings on Thursday and then Ireland Friday and Saturday for telly chat shows, hence All Request Friday live from Dublin !

So, healthy food, plenty of fluids and as much sleep as our little fella will allow his ma and pa.

Now that's the bit that worries me. Noah !

Clp

2009

Morning blog fans, hope your weekend was as full of the good things in life as mine was - perhaps with the exception of quite as many take aways.

Chris Evans — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:07:47 +0000

So this is The Millionaire week. Sir Tel and I take on the mighty ITV machine this Wednesday in an attempt to swell the coffers of CIN and Chase Hospice for kids.

]]>How much will we raise, only God knows at the moment but in a little over 48 hours the answer will be out there.

So with every post between now and then please just drop in a fact of general knowledge that might just be useful.

Religion, Broadway, Hollywood, History, Art, Literature - anything, not bizarre factoids but solid facts, like: what common variety of tree is the Japanese acer a member of?

You know, stuff like that.

Meantime it's back to Encyclopedia Britannica for me,

Have a great day,

CLP.

2009.

Morning, princes and princesses, kings and queens of the blog, how are you today ?

Chris Evans — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:18:02 +0000

Faced with Sting's new album on Sky News, he is currently saying he doesn't like Rudolph or Jingle Bells - going off him at a rate of knots - though I have to say his new beard is pretty impressive.

]]>Folded his arms when asked about anything other than his new record, he should know better than that by now.

Will bear all this in mind when appearing on The One Show tonight. Will be hosting the end of radio show from the back of a motorbike en route to TV Centre, so I can "hopefully" get there in time for the start at seven. Should be interesting.

Tune in to one or the other to see what happens - or both for the full story. Right, off to practice not folding my arms, when asked about anything but the book.

Clp

2009

P.S. Just found out that there will be fifteen Miss World contestants on the show, better practice crossing everything.

Early ears on this morning...

Chris Evans — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:00:31 +0000

...that is, my turn for the Noah shift.

]]>What this means, is that from approximately four o'clock this morning I have been hyper alert to every creak, whimper and breath that may or may not have been real/imagined up until baby DJ's bottle time just after six.

These early ears only operate when I'm on Noah duty, when it's Tash's turn to take care of the little man, I am remain asleep and it's highly unlikely that even a small explosion would cause me to so much as stir.

What a fascinating creation we human beings are.

Naoh says, "yum yum gurgle gurgel burp," by the way.

Clp

2009

Only thirty drive times to go for us, let's make the most of what little time we have left.

Xxx.

PS: Post your suggestions below for a rocking first record on All Request Friday!

Greetings from inside my hooded dressing gown.

Chris Evans — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:38:00 +0000

Nobody's any good by accident - that's today's subject. After being lucky enough to share a stage with The Jove last night, it once again became patently obvious to me that stand out talent cannot flower fully without the underpinning of downright hard work.

]]>Were Bon Jovi really any good ?

Yes they bloomin' well were, in fact they were excellent. Like it was their first gig, more humble than an X Factor winner who's just survived the sing off, or whatever it is they call it.

The whole band were great but Tico the Tom Tom Torres was my man. He was awesome on the drums - magnificent. Though having said that, the whole band were on top form, even the mysterious man on acoustic guitar who wore his winter coat throughout the proceedings, he must have been roasting.

Will Carling took the best photo I have ever seen taken on a mobile of JBJ backstage. So good it has made me want to upgrade my Raspberry to the same as his.

Check out Will Carling's feed on Twitter

Listen you lot, have a great day and BE NICE TO EACH OTHER !!!

CLP

2009

Tis the day of The Jovi, ce soir a La Theatre du Radio.

Chris Evans — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:24:43 +0000

But there are other things afoot...

]]>Children In Need Prize - Two Lots

Lot One

Thirty tables of two for the Drive Time Dine And Disco 2010 at my pub, with golf in the morning, Johnnies Quiz in the afternoon (first prize - a night at the show) champagne reception, food by Giorgio Locatelli, wine with our Nigie, disco by me and live music in the tipi from The Feeling !!!

Lot Two

The Magnificent Seven Ride Again.

Seven places plus a partner each to get to drive all seven of my classic Ferraris:

The 250 GT Short Wheel Base.
The 246 Dino
The 250 GT Lusso
The F40
The 288 GTO
The 275 GTB4
The James Coburn California Spyder.

This year our spare car will be my new fabulous 1957 Ferrari Testarossa recreation.

The successful bidders will not only get to drive all 7/8 cars during a two day drive and dine extravaganza taking in the amazing hospitality of the driver's banquet at Chewton Glen in The New Forest but they will also get to go up the world famous hill climb at Goodwood in one of the cars on the Sunday in front of tens of thousands of people

I'm breathless just thinking about it....

Buckle up everyone, here we go again.

All this goes under the hammer on THURSDAY 19th NOVEMBER. Make sure you're near a telephone that day between 5 and 7pm!

Clp

2009

G'morning Good People of The Planet

Chris Evans — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:04:00 +0000

Alright this is simple, I did more work in my dream last night than I probably will do today...

]]>...including a whole documentary with Sir Tel which I have since suggested to the boss we should do for real as a sort of tribute. I've already seen it and I can tell you it was great.

Off to CBeebies today to narrate their panto - an honour if ever there was one in this silly little industry of ours.

Tomorrow it's Bon Jovi at the BBC Radio Theatre, and also this week we will be publishing details of our Bye Bye Drivetime: Hello Breakfast party which will take place at The 02 on Wednesday Dec 23 - our next to last ever Drivetime show.

Further details surfacing in the next 24 hours will be the prize package for the 2010 Drivetime Dine and Disco Children In Need auction prize - there's a huge twist to this year's offer.

Sun beating down here in sunny Berks, goodness knows where all that rain disappeared to overnight, time to live day number 15,000 and whatever it is. X.

CLP

2009