Biographies

Presenter, BBC Asian Network

Adil Ray is the presenter of BBC Asian Network's Breakfast show, weekdays from 7.00 to 10.00am.

Hilarious, innovative and spontaneous are just a few words to describe Adil Ray's breakfast show.

Since taking on the show in January 2009, Adil has introduced an unsuspecting Asian public to characters such as keen rapper MC Raa and mother-of-all-mothers Shabnam di Maa.

Adil has just completed filming a number of comedy characters for a forthcoming Charlie Higson and Paul Whitehouse BBC Two comedy – Bellamy's People.

Adil won the award for Best Radio Show at the UK Asian Music Awards for 2008.

Adil joined the BBC Asian Network in 2002 as a presenter of the late-night Adil Ray Show where he gave a platform for young aspiring artists to promote their musical talents.

In 2003 Adil helped launch American chart topper Jay Sean's career with his first radio interview and first exclusive live session.

Adil's irreverent and comedic style of presenting made him a favourite among listeners. As a result, he was moved to the earlier drivetime slot before making his mark as the host of the network's flagship breakfast show.

In 2005, Adil secured an exclusive interview for the Asian Network with former Pakistani cricketer turned politician Imran Khan. Imran spoke about his divorce from Jemima for the first time. The interview was later broadcast across BBC radio and television.

Adil also works as a TV presenter. He recently fronted the BBC Two series Explore where he reported on news stories from Argentina and Turkey.

His other TV credits include the award-winning BBC Two series Desi DNA; the RTS-nominated comedy Is It Coz I Is Black? (BBC Three); The Last Word on Carlton; and BBC Four's Tales From Europe with Kirsty Wark.

Other radio credits include BBC Radio 4's Picturing Britain, which was a five-part documentary meeting prominent British photographers such as Rankin.

Adil can turn his hand to acting – he's a regular member of the cast of Silver Street, the Asian Network's daily radio soap.

After graduating in Marketing, Adil started his radio career in commercial radio. His shows on Choice FM and Galaxy 105 made him the first British Asian to present a daily show on mainstream commercial radio.