Presenter profiles

Place of birth: Dublin 

Favourite place or view in the North East:

Taking a walk along the coast between Craster and Dunstanburgh.

First record you bought:

Tower of Strength by Frankie Vaughan. I used to mime to it in front of the mirror wearing one of my Mum’s hats to look like Frankie’s Top Hat!

Previous jobs:

I briefly trained as an articled clerk in a solicitors firm but at the same time ran a mobile disco in the evenings, which was slightly frowned upon by my employers - solicitors were pretty stuffy in those days!

Why you like working in radio:

Growing up I’d always been fascinated by radio, it was something I’d always wanted to do, and all these years on it’s still a joy to be on the air. 

Most interesting person you have interviewed for radio:

Paul McCartney when I started out in 1973 – as a huge Beatles fan it was a magnificent pleasure for me to meet him. It was a particularly daunting experience as it was the first interview I had ever done. He was very kind and put me at ease.

Best thing about your show:

It’s the varied mix of people who tune in, and join in...people on night shifts, people who can’t sleep...

Person you would most enjoy being stuck in a lift with:

It's got to be Tony Hancock.

Where you are when you get most of your inspiration or creative thoughts:

In my dreams and when I’m driving (although we are reliably informed Paddy does not make a habit of sleeping behind the wheel! - Ed.).

Proudest achievement:

To have survived 30 years in the business! 

Where you go for quiet moments:

What’s a quiet moment ?!

Memories of teachers at school:

My English teacher Len Rowe – he instilled a great interest in literature in me which has lasted to this day. My favourite author is William Boyd. 

Any habits, annoying or otherwise:

My wife has a list as long as your arm!