BBC Radio 1 breakfast show host Greg James has shared an amusingly awkward celebrity encounter, revealing that Hollywood A-lister Sandra Bullock once refused to shake his hand.
The Awkward Encounter with a Hollywood Legend
The 39-year-old presenter recounted the incident during an appearance on the popular JaackMaate's Happy Hour podcast. James explained that he went to greet the Academy Award-winning actress with a handshake, only for her to politely decline.
"I remember Sandra Bullock refused to shake my hand," Greg stated. "I went to shake her hand, and she said, 'I'm not shaking hands today, my kid's not very well'. That was it, and [I] got on with the interview."
James later realised the potential reasoning behind the rebuff, suggesting Bullock was being cautious about spreading germs. He speculated she may have thought "germs were gonna be from her kid's mouth onto her hand, into my hand, then I'm gonna go and be ill with Sandra Bullock's kid's flu."
Interpreting the Motive: Polite or Bitter?
Podcast host Jack Dean offered two possible interpretations of the star's behaviour. He mused, "The way I'm seeing it, she could either be being really nice and she's trying to protect you from the kid's illness, or she could be really bitter and be like, 'someone's made my f***ing kid ill, so I'm not shaking strangers' hands again.'"
To which Greg James quipped in response, "It's that one." He then added with a laugh, "Or she just didn't wanna shake hands, that's fine, just be honest."
James's History of Pranking His Listeners
This isn't the first time the Great Dream Robbery author has caused a stir with his audience. Earlier this year, he left fans thoroughly baffled with a bizarre Instagram post announcing his departure from the Radio 1 Breakfast Show.
In a lengthy statement, the DJ – who has hosted the flagship morning show since 2018 – complained the BBC was "under corporate control" and that he could no longer continue. The post listed beloved show segments that would end, including celebrating listeners like "Owen who accidentally smashed 10,000 eggs" and conducting "funerals for any more ducks."
Fans were horrified before realising the entire announcement was an elaborate joke ahead of his return from a festive break. He later posted an apology video with his wife, Bella Mackie, 41, explaining he was poking fun at musician Neil Young's last-minute withdrawal from Glastonbury.
The confusion prompted a flood of concerned comments from listeners, with one writing, "How to confuse the nation 101," and another declaring, "THIS WAS NOT OK FOR A SUNDAY EVENING." James later clarified the hoax, stating, "Due to an error in the information received, I had decided not to do the breakfast show, which I have always loved. Happily, the radio show is now back on my itinerary."
