BBC Radio 2 presenter Gary Davies has described the social impact of hosting the station's breakfast show as "horrific", even though he considers it the best programme to broadcast.
The 68-year-old, whose first BBC broadcast aired on 4 December 1982 with a Saturday late-night show, currently presents Sound of the 80s on Saturday nights and regularly stands in for other presenters. He recently spent four months covering the breakfast slot following Scott Mills' sudden exit.
Best slot for a social life
Speaking about the station's schedules, Davies said: "In my opinion, I think the best slot to have is the one that I cover the most, which is the mid-morning slot that Vernon (Kaye) does - that is the best time of day to work because you can still have a social life. You can still go to bed at 11.30. You get up at seven. You're fine."
He contrasted that with his breakfast stint, saying: "Having said that, you know, I just did four months on breakfast, and socially, it's horrific."
Early starts and live cameras
Davies explained the early routine required for the show: "I would put myself to bed at 8pm, and I would be up at 4.30am."
Despite the challenges, he expressed his love for the programme: "It's probably my favourite show to do on the station in terms of a live radio show where everything's going on and you're literally flying by the seat of your pants every day, and you've got live guests coming in."
He added: "It's a really challenging show to do, and apart from the first couple of weeks, I loved doing it. Absolutely, really enjoyed that show. Socially hated it. Wouldn't want to do it every day. But for that period of time, I adored it."
Summarising his view, he said: "So, as a DJ, best (Radio 2) show, broadcasting-wise, breakfast show, but socially best show overall to have a nice social life, a nice balance, reasonable time. I would say is mid morning."
Changes in radio broadcasting
Davies also commented on the rise of live online broadcasts accompanying radio shows, calling this development "a bit of a pain in the bum, really."
He noted the added pressure on appearance: "I mean, when the cameras are on, I don't even notice they're on. I just carry on, and I'm doing a radio show. But obviously, the night before, I'm thinking, well, can't wear that same shirt again because I wore it the other day... and then you end up having to buy lots of new clothes so you don't repeat yourself too often, which is not ideal."
He concluded: "But it is what it is, and that's Radio 2026."
Radio 2 in the Park from City Park in Stirling is available to catch up on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer. Sounds of the 80s with Gary Davies broadcasts on BBC Radio 2 every Saturday evening from 6-8pm.
