Greg James was absent from BBC Radio 1's Breakfast Show on Tuesday morning, but listeners need not worry that he slept through his alarm. The 40-year-old presenter, who has hosted the show since 2018, took a day off following a night out in Manchester to see indie rock band The Strokes perform live.
Rather than leave listeners guessing, James posted what he called an 'Unofficial Statement' on Instagram, explaining his whereabouts and confirming the absence was planned.
Sanctioned day off announced on Instagram
'I'm not on this morning because I went to visit my mate in Manchester and we went to see The Strokes,' he wrote. 'This is a sanctioned day off, so don't get your knickers in a twist. I haven't slept in.'
However, he admitted he was indeed sleeping when the post went out. 'But I am currently sleeping. I timed this post to go out because I'm a pathetic loser.'
James also joked about catching up on football, referencing Harry Kane's goals, and sent a message to his stand-ins: 'Big up Sam and Danni. Love them. Make sure you're listening to them OR ELSE.'
Cover presenters step in
Radio 1 presenters Sam MacGregor and Danni Diston, who usually host weekend afternoon programmes, covered James's absence. He confirmed he would return to the microphone on Wednesday.
This is not the first time James has missed the show recently. In August, he was absent following the death of his dog Barney, a chocolate Labrador he shared with his wife, author Bella Mackie. The couple had adopted Barney from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home eight years earlier. James paid tribute to his 'unbelievably daft farty brilliant dog' at the time.
Tuesday's absence, by contrast, came with a lighter explanation: a concert, a visit to an old friend and a properly authorised lie-in.
