BBC Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans is taking on a five-day cycling challenge across the UK's four nations to raise money for Children In Need, five years after his 24-hour drumathon brought in more than £3.8 million for the charity.
The 42-year-old from Carmarthenshire began his five-day ride in Glasgow on Monday, November 9, and is due to finish in Cardiff on Friday, November 13. The route covers almost 400 miles.
A Career in Broadcasting
Owain started his broadcasting career at age 18 as the presenter of Welsh-language children's news programme Ffeil. He later worked as a reporter, presenter and video journalist for BBC Wales before presenting the weather on BBC Wales Today, other regional news programmes and BBC Breakfast.
He has also presented regular slots for The One Show and currently hosts BBC Radio 2's early morning show. He appeared on reality TV series Freeze The Fear with Wim Hof.
Coming Out and the Role of Drumming
Owain has spoken previously about hiding his sexuality in the workplace when he began his TV career. On BBC Breakfast, he said: "I went back into the closet when I got my job with the BBC because I felt like I had to. It was a weird time, but the drums were definitely something that helped me through that."
He added: "Growing up as a gay man in the 80s and into the 90s, you know, when Section 28 was still a thing and I couldn't speak about who I was essentially and there weren't any reference points either. You know, I felt like the only gay in the village quite literally."
Owain continued: "Coming out was a big thing and because there wasn't that visibility back then I suppose, it was hard. It was really difficult, but I feel very fortunate that I have a lovely family, had great friends, and the drums also helped me through that."
Marriage to Arran Rees
Owain is married to his long-term partner Arran Rees and regularly shares insights into their life together and their home renovations. Last year he posted on Instagram as they celebrated 17 years together, writing: "17 years ago we sat at this table and had our first date (a few days after meeting at a now flattened nightclub in Swansea) I love you @arranjrees."
In another post, he shared throwback images and wrote: "Wow 17 years together, 8 years married. Time does indeed fly when you're having fun @arranjrees Hope you enjoy some never before seen pics from the beginning, middle and present!"
Children In Need 2026 airs on BBC One on Friday, November 13 from 7pm.
