DJ Spoony has said the BBC needs to evolve after a number of scandals hit the organisation, but insists it is full of people at the top of their game. The longtime radio host, whose real name is Johnathan Joseph, has been on the airwaves at the BBC since 2000, where he entertained with the Dreem Team on BBC Radio 1. After leaving in 2006, he returned to Radio 2 in 2019 and is currently filling in for Trevor Nelson on his weekday afternoon slot.
Scandals and Evolution
Speaking to The Mirror, Spoony said the BBC, like any organisation, needs to evolve. He said: 'You know, he was a colleague of mine. The BBC, like any organisation, needs to evolve, and this is what we're doing. We are evolving and trying to evolve. Like any big organisation, we don't get everything right, but it's not through the want of trying. We'll all do our part as broadcasters, as management.'
He praised those he works with, saying they are 'absolutely at the top of their game'. 'But like I say, it's a big machine and, we've all got to come together to do what we can.'
Covering for Trevor Nelson
One at the top of their game was Trevor Nelson before a health concern saw him step away from the decks, with Spoony among those to step in to cover him. Spoony said the experience is going well despite the circumstances. 'I'm hoping that he's able to comeback to work as soon as possible. it's an amazing, beautiful, being able to be in that slot. The audience are great. I I feel that myself and the audience have really connected whilst I'm keeping the seat warm for Trevor.'
'...But I'm really hoping that he's able to come and take the baton back from me and take his rightful position in his slot very, very soon.' Spoony said his pal and colleague is 'very positive as he always is'.
Health Woes and Recovery
Spoony also opened up on his own health woes he previously had. In 2024, Spoony underwent emergency brain surgery after he complained of a month-long headache. After scans, it was found he had a small bleed on the brain. He explained at the time: 'The scan showed I had a small bleed on the brain (that had stopped bleeding) that was causing a lot of pressure on the brain hence the headaches. They said that they were referring me to Addenbrooke's as they needed to operate ASAP. Crazy as I'd been working and training solidly all through the time of the headaches.'
Thankfully, he is now feeling fully recovered, saying he is 'golden'. 'Touch wood, I've been absolutely fine [since].' Praising the NHS, he says: 'Our NHS does take a lot of stick, but, you know, the boots on the ground, the work that they do is phenomenal.'
Nutella Campaign
Spoony was talking after linking up with Nutella for their current campaign. Changing his persona to DJ Teaspoony, the presenter's moniker is a tongue-in-cheek nod to Nutella’s recommended one heaped 15g teaspoon serving. He said: 'It was fun to do it because I very much believe that music sets our mood, whatever our mood is.'
'If we're feeling happy, if we're feeling tired, if we're feeling sombre, there's a soundtrack to that. And doing one that is specifically around the morning time meant that I could have put some stuff on there like, Le Fleurs by Minnie Riperton. And then something like you just mentioned, Pharrell's "Happy", which is really upbeat.' He went on to admit that so many people call themselves morning people and 'we need to celebrate that more'.
