A Cool DJ & Presenter On The Music That Made Her

I grew up in a musical household. Not instruments – I cannot play the guitar or the recorder to save my life – but music was always on. We would always put tunes on in the car or listen to the radio, so it started from there.

There was never a plan B. My view is, if you have one, then you’re not dedicated to plan A. I remember the moment I realised I wanted to be in radio – I was listening to Zane Lowe. He hosted the evening show on Radio 1, and he always interviewed massive bands and new artists. I remember listening to him interview someone and thinking, I want to do that. 

The Jingle Bell Ball in 2023 was one of the scariest and most exciting moments of my career. It was the first time I'd used an earpiece, and I had to say ‘Hello, O2!’ in front of 18,000 people. I’d never spoken to a crowd that big before – it was a real career moment. Then, a year later, I was in the jungle doing I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked, which felt monumental. I’d finally reached a point in my career where I was like, I can do this. 

The best part of my job might not even be the music. We often do competitions and giveaways, and you hear from people who have gone through the worst times and really need a pick-me-up. We had someone who had lost a parent, and they won some tickets for something. I was crying along with them. It’s just so beautiful that radio still has that connection. Everyone listens to music on streamers, but moments like that prove there’s still a place for radio.

Capital has introduced me to so many new artists. When I first started, there was a lot of dance music but now we’re mixing things up. We are playing artists like Sam Fender and Gracie Abrams – a bit more indie-ish. I also have Capital to thank for my love of Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan – they’ve championed those artists for such a long time. I saw Sabrina Carpenter at the Summertime Ball last year and she was amazing. I don’t have a very strict music preference – my taste goes everywhere and anywhere.