PRESENTERS | CHRIS GRAY

Name: Chris Gray

Date of Birth: 6th August 1984

Hobbies: Music, Football, Radio. Ardent supporter of the Harriers and Villa, went to my first Villa match in 1993, we beat Ipswich 2-1. The League Cup Final 1996 with Villa and FA Trophy Final with Harriers 2007 are my highlights!

What is your greatest Achievement: Actually making a living out of being on the radio, I am one of the lucky ones, getting paid to do a job I love. Passing my driving test and getting my degree up the road at Staffs Uni was great too.

When where you first interested in radio? About the age of 8. I grew up listening to the radio, loving the music, the interaction and the "glamour". I always knew it was for me. People also say I have the face for radio. Erm, thanks for that!

How did you get into radio presenting: I did some work experience while I was at school, kept pestering the boss, making the tea, and doing what I was told, and eventually ended up presenting weekend evening shows!

Most embarrassing moment: Not quite turning the microphone off so all the listeners had to listen to me on the phone ordering my curry to pick up on the way home. Otherwise none, I am a total professional! It was a Chicken Bhuna with Egg Fried Rice and a Keema Nan by the way!

Favourite artist or song: I have a really eclectic taste, my favourite artist is Bryan Adams – seen him so many times and I think he is great! My favourite song is “Waiting for a girl like you” by Foreigner – I love my power ballads and not afraid to admit it! My favourite bands at the moment are The Killers and Hard-Fi along with Depeche Mode and The Smiths. I love "commercial" dance music but I can always be found listening to Totally 80s too! Lovin you work Gary :)

Favourite Film: The Wedding Singer, I love the American Pie films too.

Favourite Food: Chocolate is my vice really, along with anything from the "Kidderminster Balti Belt", aka Blackwell Street!

First album ever bought: Bryan Adams – Waking Up The Neighbours in 1991.

What time did you get up this morning: 10am. If I’m covering for Rob on breakfast its some ridiculous time – I wasn’t built to get up early though!

Do you have any hidden talents: I look very good in the dark, from a distance

What could you not live without: My friends, family and my partner Claire.

Star Sign: Leo. Er, ROAR! Hmm.

Have you any pets: 2 Golden Retrievers, Bertha and Martha.

Favourite gadgets: My laptop, phone and MP3 player. All very shiny.

So we know where you are weekday afternoons, what about your time off?:
I am from Droitwich but am set to move into a new apartment in Kidderminster soon which I am looking forward to. With my time off I love walking my dogs in the beautiful Wyre Forest - we are so lucky to have it on our doorstep - and the cafe there does great sausage butties!

A dash to Merry Hill or Worcester is often a Saturday afternoon pursuit but Kidderminster has most things that I need or want. I always watch out for the Harriers and Villa results on The Wyre then later on I like a curry at Papaya, a few beers at Penny Blacks or Yates, a quick go on the jukebox at the Royal Exchange then off to M2! My MP3 player is on when the radio isn't, I don't really watch TV but love Corrie!

My evenings may end with a burger from that mystical van by the fire station the only appears after dark!

Favourite part of the job?: Interacting with the listeners. I am a local lad who lives the highs and lows that the listeners do. I love having a natter on the phones in the afternoon, playing some great songs and getting everyone home safely on Drivetime. Radio is my life, and I am glad you share the afternoons with me!