Coleman Makes Return To Breakfast Radio
Long-serving radio host Jono Coleman is to turn his back on commercial broadcasting, returning to BBC London 94.9 where he began his British broadcasting career in the early 90s.
Coleman will present a daily magazine show on the station from 25 July, comprising interviews, topical discussion, listener interaction, humour and music, before taking over the breakfast show later in the year.
The heavyweight DJ was said to be delighted with the move, bringing his career full circle. He said: “I am very excited about joining BBC London 94.9 to broadcast to my weekday listeners again. I’ll be back on the BBC station I started on when I came back to London from Sydney in the Nineties.”
Coleman is one of Australia’s best-loved media exports, having worked in Sydney as an advertising copywriter before rising to the top of the TV ratings in Wonder World! and appearing as one half of TV and radio duo, Jono and Dano.
The broadcaster has also featured in a number of feature films, including cult comedy, Young Einstein, for which he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor by the Australian Film Institute.
Having turned down a role in Ramsay Street, believing that “Neighbours would never take off,” his status as a cultural icon was confirmed when he appeared on Home and Away as himself a few years later. He has also been honoured on the Australian This Is Your Life.
Commenting on the appointment, David Robey, BBC London 94.9FM editor, said: “His record of Sony awards and audience ratings speak for themselves and I believe he’s got exactly the right qualities for BBC London 94.9FM – a larger-than-life personality, intelligence and humour; and something to say to London.”
The new afternoon host will broadcast from 3pm until 5pm. The move follows Coleman’s replacement by Jamie Theakston as breakfast host at Heart 106.2 earlier this year, bringing the DJ’s six-year career with the station to an end (see Heart Ditches Coleman In Battle For London Supremacy).
BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk