'Dream come true' for Sheffield DJ

A Sheffield radio presenter has had his dreams come true after becoming a presenter on one of the country’s biggest national stations.
James started his radio career at Sheffield Children's radio showJames started his radio career at Sheffield Children's radio show
James started his radio career at Sheffield Children's radio show

James Cusack, aged 33, will be presenting some afternoon shows on BBC Radio 1 today.

James and a select group of up-and-coming presenters from across the country were chosen to present on the station over the festive period.

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Bosses at BBC Radio 1 put a call out for presenters in October, asking for submissions from anyone with previous radio experience and received hundreds of applications.

James started his radio career at his local hospital radio station at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, which he used to go to after school aged 16.

He then got a job there at weekends as a production assistant.

After finishing school, his love for radio remained and James started presenting overnights at Hallam FM, before presenting shows on stations like Capital and Heart Yorkshire.

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Besides presenting, he regularly finds himself in the DJ booth and has opened for the likes of CamelPhat, Gorgon City and Tinie Tempah. Pre-lockdown, he was hosting his own hotly-attended indie night in Leeds.

Speaking about his new opportunity at the BBC, James said: “It’s a dream come true to say that I’ll be presenting some afternoon shows on BBC Radio 1.

"I was waiting for a call from the electricity man about why my electric was off when I got the call from the boss of Radio 1!

“I’ve been grafting at radio since I was at school. I still have a letter I kindly received from the then boss of Radio 1 asking him for a daytime show - I was squeaky and terrible but he wrote back, and that letter kept me going.

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“It seems two minutes since mum would take me to my hospital radio show at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

"I’d get in the car and tell her about it word for word. I still can’t believe I get to present on such a prestigious station - never ever give up on your dreams.”

Over the last week, BBC Radio One has been showcasing the best in new and emerging talent by giving these 33 new DJs and presenters a once in a lifetime opportunity.

James will be presenting Radio 1 Anthems today, New Year’s Day, from 12pm-4pm.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​