'It is about never giving up' - South Yorkshire DJ to present shows on Radio 1 over festive period

A South Yorkshire radio DJ has beaten off competition from more than 1,000 other hopefuls to secure a presenting slot on Radio 1 over the festive period.
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James Cusack, aged 33, of Manvers, will host the Radio 1 Anthems shows on New Years Eve and New Year’s Day, standing in for Scott Mills, Nick Grimshaw and Devin ‘Dev’ Griffin.

Twenty eight presenters were chosen in total from the 1,143 people who sent in demos, and only five of these will present daytime slots, one of which will be James.

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He started his radio career at Sheffield Children’s Hospital while still at school and has since gone on to stints at Capital FM and Heart where he works now.

James Cusack at the Radio 1 studio.James Cusack at the Radio 1 studio.
James Cusack at the Radio 1 studio.

But James said the Radio 1 opportunity is by far the biggest thing he has ever done and is the culmination of a dream he had harboured since he was a teenager.

He said: “I have always wanted to do shows on Radio 1. It has been one of my main life goals for as long as I can remember.

“I first sent a demo to them when I was at school and still have the letter they sent back to me. It is just about never giving up.”

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James said the daytime slots will allow him to bring more of his personality to the role, in an industry that despite the challenges of podcasts is still at its best as a live medium.

James Cusack will present shows on Radio 1 over the festive period.James Cusack will present shows on Radio 1 over the festive period.
James Cusack will present shows on Radio 1 over the festive period.

He said: “I have always tried to present like I am talking to my mates down the pub. Radio is all about connection and if you speak to people normally they warm to you.”

He is now hoping that his big break could lead to more opportunities at Radio 1 for him, with the station planning a new talent show to air before Greg James’ popular breakfast slot in the new year.

James’ shows can be heard on Radio 1 on Thursday, December 31 from 2-6pm and on Friday, January 1 from 12-4.

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He has also been promised more presenting slots early in the new year but these have yet to be decided.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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