Chris Evans: Virgin Radio host admits BBC presenters would have to sober up on air

Chris Evans has revealed secrets about the inner workings of the BBC, letting slip presenters were offered alcoholic beverages on the job. Speaking on his Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, the former Radio 2 DJ said a drinks trolley would go around the broadcasting studio. Radio presenters were allowed to sample some of the refreshments, but a few rendered themselves incapable of hosting their programmes when they did. Joking hosts had to sober up on air, Chris discussed the ancient ways of the BBC with his co-host Vassos Alexander.

“When the BBC started they used to be a drinks trolley in the studio and there used to be stewards, who used to serve the announcers with drinks,” the 52-year-old began.

“There were certain programmes that were live apart from the last half an hour,” he added.

“The host would pre-record the last half an hour of the show before the show was broadcast live because he would enjoy the hospitality of the stewards and the drinks trolley to the extent he couldn’t do the last half an hour.”

Chris concluded: “So he would become more and more relaxed live on air and then suddenly sober up for the last 30 minutes.”

“I love that story,” Vassos, a former BBC reporter laughed.

Chris Evans was at the helm of the Radio 2 breakfast show for 13 years, before leaving to rejoin Virgin Radio.

The father-of-five took over from Sir Terry Wogan in 2010, and was the second-highest-paid star at the BBC during his time there.

He first joined Radio 2 in September 2005 as the host of the Saturday afternoon show, before moving to drive-time in April 2006.

Also, Chris presented The One Show and the heavily criticised relaunch of Top Gear in 2016.

Of his departure, the DJ said: “I have absolutely loved every single moment of my time at Radio 2. The last thirteen years have flashed by in what seems like the blink of an eye.

“I have learnt so much from so many people to whom I will be eternally grateful.”

Citing Sir Terry, he added: “As Sir Terry said before me, ‘There’s never a right time to leave something you love but there might be a wrong time if you hang on too long’.

“I honestly think The Breakfast Show is currently as positive, useful, sunny and inclusive as it has ever been.

“In fine shape for its next custodian. Whoever that turns out to be, I wish them all the very best, they are in for an absolute blast.”

Zoe Ball, who fronts Strictly: It Takes Two, replaced Chris and began her tenure as Radio 2’s first female weekday breakfast host back in January.

The Chris Evans Breakfast Show with Sky airs weekdays from 6.30am on Virgin Radio UK.

source: express.co.uk