Kate Thornton: All your questions on the Greatest Hits Radio presenter answered
Listen to Kate Thornton on Saturdays from 7pm, as well as Sundays 5pm!
Kate Thornton takes to the Greatest Hits Radio airwaves every Saturday from 7pm, as well as Sundays at 5pm with The Smash Hits Years. Find out everything you need to know about the presenter, from her X Factor days to what she's doing now, as well as how to tune in to listen to Kate on air!
It's fair to say that Saturday is the best night of the week - and rest assured, Kate will make sure you're having fun, dancing and laughing with her perfect blend of playlist and good times chat. Enjoy a celebration of the most iconic music of the 70s, 80s & 90s and the good times they represent!
Who is Kate Thornton?
Kate Thornton is a 50-year-old English journalist and radio & television presenter from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Although she presented shows like Top of the Pops and Pop Idol: Extra from 1998-2003, Kate became a household name when she hosted The X Factor for a number of years from 2004. She later went on to present other shows such as Loose Women and This Morning.
Now, Kate is part of the Greatest Hits Radio family, showing us all what the good times sound like every Saturday from 7pm, as well as bringing you Greatest Hits and memories from two incredible years in music, on Sundays from 5pm, with The Smash Hit Years. Kate was actually the youngest ever editor of the magazine, Smash Hits, at age 22.
You can find out all of the ways to tune in to listen to Kate Thornton on Greatest Hits Radio below.
What is Kate Thornton doing now?
Kate began presenting Saturday nights on Greatest Hits Radio in February 2022. As well as hosting Saturday nights from 7pm, Kate hosts The Smash Hit Years on Sundays at 5pm. She also leads a podcast titled White Wine Question Time; according to the podcast's bio, it 'brings together well-known friends, three glasses of wine and three thought-provoking questions.
'Discover the friendships behind the entertainment headlines, and listen in on their conversations for a side to the celebrities you've never heard before.'
Speaking about it, she said: 'For the last four years I’ve been hosting a weekly podcast, White Wine Question Time, where each week I ask a well-known guest three thought-provoking questions over three glasses of wine - and so far my liver is still intact despite raising a glass and a conversation with over 200 guests!'
She added: 'I also host a topical news show called Royal Beat, all about the Royal Family, for True Royalty on Amazon Prime which I love.'
Why did Kate Thornton start White Wine Question Time?
While at Greatest Hits Radio Live, Kate told us what inspired her to start her White Wine Question Time podcast: "The inspiration for the podcast came out of the conversations I had with my friends when you crack open a bottle of wine, and the conversation goes from A to Z and everything in between. And that's what I wanted to capture."
She joked: "So four years on my liver is ruined!"
When is Kate Thornton on Greatest Hits Radio?
Kate Thornton presents Greatest Hits Radio every Saturday from 7pm, and every Sunday at 5pm.
How can I listen to Kate Thornton on Greatest Hits Radio?
There's plenty of ways that you can listen to Greatest Hits Radio! You can find us on your good old traditional radio, and DAB in lots of places, as well as on our website, our free app and even on your Smart Speaker. Tune in from 7pm to catch Kate on the airwaves!
Tune in here on our website, or download our free app for iPhone or Android. You can also ask your Smart Speaker to "play Greatest Hits Radio".
What FM frequency is Greatest Hits Radio?
If you want to listen on FM we've got frequencies across the country for you to tune into. In London, you can tune in to Greatest Hits Radio on 105.8FM. Check out which FM frequency to tune into near you for Greatest Hits Radio.
We asked Kate some questions to help you get to know her better...
What can we expect from Kate Thornton's show on Greatest Hits?
According to Kate, it's: 'The kind of show that lets you know it’s Saturday night, no matter where you’re listening in from and no matter who you’re with. Three hours of songs that make a night in feel like a night out if you’re with friends or offers up the soundtrack for the perfect party for one if you’re tuning in alone.'
On Sundays, Kate brings you Greatest Hits and memories from two incredible years in music - relive the Good Times!
What is Kate Thornton's favourite thing about presenting her radio show?
Reflecting on what she loves about presenting her Greatest Hits Radio show, Kate said: 'The chance to rifle through the music I’ve collected over the years and share it with our listeners, just as I would with my friends at home on a Saturday night.'
What is Kate Thornton's go-to track to listen to in the car?
This was a tough one for Kate who has a lot of favourites, but she said: 'That changes constantly - some days it could be something from Stevie Wonder, or I'll dive into an 80s rabbit hole with Depeche Mode, New Order or at the other end of the spectrum Wham!
'Or lose myself in some 90s classics, be it Soul II Soul or All Saints. But I’m always happy with anything from the songbooks of Marvin, Earth Wind and Fire, Nile Rogers or Giorgio Moroder.'
What do the good times sound like to Kate Thornton?
She revealed that it's: 'Anything that makes my shoulder shake and my feet ache.'
Which song is Kate Thornton's good times anthem?
Narrowing it down to just one, Kate told us it's 'You Got The Love' by Candi Staton.
How different is presenting on radio compared to TV?
Kate has spent a fair amount of time working in both TV and radio and comparing the differences she commented: 'It’s a case of 'same but very different.' Fundamentally the job is the same - broadcasting - but the intimacy of radio is something that’s entirely unique and special. It feels like talking to a friend.'
What can listeners expect from Kate Thornton's Greatest Hits Radio show?
Every Saturday evening listeners can expect: 'Great music and some of the brilliant stories that sit around them, great features like You Know You’re a Child of, where listeners message in with inventions, fads, crazes and phases from the 70s, 80s and 90s. That’s a brilliant history lesson every week.
'We also look every week at what was happening on that day across those decades too so it’s a real chance to revisit some of the biggest songs and moments from the 70s, 80s and 90s.'
What does Kate Thornton love about her show on Greatest Hits Radio?
She revealed that she loves: 'The chance to play some of the best music there is out there for three hours and hearing the feedback from listeners.'
Which have been Kate Thornton's favourite TV shows to be part of?
Kate has worked on a number of TV shows throughout her career and thinking back on them all, she said: 'I've been spoiled over the years working on ‘pinch me’ shows like The BRIT Awards, The Royal Variety and the BAFTAS as well shows like Pop Idol and X Factor.
'I loved my time anchoring Loose Women but probably my favourite TV job of all time was hosting travel shows for the BBC back in the 90s. I was basically paid to see the world and talk about it. Does it get any better than that?!'
Find out more about the TV shows you've seen Kate Thornton on below...
Was Kate Thornton on The X Factor?
She certainly was - however, not as a contestant! Kate Thornton presented the first ever season of The X Factor back in 2004, going on to host the show until 2006.
Kate joined original judges Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh as they scoured the UK for the next music superstar. If you cast your minds back, you may remember Kate crowning the show's first ever winner, Steve Brookstein.
How long did Kate Thornton host The X Factor for?
Kate presented three seasons of The X Factor, before Dermot O'Leary took over.
Speaking on the In The Pink podcast with Natalie Pinkham back in June 2020, Kate explained her exit from the show, saying: "They didn’t renew my contract having said that they would — and by they, I mean Simon. It’s his show, it’s his gig.
"There’d been speculation in the press that I was going to get the push and I’d asked if that was the case and if it is, please can you just give me the dignity of resigning, don’t throw me out as a cheap headline, because hopefully our friendship and our history would qualify that I mean a little bit more than that. That didn’t happen."
Was Kate Thornton on Loose Women?
She certainly was! Kate anchored the popular daytime show Loose Women from 2009-2011, appearing with fellow panelists such as Denise Welch, Jane McDonald, Sherrie Hewson and Zoe Tyler.
Kate and Zoe both left the show in 2011, however Kate delighted fans as she returned to the show for an episode in February 2022. Kate joined Kaye Adams, Denise Welch, Carol McGiffin and Gloria Hunniford to discuss her show on Greatest Hits Radio, over 10-years on from being a panelist on the show!
Captioning a picture she shared on her socials, Kate wrote: 'How can it be over 10 years since I was last in the Loose studio?! Felt like stepping back into a pair of well loved shoes - thanks for having me girls 💖'.
Kate Thornton at Greatest Hits Radio Live
Kate hosted Greatest Hits Radio Live on 25th November alongside Martin Kemp! The show took place at The London Palladium with performances from the likes of Heather Small, Howard Jones and Mica Paris.
Find out how you can listen to the Greatest Hits Radio Live show here.
Kate was looking glamorous at the event and revealed that the night at the Palladium was one of the best moments from her time at Greatest Hits Radio!
Is Kate Thornton on Instagram?
She sure is! You can follow Kate Thornton on Instagram: thekatethornton.
You can also keep up with Kate's show on the Greatest Hits Radio Instagram page.
Can I get Greatest Hits Radio in my car?
You sure can! You can listen to Greatest Hits Radio on FM in the car, as well as on DAB. If your car does not have DAB, you can listen with a low-cost DAB converter or adapter.
Double check your FM frequency for Greatest Hits Radio.
Do I need to log in to listen to Greatest Hits Radio?
You will now need to log in to listen to Greatest Hits Radio on our website or on the app. If you already have a Greatest Hits Radio or Planet Radio account, you don't need to do anything! Having an account means we can offer you the best service possible - from full access to our on-demand content, subscribing features, pausing and notifications.
Why do I need to log in?
Having an account means you will have greater access to more on demand content, including The Simon Mayo Drive Time Show and Jenny Powell's Weekend Breakfast Club. As well as being able to listen again for 30 days, you can bookmark your favourite shows and episodes.
If you are yet to make an account - it's simple! On the browser you'll, need to head to the ‘sign in’ button in the top right corner, then just follow the instructions to create an account.
Who are the Greatest Hits Radio presenters?
Greatest Hits Radio have plenty of presenters ensuring that we are always bringing you the biggest songs from the 70s, 80s & 90s! From Simon Mayo to Jackie Brambles, and Ken Bruce to Martin Kemp, the good times truly sound like this!
Check out the Greatest Hits Radio schedule here.
Check out some of our favourite female musicians from the 70s, 80s & 90s below:
Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was certified as the most-awarded female artist of ALL TIME. She was an incredible talent and had hits including 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' and 'I Will Always Love You'.
She has sold over 200 million records worldwide and has left a lasting influence on other singers in the modern music industry. A biopic celebrating her incredible life, called I Wanna Dance With Somebody, was released in December 2022.
Tina Turner
A.K.A. the 'Queen of Rock n Roll', Tina Turner wowed audiences for over half a century - receiving 12 Grammy Awards and selling over 100 million records.
As a testament to how much of star she was, Tina was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. Although she retired from music in 2009, tributes to the superstar continued, with a musical about her created in 2018, and a documentary about her life released in 2021. Sadly, in May 2023, Tina Tuner passed away at the age of 83. Her publicist confirmed that she passed "peacefully", following a long illness.
Madonna
Madonna debuted as a solo artist in the early 1980s and hasn't stopped since. She is known as the Queen of Pop and rose to fame with the release of her self-titled album in 1983, with her song 'Holiday' gaining international recognition in the charts.
Since then, she has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has won 14 ASCAP Awards, two BRIT Awards, two Golden Globes, and seven Grammys - to name just a few of her achievements.
She is currently working on a "visual autobiography" film about her life and career which she has co-written and will direct.
ABBA's Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad
Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad were half of ABBA, one of the biggest pop acts ever and one of the best-selling groups of all time. They released hits including 'Mamma Mia', 'Dancing Queen' and 'Waterloo'.
The group made a spectacular return to music in 2021 with the release of their final album 'Voyage', and their world-renowned concert experience - titled ABBA Voyage - which features digital recreations, or avatars, of theirselves which have certainly wowed fans.
Blondie's Debbie Harry
The iconic Debbie Harry was one of the co-founders of rock band Blondie. The band made a name for themselves as pioneers of the American new wave scene in the 70s and 80s, with her unique voice leading hit songs like 'Call Me', 'Heart of Glass', 'One Way Or Another' and 'Maria'.
Debbie Harry is a legendary musician, known not only for her talented vocals, but also her style. Blondie still create new music, with Blondie taking to the stage at Glastonbury 2023.
Cher
Although she initially gained popularity as one half of Sonny and Cher alongside her then-husband in the 1960s, Cher has gone on to enjoy an incredible solo career, as well as being an actress, producer, author and philanthropist.
Cher is also the only artist to have achieved a Number 1 single on a Billboard chart for six decades - talk about inspirational!
Patti Smith
Central to the New York post-punk movement in the 1970s, Patti Smith fused punk and poetry in her work. She is a singer, songwriter, poet, musician and author.
In December 2021, she was awarded with the key to New York City for her authenticity and her "ability to cut through all the swirl around us and speak some more profound truths" throughout the 70s and 80s.
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin was a singer, songwriter, actress and civil rights activist. She received a number of the highest awards in music throughout her long career, but perhaps the most prestigious award was when she was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bush in 2005.
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is known as the Queen of Country, and as well as bringing out incredible hits like '9 To 5', 'It's All Wrong, But It's All Right' and 'Jolene', she's also known for her philanthropy.
Through The Dollywood Foundation she has helped to provide free books for children, scholarship programs and has worked with non-profits to improve the lives those in need.
In 2022, Dolly released her first novel called Run, Rose, Run along with an accompanying album by the same name. She then teased the release of her rock album, after it was revealed she had been chosen to be inducted into the 2022 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her rock album, 'Rockstar', was then released on 17th November 2023.
Alanis Morissette
Alanis first enjoyed mainstream success with her 1995 album 'Jagged Little Pill'. She won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year at the 1996 ceremony.
A Broadway musical by the same name was created in 2018, inspired by the album and using Alanis' music.
Shania Twain
Shania has sold over 100 million records across the globe and she is one of the most successful country artists of all time. That DOES impress us much.
In 2022, she released a documentary about her life and career called Not Just A Girl, and in February 2023 released her sixth studio album 'Queen of Me'. Then, in September 2023, she toured across the UK with shows in London, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds.
Diana Ross
Born and raised in Detroit, Diana Ross first found stardom with Motown girl group The Supremes. They became one of the best-selling groups of all time with songs like 'Come See About Me' and 'Where Did Our Love Go'.
Diana showed the world she's still got it with the release of her 25th studio album 'Thank You' in November 2021. In her return to music she also played the Legends Slot at Glastonbury Festival 2022.
Mariah Carey
Amongst other achievements, Mariah Carey is the undisputed 'Queen of Christmas' with her hit 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' making its way into the charts every year.
She is also known for her distinctive voice and impressive five octave vocal range, which she has been training since she started singing lessons at the age of four.
Chrissie Hynde
Singer-songwriter Chrissie Hynde is the founder of US rock group The Pretenders. The band has continued to make amazing music, and released their most recent album 'Relentless' in September 2023 - serving as their 12th studio album.
Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper is responsible for one of the biggest female anthems of all time. 'Girls Just Want To Have Fun' was released in 1983 and in 2021 the music video reached over 1 billion views on YouTube!
Speaking about making the music video, Cyndi said: "It was really important to me to make sure we included women from every walk of life. I wanted every little girl watching the video to have the joyful experience of seeing herself on that screen. I wanted us to be a community."
Kim Wilde
80s sensation Kim Wilde has given us numerous hits over the years and won the BRIT Award for Best British Female Solo Artist in 1983.
As well as her debut track 'Kids In America' which came out in 1981, she went on to record over 60 singles and 14 studio albums. She is still performing and regualrly plays at festivals across the UK.
Donna Summer
Disco Queen Donna Summer made her mark in the 70s and her hit 'I Feel Love' remains a dance floor essential to this day. The song is thought to have influenced artists like David Bowie, Brian Eno and Blondie.
Bananarama
With a decade-spanning career and 30 million record sales together, 80s duo Bananarama have certainly made their mark in the music industry. They released their 12th studio album together called 'Masquerade' in 2022.
Speaking about their career, Sara Dallin said: "When we started out, we could never have envisaged that we would be doing this for 40 years. I remember in the early days, I was 26 at the time, and someone in an interview said we were pushing 30 and we were getting a bit old to make music. Women in the music industry were seen as having a shelf life."
Stevie Nicks
There couldn't be a list of influential female musicians without Stevie Nicks. The singer and songwriter joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975 along with her then-boyfriend Lindsey Buckingham. Fleetwood Mac's album 'Rumours' is one of the best-selling of all time and Stevie has also enjoyed an incredible solo career!
In 2023, Stevie had her very own Barbie made by Mattel, wearing Stevie's iconic 'Rumours' outfit. The singer said: "When I look at her I see my 27-year-old self. I am her and she is me."
Stevie is now set to take to the stage at BST Hyde Park in July 2024.
Christine McVie
Also an integral part of Fleetwood Mac was Christine McVie, who joined the group in 1968 as a singer and keyboardist. She was also a talented songwriter, contributing to the band's albums as well as releasing three of her own solo albums.
Christine sadly passed away in November 2022 following a short illness, with tributes pouring in for the talented musician.
Kate Bush
Kate Bush shot onto the music scene in 1978 with her track 'Wuthering Heights', which topped the charts.
She went on to release amazing hits including 'Never for Ever', 'Hounds of Love' and of course 'Running Up That Hill', which saw a resurgence in 2022 due to featuring in popular Netflix show Stranger Things. The 1985 song topped the charts for the first time and Kate said of its success: "I thought that the track would get some attention. But I just never imagined that it would be anything like this. It's so exciting. But it's quite shocking really, isn't it? I mean, the whole world's gone mad."
Chaka Khan
'I'm Every Woman' singer Chaka Khan has enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades. She was the first R&B artist to have a crossover hit featuring a rapper, 'I Feel For You' in 1984. She has won a total of 10 Grammy Awards!
Annie Lennox
From her time in Eurythmics as well as her solo career, Annie Lennox has had a lot of hits and a total of 14 studio albums! The group was chosen to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
As well as being a talented singer and songwriter, Annie Lennox is a human rights activist and feminist who launched a global campaign called Circles of Change to raise funds for vulnerable women and girls across the world.
Heather Small
As the lead singer for M People, Heather Small collaborated on hit songs 'Moving on Up', 'Search for the Hero', and 'One Night In Heaven', before embarking on a solo career.
The soul singer has released several solo albums including hit songs like 'Holding On' and 'Proud'.
Bonnie Tyler
Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler released her debut album 'The World Starts Tonight' in 1977 and has given us numerous anthems including chart-topping 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart' and 'Holding Out For A Hero'.
In 2013, she represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest where she sang 'Believe in Me' and came in 19th place. The singer also appeared as herself on Hollyoaks in 2009.
Belinda Carlisle
Go-Gos singer Belinda Carlisle joined the band when it formed in 1978 and pursued her solo career after they split in 1985. The group got back together in 1999, and Belinda continues to perform with them as well as working on her solo music.
As part of the group Belinda was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011.
Her solo music includes incredible hits like 'Heaven Is A Place On Earth', 'Circle in the Sand', 'Mad About You', and 'I Get Weak'.
Candi Staton
Starting her music career in the late 60s, Candi Staton has explored many genres throughout her decade-spanning career, including R&B, disco, soul and gospel. She gave us incredible tracks like 'You Got the Love', 'Young Hearts Run Free' and 'Stand By Your Man'.
Justine Frischmann
Justine Frischmann co-founded band Suede alongside her then boyfriend Brett Andersen in the late 80s. After their relationship hit the rocks, she formed band Elastica in 1992. They became one of the standout bands of the Britpop era.
Dolores O'Riordan
Dolores O'Riordan was a musician, singer, songwriter and lead vocalist of the popular 90s band The Cranberries. They were known for their huge hits 'Linger' and 'Zombie' - both still incredibly popular tracks to this day.
Mica Paris
Soul singer Mica Paris is known for her songs 'My One Temptation', 'Where Is The Love' and 'I Never Felt Like This Before'. She has also tried her hand at acting, appearing in several roles including as Ellie Nixon in EastEnders in 2020, and as Amelia Walker in Agatha Christie's Marple in 2007.
Mica told Jackie Brambles about how Prince helped get her career started when he invited her to an after-show concert: "At the gig I took the mic and sang 'Just My Imagination' and the next day we were in all the papers and then 'My One Temptation' came out and I really think that Prince played a massive part in that song being such a big hit."
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