Get to know our Big John @ Breakfast team: The Breakfast presenters answer our Q&A
From their go-to karaoke anthems to favourite guests!
Last updated 22nd Apr 2024
Nah then, here at Hits Radio South Yorkshire, we all know our wonderful breakfast presenters - Big John @ Breakfast, Producer James, and our favourite chaotic mother, Liesl who we wake up to with a good ol' brew. But, how well do we really know them? Reyt, we've got our Q&A ere to help you find out everything you need to know about em!
From each of their favourite guests on the show, to go-to karaoke anthems, get to know Big John, Producer James, and Liesl as they share ways which you can listen, take part, and enjoy their 240 - minute daily dose of South Yorkshire goodness...
What can the people of South Yorkshire expect from your show?
Big John told us: 'A cocktail of inspiration, stimulation and pure joy... we seem to have accidentally created a beautiful community of friends who check in every morning with us.'
Of course James shared his thoughts: 'A fun chat with your mates the moment you wake up, mixed with the best tunes and biggest throwbacks. It's an open door, we won't judge. Much.'
Liesl summarised the show in one word: 'FUN'.
What is your favourite thing about presenting show?
Big John, James and Liesl all agree that the best thing about presenting the show is all down to the 'wonderful people of South Yorkshire! Hearing all the funny and unbelievable stories!'
Big John added: 'I’m honestly humbled that people in South Yorkshire are up for sharing their most vulnerable/humiliating/awkward moments with us every morning!'
Who's the best guest you've had on the show and why?
Big John shared with us his favourite guests: ' We love getting the musicians we play on the radio, to join us for breakfast. But my favourite guests have always been comedians and people who can make everyone laugh in the morning'- giving a special shout out to Peter Kay, Michael McIntyre, Jon Richardson, Sarah Millican, Katherine Ryan, Ant & Dec, Alan Carr and his brother Jimmy.
Liesl shared her love for TV presenter and actress, Cat Deeley describing her as 'Charismatic and fun!'
Producer James told us: 'We've had so many, but if pushed it's probably between Harry Styles, Ricky Gervais, or a hamster that talked.'
What's your biggest highlight from the show?
Liesl told us: 'It must be the time when Big John had one part of his leg waxed. It never grew back...'. We can vouch for this and can 100% say, it has not grown back. Producer James said: 'It must be, hmmm... when we hit the news on time.' Don't worry South Yorkshire, they always get the news out on time!
Big John reminisced on all the good memories, sharing this fond moment: 'Taking the show on the road – all around South Yorkshire is always good. Then one day we did the show from New York! There was the time we got the first ever flight out of Doncaster Airport and did the show as we went on the run around Palma! Oh, and then the time we did the show from paradise, the Maldives! Did that really happen? Why don’t we do that again? '
What's your ultimate throwback song?
Big John shared his love for cheesy throwbacks: ' I’m a sucker for cheesy dance throwbacks. So I love playing songs like Sing It Back, Music Sounds Better With You, Step On. Anything by Daft Punk, Chicane, Sonique.'
Liesl agreed with Big John's answer and also added: 'Wannabe by the Spice Girls'.
Producer James told us: ' Impossible question, it's like picking your favourite kid. (Which I do have by the way) '
How to listen to Hits Radio South Yorkshire
Tune into Hits Radio South Yorkshire on 97.4 FM for Sheffield, 102.9 FM for Barnsley, and 103.4 for the rest of South Yorkshire, online, on our Hallam FM app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Hits Radio South Yorkshire’ on your Smart Speaker. We give you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you’ve missed from the last few years.
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Meet our other presenters:
Angellica Bell, James Barr & Matt Haslam
Wake the fun up on Saturday mornings with Angellica Bell, James Barr & Matt Haslam. Angellica is sitting in for Fleur while she taking a break with her baby! This jam-packed show brings you the biggest laughs, the biggest competitions and your favourite stars all while playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks Saturdays from 9am.
Gemma Atkinson & Mike Toolan
Gemma Atkinson & Mike Toolan get you home weekdays from 4pm. Expect plenty of laughs with the biggest hits and throwbacks!
Sam Thompson
Every weeknight Hits Radio is THE place to be, as Sam Thompson brings you The Hits Radio Evening Show from 7pm. He's joined by the world's biggest stars and has the best playlist to soundtrack your evening.
Plus, on Sunday afternoons Sam Thompson counts down the UK's 40 biggest hits on the Hits UK Chart.
Tom Green
Tom Green kicks off your workday from 10am with an entire hour of huge throwbacks.
Then continue your day with a tasty selection of hits, throwbacks and a lot to make you smile!
Hattie Pearson
We don't do the post lunch slump! From 1pm, there's big tunes all afternoon and MASSIVE money to be won, Hattie will see you through your afternoon in style.
Owen Warner
Owen Warner kickstarts your weekend on Friday Night Hits and Saturday Night Hits from 7pm. He's got the ultimate playlist to get you ready for the weekend, with the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks as well as some incredible celebrity guests. Don't miss it!
Mary Mandefield
Mary Mandefield gives your Sunday morning the kickstart it needs with hits, throwbacks and plenty of giggles as you wake up. Listen Sunday morning from 6-9am.
Wes & Sheree
Spend your Sunday morning with Wes Butters and Sheree Murphy. Loads of great tunes and a good laugh to kick off your Sunday. Listen from 9am.
Sarah-Jane Crawford
Whether you're heading back from the shops, the game or getting ready for an evening at home, our very own SJC has the perfect mix of Hits and Throwbacks to take your Saturday afternoon into Saturday night mode! Join Sarah-Jane Crawford Saturday afternoons from 4-7pm. You can also catch Sarah-Jane weeknights from 10pm on Hits Radio.
Stephanie Hirst
Your Saturday night party is ON with Stephanie Hirst's belters! From 11pm every Saturday Stephanie plays nothing but the best dance-floor throwbacks from the 90s & 00s. Plus, every Sunday evening from 7pm, Steph plays nothing but the biggest throwbacks in the mix.
How to listen to the Breakfast show:
Turn it up with Hits Radio South Yorkshire! Home of Big John @ Breakfast, Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on 97.4 FM for Sheffield, 102.9 FM for Barnsley, and 103.4 FM for the rest of South Yorkshire, DAB, online, or ask your smart speaker to ‘Play Hits Radio South Yorkshire’.