Why is Gary Davies on Radio 2 Today? Who is Gary Davies?
by Ushapriyanga
Updated Jul 25, 2023
Who is Gary Davies?
Gary Davies, a British broadcaster, had an extensive career in the entertainment industry. Before joining BBC Radio 1 in 1982, he ventured into various fields, including marketing for a mail order company, working with a Rawtenstall-based company that manufactured candlewick bathroom and bedroom soft furnishings, and managing a disco in Manchester.
In the late 1970s, he showcased his DJ skills at Placemate 7 in Manchester, where he regularly hosted artists in Placemate 4 music rooms. Gary's broadcasting journey began in 1979 when he landed a role at Manchester's Piccadilly Radio. His debut on BBC Radio 1 took place on December 4, 1982, presenting a Saturday late-night show.
Notably, he quickly earned a spot on the lineup of presenters for the iconic BBC television show, Top of the Pops, alongside his Radio 1 colleagues. Throughout the next decade, from 1982 to 1993, Gary Davies cemented his reputation as a BBC Radio 1 disc jockey and became a regular face on Top of the Pops.
Name
Gary Davies
Age
65 years old
Birth Date
December 13, 1957
Birth Place
England
Country
England
Why is Gary Davies on Radio 2 Today?
On February 24, 2023, an announcement was made regarding the lineup changes at BBC Radio 2. Starting from March 6, there would be a temporary presenter taking over the mid-morning show, which was previously hosted by Ken Bruce. This decision came following Ken Bruce's departure from the station.
The chosen temporary presenter to fill in during this period was Davies. The specific identity of Davies is not mentioned in the given information. Davies will be responsible for hosting the mid-morning show on BBC Radio 2 until the new permanent presenter, Vernon Kay, officially takes over the position in May.
Gary Davies Age
Gary Davies, a 65-year-old actor, hails from Manchester, England, UK. He is best known for his appearances in various television shows and events. Notably, he gained recognition for his roles in "A Bit of Fry and Laurie" (1987), "Montreux Rock Festival" (1987), and "Sky-Fi" (1984).
In the entertainment industry, Gary Davies has established himself as a versatile actor with a notable presence on television. One of his significant roles was in "A Bit of Fry and Laurie," a popular comedy sketch show that aired in 1987. The series, created by and starring Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, received critical acclaim for its wit and humor.
Furthermore, his participation in "Sky-Fi" in 1984 highlights his presence in the science fiction genre. "Sky-Fi" was likely a television program or event that featured science fiction-themed content, possibly including films, discussions, or performances related to the genre. This role may have allowed him to explore different aspects of acting and engage with fans of science fiction.
Gary Davies Wife
Gary Davies is married to Lisa Tchenguiz. Their marriage took place in 1990. However, their union eventually came to an end, and they got divorced in 2001. Gary Davies, the British broadcaster and actor, was in a marital relationship with Lisa Tchenguiz, whose full name is Lisa Tchenguiz-Neville.
Lisa Tchenguiz is a businesswoman and philanthropist from the well-known Tchenguiz family, which has extensive business interests in property and other industries. Their wedding in 1990 marked the beginning of their journey as a married couple.
Throughout their marriage, they likely experienced moments of joy, challenges, and shared experiences. However, as time went on, they faced difficulties that ultimately led to the decision to part ways. The divorce, which occurred in 2001, marked the end of their marriage and legal recognition of their separation.
Gary Davies Career
In 1984, Gary Davies took over the lunchtime show on BBC Radio 1 and gave it the name "The Bit in the Middle." This show featured various entertaining segments, including 'The Day-To-Day Challenge,' where a daily contestant would answer quiz questions and attempt to upgrade their prize.
Another fun segment was 'Willy on the Plonker,' where Davies would play a well-known hit on the piano in a humorous and exaggerated manner, and listeners had to identify the song.
On Sunday, September 6, 1987, Davies had the opportunity to present the Sunday afternoon stereo countdown of the Top 40 from 5 pm to 7 pm, filling in for Bruno Brookes. This provided him with a chance to showcase his hosting skills to a broader audience.
Davies' popularity was further boosted by his promotion, using the catchphrase "Young, Free and Single," along with the memorable jingle "Wooh! Gary Davies." These elements became synonymous with his brand and style as a radio presenter.
As time went on, the format of Davies' show underwent some changes. In 1991, it was rebranded as "Let's Do Lunch," incorporating new features. One of these was 'Spin & Win,' a variation of the previous 'Willy on the Plonker' segment. In 'Spin & Win,' a cryptic clue replaced the frenetic piano playing, and listeners had to solve the clue to identify the song.
Another new addition to the show was the 'Classic Track' segment, which featured a piece of classical music, showcasing a diverse range of music genres. The beloved segment known as 'The Sloppy Bit,' where listeners could dedicate songs to loved ones, was retained but renamed as 'Lots of Love.'
To keep the show engaging, Davies introduced 'The Non-Stop Half Hour' after the 2.30 pm news until 3 pm. During this segment, he played half an hour of continuous music, providing an uninterrupted listening experience for his audience.
Regarding the chart rundown, there were changes made with the updated technology. The chart rundown was moved to Sundays from October 4, 1987. However, instead of focusing solely on the UK singles chart, Davies also presented countdowns of the US chart and the UK album chart. Notably, the US chart featured was not the official Billboard chart, but an airplay-only chart compiled by Radio and Records magazine.
These adaptations and innovations in Gary Davies' show demonstrated his versatility as a radio presenter and his ability to keep his audience entertained with a mix of music, games, and engaging segments. His charismatic style and lively showmanship contributed to his enduring popularity during his tenure at BBC Radio 1.
Why is Gary Davies on Radio 2 Today-FAQs
Gary Davies is a British broadcaster and actor who gained popularity for his work in the entertainment industry, particularly as a radio presenter and television personality.
Gary Davies is known for his appearances in television shows like "A Bit of Fry and Laurie" (1987), "Montreux Rock Festival" (1987), and "Sky-Fi" (1984).
Gary Davies joined BBC Radio 1 in 1982, where he presented a Saturday late-night show. He quickly became a regular presenter on the iconic BBC television show, "Top of the Pops."
Gary Davies' lunchtime show on BBC Radio 1 was called "The Bit in the Middle." It featured entertaining segments like 'The Day-To-Day Challenge' and 'Willy on the Plonker.
In 1991, Gary Davies' show was rebranded as "Let's Do Lunch." New features were introduced, including 'Spin & Win' and the 'Classic Track' segment, along with the retention of the beloved segment, now renamed 'Lots of Love.