Nolan hits another high note
AWARD-winning radio presenter Stephen Nolan is set to host Five Live's prestigious Drivetime news and current affairs show for a week beginning December 28.
The news comes hot on the heels of the 36-year-old celebrating another bumper season of ratings success for both his Belfast and network Five Live show.
But in his next step up the media ladder, Stephen is now to stand in for Peter Allen on Five Live's Drivetime programme, which includes a round-up of the day's top news and sport, plus interviews with the people at the centre of the stories.
Peter Allen, who has 40 years' experience in journalism, co-presents Drivetime on BBC Radio 5 Live with Anita Amand.
Last night Stephen said he was flattered to have been asked to stand in for "one of the most respected broadcasters in the country - even if it is only for a few days".
"News and current affairs is now at the heart of everything I do for the BBC and I can't wait to present the Drivetime show for the network between Christmas and the New Year," he said.
"I've spoken to Peter a few times when I've been working in London and this is a real honour. It's like an early Christmas present."
He added that when there is a breaking news story on Five Live "it makes my heart race to be right at the centre of it all".
The Belfast-born presenter said the opportunity comes at a "good time" for him, given that his Radio Ulster Nolan Show has now surged ahead of the rest in recent polls.
"Listeners know I will fight for them and the Nolan Show is now the biggest platform in Northern Ireland for the public to hold politicians to account. It's exciting, it's raw, sometimes it's scary - but it's a lot of fun too," he said.
"I promised to be myself from the day and hour I joined the BBC and I am really grateful to the listeners on both sides of the Irish Sea for supporting me. "Real people talking, fighting and analysing the news in a no holds barred way is what is making both shows sound so authentic. It may sound strange, but yes - I would like to thank all the listeners and politicians for fighting with me every day."
Stephen admitted that politicians have come through a "very rough time recently" adding that he really respects the MLAs and MPs who appear on his shows.
"It is like a boxing match. During the interviews, I will jab away and i'll try to land a knockout punch if I can. But lots of these politicians are strong enough - and good enough - to punch back and that's when it gets really exciting on air.
"The Five Live weekend shows have been going from strength to strength and more of the politicians in Britain are getting used to my style. There's a drama now nearly every show."
Stephen is now also working on a new series to hit the television screens early in 2010.
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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