John Gillmore
John Gillmore | |
|---|---|
| Born | Prescot, England |
| Career | |
| Station(s) | BBC Radio Lancashire, BBC Radio Cumbria, BBC Radio Merseyside |
| Country | United Kingdom |
John "Gilly" Gillmore (born c. 1956)[1][2] is an English broadcaster and compere. During his 38-year career, he was a presenter on BBC Radio Lancashire, BBC Radio Cumbria and BBC Radio Merseyside.[3][4]
Career[edit]
Born in Prescot, Gillmore got his start in voiceover work for commercial radio, and volunteered in hospital radio at Whiston Hospital.[1] He landed his first stint as a presenter at Red Rose Radio in 1985,[1] where he worked for 13 years, presenting every programme on the station.[5]
Gillmore went on to work as a broadcaster for various stations throughout the United Kingdom, including Rock FM,[6] The Bay (Lancaster) and most recently on BBC Radio Lancashire starting in 2005.[7] His shows were often simulcast on BBC Radio Cumbria and BBC Radio Merseyside.[8]
On 5 October 2023, Gillmore hosted his final Late Show, due to BBC Local Radio cuts, much to the dismay of listeners and politicians. Gillmore currently hosts events across Lancashire with local authors.[4][9]
Awards[edit]
Gillmore is a Guinness World Record holder, for the most radio interviews conducted in 24 hours.[4] Gilly held 293 interviews during his "Gillathon", in aid of BBC Children in Need in 2014. During a 24 hour period, Gillmore asked 1,649 unique questions to girl guides, a choir, and members of a jujitsu club. He also won the Lancashire Ambassador Award at the Best of Lancashire Awards in 2022.[7]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Marshall, Jack (7 October 2022). "BBC Radio Lancashire legend John 'Gilly' Gillmore on career highlights, Guinness World Records, and having fun ahead of final show". Retrieved 5 January 2024.
- ^ "John Gillmore - BBC".
- ^ "Late night local radio presenters across the BBC say goodbye to listeners - Radio Today".
- ^ a b c Farnworth, Amy (6 October 2023). "Radio legend John Gillmore leaves BBC Radio Lancashire". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
- ^ "Presenter profile: John Gillmore". BBC Lancashire. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
- ^ "In pictures: Rock FM's past and present DJs reunite at Preston Church for emotional farewell - Lancashire Evening Post".
- ^ a b "Gillathon: BBC's John Gillmore's interview world record". BBC News. 13 November 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
- ^ "Preston's John 'Gilly' Gillmore prepares for final BBC Radio Lancashire show - BlogPreston".
- ^ "Politicians rally round Radio Lancashire as shake-up puts presenters and local shows at risk". Lancashire Evening Post.