When he’s not spinning discs, Radio 1’s new drivetime host, Greg, 26, is
preparing for this year’s London Marathon. We tagged along to train with
him. Huff, puff, wheeze etc…
Where Regent’s Park, London
Greg! How’s the training going?
I’m a mess. Yesterday evening I was lying on my bed hungover and wondering
what I was doing with my life. So I forced myself to get up and just start
running, Forrest Gump style. Usually I spend an hour finding my kit before a
run and two hours on the sofa after, so it’s quite time-consuming. But it’s
too late to back out and I’m enjoying it all really.
Have you perfected the art of the “runner’s nod” (a universal silent
acknowledgement among joggers)?
Absolutely. I was doing it to every other runner last night and I got smiles
back. We’re all in the same boat, aren’t we?
Indeed. Have you stocked up on Vaseline to avoid runner’s nipples?
I’m not suffering from them. I’ve got very small nipples, which means there’s
not much contact with my top. I have small ears. But nothing else is small,
promise!
Gulp! You must be in good shape at the moment?
I’m eating lots of porridge and pasta. I’ve been close to having a six-pack in
the past. I can’t be arsed now, but it’s nice to be fit.
Has keen runner Chris Moyles been giving tips?
Yes, he’s been training hard. Every day I squeeze his biceps.
The rumours are you’re being groomed to present his breakfast show…
I’d love the job. There’s something wrong with any daytime DJ who says they
don’t want the breakfast show. But there’s no rush – I’m only 26.
Are you a radio geek?
I always wanted to work in radio. I get paid to be a professional idiot. Chris
Evans was my idol when I was a nerdy 15 year old. But I don’t think I’ll go
off the rails. Although maybe I have and you just haven’t heard about it.
Was it weird when your relationship [to ex-girlfriend, Ellie Goulding, 25] was
all over the papers?
It was at first, when my mates texted to say they’d seen pictures of us in The
Sun. But as long as I’m not portrayed unfairly I don’t mind the attention.
I squeeze Chris Moyles’ biceps every day
Did you wangle a ticket to the Royal Wedding party last April, what with
Ellie playing at it?
She didn’t get a plus one. I was gutted.
You’ve just split after 18 months together. What happened?
This sounds lame but it was amicable. I think we’ll always be friends, but I’m
enjoying being on my own.
So you’re not dating?
I’m having fun meeting people… I had a brilliant night out with Rosie
Huntington-Whiteley last week. She’s amazing looking. [Panicked] But it
wasn’t a date!
What’s next for you?
I’m doing a BBC3 TV series with Russell Kane, but I want to carry on in radio.
Who wouldn’t want to end up like Terry Wogan? Now I’m single I’m going to
focus on work. I’m very competitive.
We can tell. Slow down, will you?
- Greg is running the London Marathon for The Stroke Association. Sponsor him at Uk.virginmoneygiving.com/gregjames.
Catch Greg on BBC Radio 1, weekday afternoons, 4-7pm.
The damage
Pairs of shorts Greg ripped 1
Laps around Regents Park 2
Blisters on Greg’s feet 2
Times Greg offered to show Fabulous his “small” nipples 1
