The man who launched Chris Evans showbiz career is predicting he can be "bigger than Wogan", as the ginger-haired DJ takes the hot-seat for the first time on Monday.
Timmy Mallet first hired Evans as a teenager to work alongside him on local radio in Manchester, and has spent days working with him on dry runs for his new BBC show.
Madcap Mallet says that the talent he spotted in Evans in 1983 will see him win the hearts of the nation as he takes Terry Wogan's place on the Radio 2 breakfast show.
Warrington-born Evans has a reputation for turning-up late and pundits fear he will struggle to meet the punishing schedule of a daily 7am start.
But Mallet who shot to national fame when he fronted the kids show "Wacaday" on TVAM in the 1980s, predicts Evans will rise to the challenge.
Mallet said: "Chris has run a lot of material past me and we have been doing dry runs of the show.
"He has been working tremendously hard and he is a real professional. He understands the formula that is required for a successful breakfast show.
"He knows that radio is showbusiness and that you can't just waltz into the studio and expect it to happen.
"I am expecting him to be delightfully, wonderfully 'Chris'. I saw from the very start back on Piccadilly Radio what a big personality he has and that will always win through.
"There is no doubt that Terry Wogan is a hard act to follow but Chris just needs to be himself and the audience will love him.
"I've no doubt that he will be able to keep the Terry's audience and indeed he will even be able to recruit more listeners.
"The audience is willing him to succeed. Chris is bound to be nervous to start with.
"It's a big challenge but he's matured and I'm sure the show will be a huge success."
Cologne Girls Choir to join girl choristers from both Liverpool Cathedrals for unique concert
(Tue 22/05)
Liverpool Music Awards 2012 Launches
(Tue 22/05)
Post a comment