FEATURE:
A Broadcast Queen and Radio Royalty
PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Jeynes
Why 2025 Is Among the Most Important Years in Lauren Laverne’s Career
__________
AROUND about this time last year…
IN THIS PHOTO: A selection of Lauren Laverne’s personal vinyl, which she brought into BBC Radio 6 Music for this year’s Record Store Day in April
we learned that Lauren Laverne had been diagnosed with cancer. It is a bittersweet time. Recently on her Instagram account, she marked twenty years of marriage. Posting a message and including a photo of the day she married her now-husband Graeme, she also is aware that, a year ago, she was given some devastating news that means she was not completely sure whether she would be around today to post that wonderful anniversary post. That sounds pretty morbid, though summer 2024 must have been a particularly strange and awful time for Lauren Laverne and her family. Fortunately, she received an all clear in November. Last Christmas was must have had even more meaning and importance given the previous months. One of the biggest pleasures of this year is Lauren Laverne returning to her radio duties! She previous covered the breakfast show on BBC Radio 6 Music. That is now being covered by Nick Grimshaw. He has slotted into that role seamlessly and made it his own. Lauren Laverne follows him at ten. She carries the schedule to one in the afternoon. As I write this (31st August), she is off and being covered by other broadcasters. Tomorrow, Jamz Supernova takes her slot and sits in. Laverne has also returned to captain BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs. Unlike her BBC Radio 6 Music show, nobody was sitting in whilst she underwent cancer treatment. There were other commitments and things that were put on hold until she returned. Among them, her presenter role on BBC One’s The One Show. Now, in the summer of 2025 (though tomorrow is the start of meteorological autumn), she is in the position of being back on two radio stations, having that presenter role on BBC One and also having some wonderful opportunities and bookings ahead. There is one in particular that I want to mention.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jonty Davies
Before I get there, there are a few interviews from this year that I want to bring in. As it has been a year where Lauren Laverne has come back to work after what must have been an impossible second half of 2024, I also feel like her passion and drive has grown. One of the jewels in the BBC Radio 6 Music crown, I have gained new appreciation and respect for her broadcasting. Surely, one of the best and most knowledgeable broadcasters in radio history! It is no surprise that there were interview opportunities following her all clear from cancer. Rather than it being opportunistic, it was a chance for people to show their love and hear words from someone who is much loved and missed. Someone who, thankfully, has been able to return to her life and work. Times when there was massive uncertainty about that. Good Housekeeping spoke with Lauren Laverne back in March. It was her first interview after receiving her cancer diagnosis:
“Last summer, Lauren Laverne received a shock diagnosis of cancer, resulting in multiple surgeries, an extended stay in hospital and several months off work. In her first interview since, she sat down with Good Housekeeping to share her experience, and the relief of now being cancer-free.
“I think it’s only when the storm passes that you realise what you’ve been holding in," she says of the emotional release she felt when she left hospital.
The Desert Island Discs presenter shared how cancer was something that had played on her mind, having lost her mother and closest confidante, Celia, to the disease during Glastonbury weekend.
“It was something I’d always been anxious about. Especially if you have family members who’ve been through it, you have a sort of watchfulness about your own health, which is obviously why I got tested for everything and why it was picked up, thank God, so early on,” she says.
Now cancer-free and having returned to The One Show, Desert Island Discs and BBC 6 Music in her new mid-morning time slot, she’s retained a positive outlook, sharing how she might even love her life more than she did before her diagnosis.
“And the truth of that is, like it or not, going through big stuff expands your emotional vocabulary. I’ve learned a massive amount and I hope I’m a better person now. And actually, I probably love my life more now than I did then, because I appreciate everything about it.”
Having been a worrier for much of her life, Lauren has noticed herself let go of the sort of anxiety she’d once have felt, too.
“There’s a new fearlessness. I mean, what’s life going to throw at me that’s worse than that? You’re not frightened of things going wrong because things have gone wrong," she says.
“It was like the monster came out from under the bed and you got a good look. And it’s kind of like, ‘Oh, well, I’ve seen it now.’ And so there was a kind of peace about that and I didn’t know how long that would last, but it’s very much still there. I don’t worry in the way that I used to worry”.
I think it was important to source that interview, as Laverne is very open and honest. The experiences of cancer in her family. How her own diagnosis came as a massive shock, but also a time when she was hugely busy with work. It is good that a positive has come from things! How Laverne has encountered something as awful as cancer. So what else can come at her? She has passed through it and, let’s hope, everything moving forward will be success, love and happiness! I think you can hear and feel that positivity and new strength in her work. Going from strength to strength on Desert Island Discs in terms of her interview brilliance and the range of guests/castaways she has spoken with, I also feel that she has hit a new stride on her BBC Radio 6 Music show. Perhaps the later timeslot is more favourable! The only other interview I could find from this year is from Town and Country House. They spoke with Lauren Laverne ahead of the 6 Music Festival in Greater Manchester in March. Laverne talked about all things joy:
“What’s bringing you joy at the moment?
Music, which has always been a huge part of my life. Last year I had a period of illness and for a while couldn’t listen to it – it was just too much emotionally. When I found the joy in it again I knew I was getting better. Now I’m back on 6 Music every weekday 10am–1pm and discovering new music all the time. I love it more than ever.
Best life hack you can share with us?
If you’ve got something good to say, say it. Speak up for what you love, praise people when they deserve it, give compliments. It makes other people happy and it makes your own life better.
A moment that changed everything?
Meeting my husband. We worked together on a TV show. That day it was his job to throw a bread roll at my face (don’t ask) but for budgetary reasons the roll was stale. It cut my nose and we had to film the rest of the day in profile, but it did mean I noticed him.
Where do you go to escape?
Alexandra Park. Seven acres with the most beautiful views overlooking London. Having grown up with easy access to the beach I always loved the perspective sea views give you. This is my city equivalent.
How can we save the world?
By choosing to. When I interviewed the climate scientist Corinne Le Quéré for her episode of Desert Island Discs she told me that we already have the scientific innovations and means, what we lack is the will to implement them.
Your greatest failure?
I didn’t go to university. I was supposed to take up a place at Durham University to read Medieval Studies but signed a record deal instead. I still daydream about going back sometimes.
Lauren Laverne’s Quick Fire Favourites
Scent… Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady
Box Set… Mad Men
Chocolate… Green & Black’s 70%
Song… Fela Kuti, ‘Let’s Start’
Dish… My husband’s Sunday roast
Gadget… Lakeland heated airer
Restaurant… J Sheekey.
Holiday… Puglia with my best friend’s family”.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jonty Davies
I will end by returning briefly to that Good Housekeeping interview and another extract. Rather than dwell on the uncertainty and struggles of last summer, it is worth highlighting this year. Since returning to Desert Island Discs at the end of last year and BBC Radio 6 Music earlier this year, Laverne has undertaken some hosting duties and has experienced some career highlights. However, few can compare to her receiving the 2025 MPG Special Recognition Award in March. It was a moment that not only confirmed how influential and important a broadcaster she is. It also added something extra special to a year of return, regrowth and rebuild. Connecting with her BBC Radio 6 Music family has been especially important. Music Week reported on a modern broadcasting great rightly being awarded and recognised:
“The Music Producers Guild, in association with Dolby and Mix With Masters, has revealed Lauren Laverne as this year’s winner of the MPG Special Recognition Award. The announcement comes as Laverne returns to BBC Radio 6 Music with a new show, following her return to Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs at the end of last year.
Lorna Clarke, BBC director of music, commented: “Lauren is a world-class broadcaster who we are privileged to say has been sharing her knowledge and passion for music with 6 Music listeners for over 16 years. It’s wonderful to see her dedication celebrated with this MPG Special Recognition Award, following her recent return to the station with her new mid-morning show. Congratulations Lauren, this is richly deserved.”
“The Music Producers Guild is delighted to honour Lauren Laverne with this year’s Special Recognition Award for her unwavering commitment to championing new music,” added Anu Pillai, executive director of the MPG. “As a celebrated broadcaster on BBC Radio 6 Music and television, Lauren has continually spotlighted emerging talent and the innovative music production that is a hallmark of British musical culture. This accolade recognises her impact on the music industry and reaffirms our dedication to nurturing the dynamic relationship between artists and the producers who bring their music to life”.
Very recently, Lauren Laverne was announced as the host of this year’s Mercury Prize. Having hosted the awards before, it is great news that she gets top do it again! It is another piece of great news in a year that has been so important for so many reasons. The twelve albums in the Mercury Prize shortlist will be announced on 10th September. I think that Sam Fender, Lambrini Girls and Heartworms will be among those in the running:
“BBC Radio 6 Music's Lauren Laverne has been announced as the host of this year's Mercury Prize.
The ceremony will take place in Newcastle on 16 October, marking the first time the event has been held outside of London.
The Mercury Prize is one of the most prestigious industry awards, celebrating the best British and Irish albums of the year and previous winners include Ezra Collective, Little Simz, Arctic Monkeys, Portishead and Pulp.
Alongside the awards show, the Mercury Prize Newcastle Fringe has also been announced with events taking place across the north-east of England.
Laverne, from Sunderland, has hosted the awards before and is a champion of the North East music scene.
Music agency Generator is organising the fringe events, which will span all seven council areas of the North East Combined Authority and will provide opportunities for local talent.
Running from 9 to 15 October, live gigs, workshops and roundtables will be taking place at The Glasshouse in Gateshead, Pop Recs in Sunderland, Queen's Hall Arts in Hexham, and World Headquarters and the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle.
English Teacher won the Mercury Prize in 2024
The Mercury Prize shortlist will be announced on 10 September.
The 16 October ceremony, held at the Utilita Arena and to be broadcast by the BBC, will feature live performances from some of the 12 shortlisted artists, culminating in the announcement of the winner”.
PHOTO CREDIT: BBC/Ray Burmiston
Although not technically and strictly related to work, there is another interview I want to highlight. It provides a bit of insight into Lauren Laverne’s London. The Standard spoke with her in June. We got to learn about some of her hangs, favourite spots and treasures. Having called Muswell Hill home for the past two decades, it is interesting learning about Laverne’s relationship with the city and who her heroes are:
“Which shops do you rely on?
Liberty — if it’s good enough for Emma Stone’s Cruella it’s good enough for me. Space NK in Covent Garden, where I could happily spend the whole day just smelling things. Foyles bookshop — same as Space NK but the smell is books. Audio Gold in Crouch End is my local record shop and sound system experts. The loveliest people and so knowledgeable. Dunns Bakery in Muswell Hill is an institution. Get the rosemary sourdough with salted crust, toast and butter it and watch your life change.
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
Dickens. He knew every side of the city and the way he articulated its energy and people has become part of our collective memory.
What’s the best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?
We always end up talking about music! I had one who has a successful sideline as a house DJ and had just bought a record label. We had a good time chatting a load of Balearics …
What’s your biggest extravagance?
Museum memberships and theatre tickets.
What’s your London secret?
Going to the clock gallery in the British Museum at 10 to twelve on a weekday and just waiting for everything to go off … symphonic!
What are you up to for work?
Getting the nation to start its day dancing on my 6 Music show, talking about life and music with a fascinating castaway on Desert Island Discs, and chewing the fat and having fun with The One Show team each. I’m also about to head back to Glastonbury to bring the event into listeners and viewers’ homes with the BBC.
Who is your hero?
Annie Nightingale taught me how to be joyful while also changing things — she always made being a pioneer look like a party! And my mam, who was the wisest, cleverest, most encouraging person I have ever known”.
I forgot to mention that Lauren Laverne also hosted at Glastonbury this year. It has been a busy and varied year for her. Not only stepping back into her radio roles and being back at a BBC One flagship show, she has presented, collected an award, seen a new audience flock to her morning show, and she will host the upcoming Mercury Prize. She can look back at the past eight or nine months with huge pride! Although she has already accomplished so much in her career, I think this year has been particularly special and important. She has hosted some of her best Desert Island Discs episodes. She sounds happier and more passionate about her BBC Radio 6 Music family than ever before. I also love the fact that there are various events that I have not even mentioned that she has been involved with. Announced as the first-even Patron of the Children’s Book Project, this is something that means a lot to her: “Childhood book poverty means fewer opportunities for families to share time together, for children to discover new ideas, or to find refuge in stories and pictures. It affects how young people see themselves and their access to education. I’m proud to support the Children’s Book Project and look forward to working with them to shine a light on this important issue – and to engage publishers and book-buying families in making a difference”. Also, back in May, Laverne hosted the British Book Awards 2025, also known as the Nibbies, with Rhys Stephenson.
IN THIS PHOTO: Lauren Laverne at this year’s Glastonbury Festival/PHOTO CREDIT: Ali Dunwell
I am going to end by returning to the first interview I sourced, from Good Housekeeping. This extract is a good place to end. I would urge anyone who may not e familiar with Lauren Laverne to check out her amazing work. Come listen to her BBC Radio 6 Music show and work on Desert Island Discs:
“The relationship one has with a radio audience member is uniquely intimate,” she says. “It’s also reciprocal. I mean, me and our listeners, we’ve gone through a lot of things together.
“I was sent a holy medal from a lady in Ireland and a healing Indian herbal tea from another listener. PJ Harvey sent a letter. And that’s the mad thing with radio – you’re kind of sitting there in a room talking to yourself on one level. You don’t know how far your voice reaches.”
Ultimately, Lauren's diagnosis and recovery hasn’t brought on some urge to to swim with dolphins or hike the Inca trail. Rather, she’d simply like more of the same.
"When I was ill with cancer, the only thing I wanted to do was to get well enough to be home with the kids watching telly. All I want now is more of those things,” she says”.
Lauren Laverne has received so much love (gifts and cards too, I would imagine!) since getting an all clear after her cancer diagnosis and returning to the air and T.V. As an ardent BBC Radio 6 Music fan, it is wonderful she is in a new timeslot and is at her very best! This year has been a fantastic one for her. Could she have ever envisaged that this time last year? Rather than use this to mark a year since her cancer diagnosis, instead we should just embrace the fact that someone so beloved and missed is very much back with us and in good health. That is why I wanted to show my respect and love for…
A broadcasting queen.