Radio fans across the country rejoiced as Simon Mayo returned to pop radio today, bringing his much loved Drivetime Show to Greatest Hits Radio.

Kicking off the much anticipated programme with Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born To Run’, Simon welcomed in listeners both new and old. Speaking just after 4pm, Simon said “Where else to start? Bruce Springsteen and ‘Born to Run’. And that is the travel news on your new drivetime programme from Greatest Hits Radio. (Quoting ‘Born to Run’ lyrics) The highways are jammed with broken heroes on our last chance power drive. So first thing to say, thank you to all the previous presenters who sat here doing this show in previous months and years, building the show up to where it is now. Thank you, I definitely owe you one. Also if you’ve listened to Greatest Hits Radio at Drivetime for a while, thank you, stay with us. I think we’ll make a good team. Plus! New listeners, new arrivals, it’s our first day of term together. Thank you for being there. Hope you’ll hang around, at least until 7pm. So it kind of feels good, and after just the briefest of breaks, back in the driver’s seat.”

Texts and tweets from listeners flooded in for Simon as he sped through the first hour of his show, playing songs from Queen, David Bowie, Carly Simon, Prince, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder and more. Sophie Harries tweeted “So happy listening to the familiar sound of @simonmayo and his jingles back in his rightful Drivetime slot where he belongs.” Mark Butler tweeted “YESSSSSS. It’s finally here…..@simonmayo back where he belongs……DRIVETIME”. Referring to the Queen song Simon had played, Diane Haywood tweeted “I like to think that WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS – getting our much-loved #Drivetime show back! Thank you” while Lynda Povey tweeted that Simon’s opening  “gave me goosebumps. So happy I could cry”.

Reading some of the lovely comments, Simon said “Thanks so much for good wishes and pleasant messages coming in… it’s really reassuring you know.”

Simon promised listeners “a few new ideas a few old ideas as well”. Jingle ‘Enjoy yourself.. it’s later than you think’ was back, along with Sports presenter Matt Williams, a well-known member of Simon’s previous Drivetime line-up –  although broadcasting from his attic in North London due to Covid restrictions.

Along with producer Suzi, Simon and Matt debuted brand new feature ‘Drivetime Drama’ on the show, in which they act out a song title for listeners to guess. Simon also spoke to Fairground Attraction’s Eddi Reader after Simon selected their song ‘Perfect’ as his first ‘Record of the Week’ – showcasing a song from the 70s, 80s or 90s released on that week in history.

The show continues to 7pm this evening.

Listen to The Simon Mayo Drivetime Show every weekday from 4pm – greatesthitsradio.co.uk

– ENDS –

About Greatest Hits Radio

At Greatest Hits Radio it’s all about the music and the unique feeling that hearing a great song gives you, with listeners able discover an upbeat, authentic, fun and entertaining format where the ‘Good Times Sound Like This’. Targeting an audience of 40+, the station plays the biggest songs of the 70s, 80s and 90s including music from iconic artists such as Blondie, Queen, George Michael, Madonna, Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, Elton John and Whitney Houston.

Featuring a presenter line-up of legendary broadcasters including; Simon Mayo, Mark Goodier, Pat Sharp, Paul Gambaccini, Janice Long, Jenny Powell and many more, Greatest Hits Radio is part of the Hits Radio Brand Network. Find the station on your radio, mobile or ask your smart speaker to play ‘Greatest Hits Radio.’