Ben Ellis is the whirlwind of energy that's been brightening our British mornings for years. With his infectious enthusiasm and a voice that could rival a rooster's crow, he's the perfect person to coax you out of bed and into a cheerful mood as soon as the sun rises.
Meet Nikola Hughes, the dynamic host of "Pop Rock Party," your ultimate destination for pop rock revelry every Saturday and Sunday at 8 pm. With an unshakable passion for pop rock music and endlessly entertaining anecdotes, she’ll get you dancing and laughing along all evening.
Nikola has been an avid fan of pop rock since a young age, growing up on a wide variety of music ranging from Queen to Lily Allen. Her unwavering passion for the genre shines through in every note she selects and every story she shares. As your musical storyteller, Nikola weaves together the tales behind your favorite pop rock tracks, giving an intimate peek and a personal spin on all your favourite musicians.
Nikola's all-time favorite pop rock anthems include classics like “Half The World Away” by Oasis and “Not Nineteen Forever” By The Courteneers. She believes these songs capture the nostalgic and timeless spirit of pop rock.
Nikola is a huge concert-goer and has been lucky enough to see pop rock legends such as U2, Robbie Williams and The Arctic Monkeys live, multiple times! Make sure to tune in to hear all her cracking stories and top tips on how to have the best time at a live gig.
"Join me every Friday and Saturday at 9 pm for the 'Pop Rock Party', to celebrate the power of pop rock and get hyped up for the weekend with unforgettable tracks and stories that make the music come alive!”
Tune in to Nikola Hughes' "Pop Rock Party" and rock your weekends with the host who knows how to turn every track into a musical adventure!
Ian Shipley is the calm yet captivating voice guiding your weekend nights every Saturday and Sunday from 10 PM to midnight on The Late Wave, and every Sunday at 10:30 PM on The Next Big Thing, where he uncovers the freshest talent one track at a time. His smooth delivery and laid-back style make late nights feel like a cosy chat with an old friend — except this friend knows an awful lot about music.
Ian has a peculiar bedtime habit: before every show, he insists on wearing his “lucky” headphones — a vintage pair he found in a charity shop. Legend says they once belonged to a roadie from a famous 80s band, but Ian’s not sure which one. Either way, he swears they bring him good vibes and the occasional musical inspiration.
Ian is a master at sharing quirky stories — sometimes from his own on-air adventures. Like the time during a live interview, Ian’s microphone unexpectedly cut out just as his guest was about to reveal their “big secret.” Thinking fast, Ian improvised by miming questions and reactions, turning a technical glitch into an impromptu comedy sketch that had listeners chuckling long after the show ended. Moments like these prove that with Ian, the unexpected only adds to the fun.
Ian’s style is straightforward — no gimmicks, just genuine enthusiasm. His voice effortlessly flows between songs, with smooth transitions and just the right amount of chat to keep you hooked. He’s been known to deliver a perfectly timed smile through the microphone, even if you can’t see it.
If you ask Ian for his go-to tune to set the mood for the night, he’ll pick “Someone Somewhere in Summertime” by Simple Minds — a timeless classic that captures the quiet beauty of late evenings.
“Stay curious, stay chill, and let the music take you on a journey. I’ll be here every weekend, sharing great songs and the stories behind them, making your nights just a bit more memorable.”
Tune in to Ian Shipley’s The Late Wave and The Next Big Thing — your perfect soundtrack for weekend nights.