John Gillmore (born c. 1956)[1][2] is an English broadcaster and compere. During his 38-year career, he was a presenter on BBC Radio Lancashire, BBC Radio Cumbria and BBC Radio Merseyside.[3][4]

John Gillmore
Born
Prescot, England
Career
Station(s)BBC Radio Lancashire, BBC Radio Cumbria, BBC Radio Merseyside
CountryUnited Kingdom

Career

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Born in Prescot, Gillmore got his start in voiceover work for commercial radio, and volunteered in hospital radio at Whiston Hospital.[1] He landed his first stint as a presenter at Red Rose Radio in 1985,[1] where he worked for 13 years, presenting every programme on the station.[5]

Gillmore (nicknamed Gilly) went on to work as a broadcaster for various stations throughout the United Kingdom, including Rock FM,[6] The Bay (Lancaster) and, from 2005, BBC Radio Lancashire.[7] His shows were often simulcast on BBC Radio Cumbria and BBC Radio Merseyside.[8]

On 5 October 2023, Gillmore hosted his final Late Show, due to BBC Local Radio cuts. Gillmore currently hosts events across Lancashire with local authors.[4][9]

Awards

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Gillmore is a Guinness World Record holder, for the most radio interviews conducted in 24 hours.[4] Gilly held 293 interviews during his "Gillathon", in aid of BBC Children in Need in 2014. During a 24 hour period, Gillmore asked 1,649 unique questions to girl guides, a choir, and members of a jujitsu club. He also won the Lancashire Ambassador Award at the Best of Lancashire Awards in 2022.[7]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Marshall, Jack (7 October 2022). "BBC Radio Lancashire legend John 'Gilly' Gillmore on career highlights, Guinness World Records, and having fun ahead of final show". Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  2. ^ "John Gillmore - BBC".
  3. ^ "Late night local radio presenters across the BBC say goodbye to listeners - Radio Today".
  4. ^ a b c Farnworth, Amy (6 October 2023). "Radio legend John Gillmore leaves BBC Radio Lancashire". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  5. ^ "Presenter profile: John Gillmore". BBC Lancashire. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  6. ^ "In pictures: Rock FM's past and present DJs reunite at Preston Church for emotional farewell - Lancashire Evening Post".
  7. ^ a b "Gillathon: BBC's John Gillmore's interview world record". BBC News. 13 November 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Preston's John 'Gilly' Gillmore prepares for final BBC Radio Lancashire show - BlogPreston".
  9. ^ "Politicians rally round Radio Lancashire as shake-up puts presenters and local shows at risk". Lancashire Evening Post.