Kevin Greening

Published on Monday 31 December 2007 20:33

Radio DJ who rose to prominence on BBC breakfast show

Born: 30 December, 1962, in Bristol. Died: 29 December, 2007, in London, aged 44.

THE sad early death of Kevin Greening ends a formidable career both at the BBC and commercial radio. Greening had built up a fine reputation within the corporation as a Radio 1 DJ as well as hosting some difficult weeks on the station. He was on duty the week of Princess Diana's death and handled the situation with much style and sensitivity. In fact, such was Greening's authority that week that the then controller of Radio 1, Trevor Bannister, promoted him to the flagship slot of the Breakfast Programme, which Greening co-hosted with the more well-known Zoe Ball. The two – very different personalities – made a vibrant duo and audience figures rose considerably. Greening had a warm and generous nature and with his wry sense of humour he became a popular figure on several radio stations.

Kevin Greening grew up in Bristol and his enthusiasm for broadcasting started as a teenager when he did voluntary work for Bristol Hospital Broadcasting. He read English at St Catherine's College, Cambridge and worked on Cambridge University Radio before becoming a trainee at the BBC, beginning his professional career with the World Service. In 1989 one of his first jobs was as tape editor to the door-stopping interviewer Roger Cook.

Apart from a committed enthusiasm for all music, Greening brought to his presenting a wide knowledge of the ever-changing technology attached to broadcasting. The process of studio presenting is a complex business and Greening's mastery of the mixing desk, jingles and timing made him an ideal choice for a DJ on Radio 1. He did many fill-in slots for regular DJs such as Chris Evans and Steve Wright and during one such assignment Greening was in charge of the Breakfast Show the week following Princess Diana's death. Greening's considerate manner captured the mood of the listeners exactly and, among many others, Bannister recognised a real talent.

Bannister also noticed an ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Chris Evans was known to be somewhat at loggerheads with BBC authorities about how many times a week he should present his early morning programme. He was inclined to ring in on a Friday to say he was not available. Radio 1 asked Greening to stand by if a call came at 6am from Evans: Greening, a professional to his fingertips, turned up and presented a show without any fluster or bother. Indeed, the first disc he played was Oasis's hit Don't Look Back in Anger. Along with these, Greening presented Radio 1's Weekend Breakfast Show and occasionally the lunchtime slot. All this freelance work led Greening to inform people that his e-mail address was [e-mail].

In 1997 Greening was teamed up with Ball for Radio 1's the Breakfast Show. Many considered it a risky combination. Ball, a well known TV presenter, had little radio experience and Greening was altogether more subtle and experienced. It proved a winning, if eclectic, mix. He maintained many of his light-hearted comedy characters (Major Holdups was always a popular reader of the traffic reports) and his work on the station was reflected in the programme's increased ratings.

In January 2001 Greening was on the move again, to Radio 5, where he stood in for many of the daytime presenters. Simon Mayo, who presents Radio 5's afternoon programme, said of Greening yesterday: "Kevin was a naturally gifted presenter. He had a great brain and a very dry sense of humour. He was quite shy – sometimes a bit embarrassed about achieving the level of fame. He was always meticulous in his preparation."

Greening then also worked for various other London stations and Jazz FM where his tongue-in-cheek and generously irreverent style was much admired. Asked once what advice he would offer a young DJ, Greening said: "Learn from everyone. Copy nobody. Skip breakfast."

Greening, who was openly gay, is survived by a long-time partner.