Charlie's Show Blog

A lot goes on in the studio when the songs are playing! Get all the behind the scenes goss from Charlie

Friday 25th May

  D.I.S.C.O !!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yep - we're so excited about classic disco tunes being played all weekend on Heart that we just had to don the Heart disco wig and get our grooves on for a picture in the ropey carpark!  Shame we didnt have flares and glitter platforms as well really!

Didn't feel great when I woke up this morning.  And I know exactly why.  James and I had a sneaky golden arches lunch yesterday - THEN i had a Chinese with my best friend last night.  Two takeaways in a day is never good news.  I've vowed not to do this again - until next week at least!  And must hit the gym, must hit the gym, must watch Friends on the sofa, oh uh - must hit the gym.

So, very exciting - I'm off now for ten days!  As is James.  My holiday was a bit of a surprise actually.  James had his booked in for ages.  Last minute I decided to take some time off as well!  Which is really nice actually.  Nothing too much planned.  Will be spending some time a bit further round on the South Coast (hopefully enjoying some sunshine .... but knowing my luck, prob not) Then back to London for some meetings and some fun and then who knows for the Jubilee weekend!  Can't wait to get my flags and bunting out though!! Woop.  However you celebrate - have an amazing time!  Love the Queen, hope she enjoys her special weekend too!

Before I go - must just tell you that Producer Matt called us 'peeps' in the studio this morning when a song was playing.  'So peeps could we just talk about what we're doing next'.  Peeps. That's all I'm saying.  Peeps.

Ta ra until June!

x

Thursday 24th May

Right.  Am I actually allowed to say it yet?  You know the 's' word.  I haven't dared up until now.  Ok, I'm gonna live dangerously ...

SUMMER is here!! Wooooo

  This is such happy news.  When I left my flat at 4am this morning it actually felt warm.  You know that feeling when you step off a plane on holiday for the first time?  Love it.  So dress and flip flops it is today!  Can tell Kent is totally loving the weather as well at the moment - lots of happy calls and texts this morning!

I know I mention this a lot - but James and Charlie's 2012 Challenge - to get a photograph with someone from each of the 205 nations taking part in the Olympics.  Yes, we are more than half way through now, but we STILL have more than 100 countries to go - so need as much help as possible.  The other day James and I randomly SUNG some of the countries (to a rather poor instrumental of Vibe by R Kelly!), and low and behold it actually worked because a couple of people heard their nationality in the song and came forward to help us.  So proof that singing clearly works.  'Nope I'm not singing again' I said.  'We sang loads of Christmas songs last year and I vowed I'd never do it again.'  I'm clearly very assertive aren't I?  Here it is, 'Mambo No.2012'

Mambo Number 2012

Great to have new group Lawson on the show this morning - what a lively bunch of boys!  I think they rather enjoyed 'Lawson on Lawson' - where we got Claire Lawson from weekends on Heart to ask them questions.  Got to see the lovely Claire today actually as we had some meetings going on here in the station.  We don't get to see each other much so it was great to catch up.  The conversation did mainly revolve around nails though! ha

Al Fresco or Al In-sco .... the big question for this evening.  (Blame James for making up the word 'Al In-sco')  Are you eating indoors or outdoors again tonight?  Yesterday I saw so many facebook and twitter posts about being out in the sunshine that I felt I really had to make the most of the weather, despite not having a garden! So I had by dinner on my balcony.  Even though the sun had already gone it was still lovely.  On the agenda this afternoon is a couple of drinks and dinner in a beer garden in my village with my best friend who I haven't seen properly in ages.  Can't wait.

Enjoy the sun whatever you're doing today

x

 

Wednesday 23rd May

Bit excited to be flicking through OK magazine this morning to spot pictures from The Sony Awards last week, which we went to.  Bit disappointed the picture of James, me and Matt wasn't printed though.  Can't think why not ...

Also loving the wedding pics of Tom from McFly who's married his childhood sweetheart he met when he was 13 at the Sylvia Young school. So cute and really unheard of these days to marry your first love.  I'm a bit of an old romantic and think that's the way we all should have done it!  Great to see the McFly boys all scrubbed up nicely as his best men too - they seem like good boys!

So - after yesterday's day of conspiracy theories, we thought we'd take it a step further today by playing a game with you 'Spy or Lie' - three stories but only one of them was true!  See if you can work it out:

Story 1: 

Back when we had cassette tapes, M15 agents where taught and were able to record audio onto Cellotape.

 

Story 2: 

Ramsgate harbour is home to an underwater bunker that is still in use by the MOD today.

 

Story 3:

Unmanned Drone Helicopters will deliver you tacos - an unmanned drone helicopter can shoot a taco from space down at you and your colleagues during lunchtime

W  e got loads of responses on this - with 100% saying story number 2 about Ramsgate harbour was the true one.

well?

 

come on then ....

 

WRONG! I completely made it up.  The story about the spy drones delivering Tacos is in fact true!!  And is happening in America.  Brilliant.  We had so many of you texting in as well saying 'come on James, as if that's true!'

Loving the pictures of Cameron Diaz & Cheryl Cole at the premiere of 'What to expect when you're expecting'.  How amazing does Cameron look aged 40??!  I'm a bit jel of just how toned her arms are.  So with that, I'm off to the gym this afternoon.  Yes I know, I know - I should be outside in the sunshine.  But there's never a good time is there? So, before I change my mind, I'm off!

See you lovelies tomorrow

x

 

Tuesday 22nd May

We are awash with conspiracy theories this morning.  Gotta love a good conspiracy theory.  Why?  Because I was rudely awoken by this at 3.15am - that's why

What IS that noise??

mmmmm - any ideas?  We had a few texts saying it was road sweepers.  At 3.15am - in the sky?  Really?!  My council are efficient, but not that good!  I got this recording because after waking with a real jolt I thought the only other thing to do was to hang out of my window in my pj's and record it - naturally.  After lots of research and calls from you lovely lot - the general consensus is that it was a blimp.  Apparently they are being tried out before the Diamond Jubilee weekend.  Our boss Stuart wants to go one step further and identify it as a 'spy drone' though.  OK, that is scaring me a bit - all a bit too James Bond for me!

Speaking of which - EVERYONE is talking about Skyfall.  Men just can't wait because they want to be Daniel Craig.  Us ladies can't wait because we want to watch it and imagine ourselves WITH Daniel Craig!  And he is looking good - click here for lovely pictures!!

Chatting about 'animals on clothes' on the show this morning.  Not meaning when your dog or cat lies on your jumper - but prints.  You know, a St Bernard with a barrel round his neck on your knitwear - type thing.  Reason being - James came in this morning in a very fetching number.  It's a new summer shirt bought by his lovely wife Claire.  On first inspection it just looks like a flower pattern - but look more closely and you will find beetles and flies!!  Here it is - i'll let you decide for yourselves!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday 18th May

Welcome to another week!  And I think it's going to be a week with a difference because a heat wave is on the way .... 24 degrees by Wednesday! Woo hoo. Still looking overcast out of the Heart office window - but hopefully it'll cheer up a bit later!

Just been checking out the trailer at heart.co.uk for The Carrie Diaries - the prequel to Sex and the City.  Now i am a HUGE fan of Sex and the City - and was even lucky enough to go on the Sex and the City tour in New York for my 30th birthday last year.  Over the years I have loved watching Carrie and the girls on their adventures in the Big Apple.  But I am just not sure about this.  Do prequels ever work?  I will definitely watch it when it's out to keep an open mind.  In the meantime click here to see what you think of this taster.

Have you heard about this thing called a 'Papple' - a new fruit which is the cross between a pear and an apple?  Apparently has the skin of a pear and taste of an apple.  As I said this morning - this unnerves me, apples should be apples and pears, pears!  Don't like these cross breeds!

As per usual - much mickey taking on the show this morning.  This time coz I'd happened to show James my alarms on my phone.  Yes, there are loads of them (152 to be precise) and all set for odd times ranging right from 2.12am to 21.17pm!  Don't ask me why.  All I know is I don't tend to do things in a normal fashion (ever really) and I prefer my alarms to be at odd times!  So James made this video to show you how long it takes to scroll through them all!

Are you the same as me?  I can't be the only one who lives my life in this disorganized fashion! Really?!

Must just finish on a bit of a sad note today.  Of course by now most of us know that the world has lost another music legend - Robin Gibbs.  I was lucky enough to interview Robin YEARS ago when I was just a fledgling journalist.  He was a very charming, friendly and amicable man - more than happy to stand and chat when other celebs weren't so accommodating.  A true gentleman.  And a loss to the music world.  Really enjoyed playing some Bee Gees tracks on the show this morning

x

 

Friday 17th May

Been a weird one today. This says it all

G  uesses on Facebook for what I'd come to work as: lion, James Heming, Miss Piggy, Emu, Ewok, Neil Kefford!  Just some of my favourites!  But a few getting it right and guessing FURBY!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, remember the little furry blighters from the 90's?!  I had two in 1998 - given to me as a pressie from my first proper boyfriend and i LOVED THEM! They even talk to each other if you have more than one.  But reason I dressed up like a fool and reason for us getting Toloo on the show today - because they're coming back at Christmas!  How cool!  As you can imagine they're going to be very high tech this time around - even got wireless.  They won't be cheap though - with experts guessing they'll sell at between £80 and £90.  I'm still gonna have to get my hands on one though!

Sorry I didn't blog yesterday - my bad.  We had a big station meeting where we basically found out how many people are tuning in to us at the moment.  Very happy to say that we are the number 2 breakfast show in Kent - so thank you.  You know what long meetings are like though.  I definitely dropped off for a bit, and I'm sure I saw Mr Heming close his eyes once or twice too!  So I decided the only thing for it was to actually have a proper afternoon nap yesterday, which I've been trying not to do recently.  There is something very naughty about getting into bed at 2 in the afternoon and sleeping when the rest of the world is at work!  I even topped off the sleep with cheese and crackers in bed at 5pm.  My upside down life is soooo rock and roll isn't it?!

So what you up to this weekend?  I'm off for tapas at this amazing place in London Bridge with one of the girls tonight, breakfast with another of the girls tomorrow, then I'm cooking fajitas tomorrow night.  Why do weekend ALWAYS revolve around eating?!  I'll probably head to the O'Brien's for sunday dinner too!  Might check out The Dictator at Showcase Cinemas in Bluewater as well.  James played me some clips of Borat earlier and I laughed so much, reckon I need another Sacha Baron Cohen fix!

Right, we've got to make a little video message for our friends at Sky TV now.  So need to go pop some lippie on and try and hide the eye bags for the camera!  Have a fab weekend, see u monday!

x

Wednesday 16th May

Yes!  The sun is shining! Only highs of 13 degrees today but who cares?!  Just nice to see the sun.  Yesterday the weather was random wasn't it?  Sun one minute, hail the next.  I was in London with James and the Heart boys.  They started the day laughing at my over-sized pink umbrella - I tell you though, it was me laughing when I was nice and dry and they were soaked! ha ;)

So we were of course in London because we went to the Sony Radio Awards - a bit like the Oscars of the radio world.  It was proper posh like - and so much fun.  Sadly we didn't win but just being nominated is enough for me.  Highlight of the night was Gary Barlow performing.  I'm a little bit in love. Yep.

And I don't think we scrubbed up too badly - what do you think?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So all in all - still a little tired after a great night with lots of great memories.

Can you believe it's only 72 days till the Olympics??!  I remember when it was five years away - thinking the day would never arrive.  James is feeling all smug with himself today because it's been confirmed that Daniel Craig WILL be opening the Olympic ceremony with the Queen.  When we told you this story on the show back on april 1st we got a tonne of texts saying 'it's an april fool you fools'!  But it's true!  Can't tell you how chuffed James is that he was right!!

Enjoy the Kentish sunshine today.  I'm off to London town for a meeting - it had better be sunny there too!

mwah

x

 

 

 

Monday 14th May

I'm like a five year old on Christmas Eve today.  Why?  Because we are off to the Sony Radio Awards in Park Lane in London tonight.  They are basically like the Oscars of the radio world. Heart Breakfast with James and Charlie has been nominated for an award which is so so exciting.  But the thing I am MOST excited about is getting properly dressed up.  Us radio folk don't look great in the mornings, have to say.  It's always a jeans and trainer jobby - so to actually put on a dress and heels is probably more exciting for me than other people! (Don't get out much, ha)

So I've got a gorgeous dress, bag and shoes - all picked out by the LOVELY ladies at the John Lewis personal styling team at Bluewater.  They were so helpful.  Saved all the flapping around I'd have done for hours otherwise. And trust me, I can flap for Britain.  Although James reckons I still took too long in the changing rooms - check this out

Charlie in the changing rooms...

Also big thank you to Liza Smith from the Bodylines salon in Sittingbourne who has done me some wicked glittery nails (she looks after Victoria Beckham and Naomi Campbell!) and Hob Salons in London who are doing my hair for me.  I feel like a real life Cinderella - just hope I don't turn into a pumpkin at midnight ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From ballgowns to naked men on unicycles.  Yes, let me share my favourite story of the day;

Police in Texas have arrested a man who was riding a unicycle over a bridge - while naked.

Police in Kemah, near Houston, went to investigate after getting calls from passers-by and caught the man in the act. They arrested Jospeh Farley, 45, who had allegedly taken off his clothes at the foot of Kemah Bridge to ride over it and back. "He said that he liked the way that it felt. Really don't know what he meant by that, but that's what he said," said Kemah police chief Greg Rikard. "The officer kept his distance as best he could. Obviously he wasn't armed, that we could tell. We did what we could do. Turned him around and moved him off to the side of the vehicle to get him out of the view of the public.

How funny is this .... he was clearly enjoying that naked sensation a bit too much! Weird.

Right, better go.  Got a LOT of getting ready to do!  Neil Kefford is looking after things for us tomorrow, so we're back Wednesday.

Love ya, miss ya

x

Friday 11th May

More drama in the studio this morning - all thanks to this!

Karen on the Thousand Pound Minute

Yep, the lovely bubbly Karen from Lordswood bagged herself a grand!  Her plan was to spend her day off having lunch at the local garden centre - I'm hoping she might push the boat out a bit now!  See -  you CAN win!  Thousand Pound Minute -  back on Monday.

It's 'spot the difference Friday' today.  What's different?  That bright yellow round thing in the sky of course!  Sun - how I've missed your smiley face.  Even my 50 mile drive in to work was pleasant this morning (except for the absurd number of birds on the motorway pecking at rotting roadkill?!)  Makes such a difference when you can see blue sky.  Here's hoping it stays.  Maybe we can push the boat out and actually get the flip flops out from the back of the wardrobe?  Ok.  Don't push it.

Producer Matt got in a bit of a mood with us this morning.  Apparently we were being demanding.  Is needing a cup of tea at 7am REALLY so demanding?  Matt's words; 'You know where the kettle is love'.  Yes, fair enough.  But I also get told off if I leave the studio.  I won that battle - tea soon arrived, shortly followed by peanut butter on toast ;)

So what are you up to this weekend?  I've got a weird day today.  A salon appointment in Herne Bay, then dashing off to Thanet for a bit of business, down to Sittingbourne for a nail appointment, home, then dinner in Chislehurst.  Bit of a whistlestop tour of Kentishire!  By the way, I don't usually have so many 'appointments'.  It's because we have an award ceremony on Monday!  More on that next week.

Right - I believe I am required in the board room in ten - so best dash.  Wonder if Sir Alan Sugar is there waiting to offer me a job?  Nah, expect it's just Producer Matt with more work for me.

See ya Monday

x

Thursday 10th May

So - lots of drama at Heart yesterday because we had our first winner for Who's on Heart!  Katie O'Brien guessed one of the three secret celebrities and bagged herself £5000!  And no, she is no relation to me more's the pity!  Don't forget it's still all to play for though with £10,000 and the £60,000 jackpot still up for grabs .....sooooo exciting!

Lots more excitement going on today as well.  We had the lovely Jez - the winner of James and Charlie's Movie Voice on the show - and what a voice he has! We thought we'd really put his skills to the test - check this out!

 

How good is his voice!!  I think Jez enjoyed himself - here he is hanging out with us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gotta say - already looking forward to 6.30 tomorrow morning - why?!  Because of Hot Sausage and Mustard!  If you've never heard this feature it's well worth getting up a bit earlier for - purely just to hear Producer Matt's sultry singing!  It really is gaining quite a cult following!  Seriously the ladies of Kent LOVE him!  And if you're randomly picked from the right answers you could get your name on our sausage here at heart.co.uk.  What more could you want?!

Just realised how late it is - not normally here at this hour but I've had such annoying computer issues that I'm about two hours behind today!  Right, time for some more work, then a quick gym stop, then bedtime again I suppose!  All very rock n roll

x

Wednesday 9th May

  Names.  It's a weird concept that what our parents give us we're kind of stuck with forever isn't it?  I was actually named Charlotte but when I first started out in radio I struggled to say it when I introduced the news, so I just became Charlie.  And I actually have always quite liked it.  Until today that is.  When James revealed that not only is Charlie the top name for male cats, but also dogs?!  Here are the lists:

Most popular dog names:

1) Charlie

2) Buster

3) Jack

4) Max

5) Tyson

 

Most popular cat names:

1) Charlie

2) Oscar

3) Tiger

4) Tom

5) Felix

So, there you go.  I'm off to the deed poll office right now to get it changed! ;)

James and Charlie's 2012 Challenge - to get a photo with someone from each of the 205 nations represented at the Olympics.  And quickly becoming the bain of my life!  Nah, only kidding.  It's no mean feat though.  Well, loads of people have been suggesting that we go to an airport to grab people getting on and off flights - so that's exactly what we've done! Off we went to Heathrow airport and managed to get 16 nationalities.  Doesn't sound like a huge amount, but seriously it is not easy grabbing people who are stressed with their cases and in a rush with the kids screaming etc!  Plus you end up getting lots of the same nationalities, so 16 was a good day's work.  Here's the proof

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking of which - we've got a '2012 challenge' meeting like right now - so best go.  My final word - if you're about to name a baby - try and avoid names that are also great for dogs and cats - you don't want your child growing up with a complex ;)

x

Tuesday 8th May

Thought I'd start my blog today with some words that sum up my bank holiday weekend:

Friends, trains, lions, champagne, umbrellas, curry, pizza, hugs, free meal tigers, wellies, curry again, scrambled eggs, leopards, pies (of the American variety)

I shall now endeavor to explain them all .....

Weekend started with a curry and champagne at one of my best friend's in Victoria after meeting another friend off the train from Manchester.  Seriously though, have you ever tried to find someone at Victoria Station?!  Little tip - don't agree to meet anyone outside Burger King in Victoria - there are three of them.  Very confusing!

S  aturday was then back on the train into London town to meet two more university friends for hugs and more champagne at Harvey Nics!  Sounds very lardy-da doesn't it?!  Trust me - we are not.  Was just a good meeting place out of the rain!  Then off we went for a bit of food at Brown's in Covent Garden.  When we arrived to be seated the lady told us they're opening a new fine dining restaurant and asked if we'd like to try out the menu for free!  So we found ourselves with a completely free amazing three course meal!  We literally couldn't believe our luck.  Oh yeah and we could barely walk afterwards because we ate so much.  Would have been rude not to wouldn't it?! ;)

The it was up on Sunday - a breakfast of scrambled eggs (for the second time in the weekend at this point - did also have them Monday as well!) and off to Ashford to drop my friend off at her in laws.

In complete contrast to champagne and free meals -  my Monday consisted of BIG cats!  And I'm definitely not talking the tabby variety.  We went to the Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden in Ashford where they look after and breed big and endangered cats.  We met the lovely Lynn who is from the family who run it and were lucky enough to be taken around by Trevor one of the volunteers and Bekki one of the keepers.  And I got to do something I literally never dreamed I'd do - hand feed a lion, a HUUUUGE tiger and a snow leopard.  Out of them all the lions were my favourite.  Their manes and coats look so soft and cuddly but they're actually really coarse - and what beautiful faces!  Don't think i'll be taking them home anytime soon though - not after seeing them demolish a chicken thigh in a split second!  So, here are some pics.  Enjoy - and I'd totally recommend taking the family there - what a brilliant day out.

Back from 6 tomorrow with Hot Sausage and Mustard, an update on James and Charlie's 2012 Challenge and of course opening those phone lines for 'Who's on Heart'.

x

 

                                                                                          

 

 

 

Friday 4th May

May the fourth be with you.

I apologise.  I've seen this all over Facebook and Twitter this morning and felt I needed to get it off my chest!

So so excited about the Bank Holiday weekend.  I so need the extra day - tireder than a tired person in tireds-ville right now.  But no time to rest.  Got friends arriving from Manchester tonight.  A rendez vous in London, brekkie with friend and baby tomorrow, back to London for lunch, pick up more friends, dinner and drinks in London then more of the same on Sunday!  Exhausted just thinking about it!  But what a good way to be exhausted.  Hope you have fun whatever you're doing this weekend.  I keep saying to myself that I'm going to do some paperwork too - but I'm clearly not!

Gotta tell you - I'm a bit offended today.  Why?  Because of the insults directed towards my shepherd-less pie, that's why!  We posted the picture on Facebook this morning because I wanted 64,000 'likes' like David Beckham's breakfast picture this week! (I got 91 - thanks v much) But the comments! Oh, the comments.  Seriously.  Some describing it as 'dog food' others just saying 'ewwww'.  What?!  It was delish - just ask James and Matt!  I think everyone is just well jel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very excited that we got our winner for James and Charlie's Movie Voice - the lovely Jay from Herne Bay, as voted for by you!  Jez will be popping in to become the voice of something rather special, details on the show next week!  Well done to Claire and Frank Salmon for being in the final 3 too.

Lot of love on twitter this morning - tweets from followers saying they're enjoying the tunes, especially Olly Murs and The Wanted.  Keep up the happy vibes.  And if you want to tweet us over the bank hols - @charlie_radio @jamesheming @_producermatt & @heartkentradio

Have a fab one, see u tues!

x

Thursday 3rd May

Just gonna start with this, this morning

There's not a lot left to say really is there?! I guess I should explain why!  Basically we saw this picture of Cher the other day with her mahousive hair - James and Producer Matt went off and bought me a Cher style wig on ebay - and the rest is history.  James then demanded that we reach 14,000 fans on Facebook before he'd give me my 'pressie'.  So it's all your fault! Ha.  Gotta say actually, I rather like it. Feel like I'm releasing my inner mowtown diva.  Watch out for me on the disco floors of Kent!

In return I surprised James with some of my home made Shepherd-less pie on the show.  He always goes on about how my veggie food must be tasteless but he's never actually tried it.  I've actually got a quote from him here,

'Succulent, great flavours and surprisingly meaty for a Shepherd-less Pie'

Praise?  Is that praise I hear?!  Dead chuffed actually.  I like people to like my food!

That's not all we've eaten in the studio today though - the Shepherd-less pie was a mere starter.  Egg and bacon rolls and tuna sticks then followed - we're so heading towards Fats-ville us lot!

Before i go, just want to mention the fact that I was at the Kent coast (Thanet) yesterday afternoon.  Forgotten how peaceful and lovely it is, even in the mist.  And Margate Old Town really looking good now - so many improvements since I lived there two years ago.  Go Kent.

Right, we're off on a VERY long car journey - can't say where, but should be fun!

Have a fabbo Thursday lovers

x

Wednesday 2nd May

O  oh it's been a busy old morning.  Not only on the show - but on the roads.  My sympathies if you got stuck on the M2, M25 or M26 this morning - what a nightmare.  Hate reporting on accidents :(

On a lighter note - haven't stopped laughing today.  All topped off with James' quote after we finished the show; 'Gosh I feel empowered today, like I can achieve anything.  I'm off to look at Chilham Church.'   What on earth?!  Loving the randomness.

Talking of random - tupperware parties.  Now there's something you've not heard of in a while!  Last night I cooked vegetarian shepherd's pie for someone.  Yep, that means there are no shepherds in it, you're right.  I think it was a hit (they cleared their plate anyway). James and Matt were a bit jel coz I didn't bring them in any.  My excuse was that I actually don't have any tupperware.  Seriously, not even an old ice cream tub!  This got me thinking about tupperware parties.  Do you remember them?!  I recall my mum going to them in the 80's when I was little.  Well so many of us told us your tupperware party stories!  Karen text in to say her mum once planned one but no one turned up so she's never hosted a party since!  Bless, that's so sad!  I'm def thinking about hosting one now.  Let's bring back the 80's baby!

I still feel naked this morning.  Not actually naked you understand.  Although theoretically this would be possible on the radio!  No, totally forgot to put my perfume on this morning!  I NEVER forget this.  But seriously, I feel really out of sorts!  I'm gonna have to go locate the nearest Boots perfume counter and get me some testers!

Right, apparently i'm late for our post show meeting - boo.  Then I'm off to Broadstairs and Westgate on Sea for a bit of business - hope the sun comes out!

Have a wicked wednesday ....

holla ya tomorrow

x

 

Tuesday 1st May

Pinch, punch first day of the month and all that.  Glad we got that out of the way ;)

  Would love it if the weather realised it was May though.  I literally had to swim in the studios this morning.  May try boat tomorrow, swimming is very tiring for 50 miles.

Soooo different from the weather yesterday morning.  We spent the morning at Wildwood Animal Park filming.  Can't tell you yet what we were doing - but it was just so much fun.  Look at all these fun animals we saw ....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anyone else really bored of people moaning on Facebook statuses?!  SERIOUSLY!  This morning I saw so many along the lines of 'I'm too tired'  'It's so wet'  'I hate life' .... blah blah!  So i had a bit of a rant in return and said CHEER UP EVERYONE!  Come on, life aint that bad is it?!

Talking of Facebook - did you hear James and Producer Matt's ploy to get more Facebook fans this morning?!  They've said when we get to 14,000 they're going to give me something that James ordered off the internet and he's carrying around in his bag.  I know these two and I know that this won't be a 'nice' present.  It's gonna be something that will either embarrass me or make me feel a bit sick!  So as much as the curiosity is killing me, I'm not sure if I want to know!  If you're not already a fan - go click that 'like' button now - help put me out of my misery. www.facebook.com/heartkent

Right off home to cook my famous veggie shepherd's pie for a meat eater - will let you know how it goes down!!  I've given meat eaters veggie mince before and they've not even noticed - fingers crossed!

Have a great Tuesday

x

Monday 30th April

N  ow it's not often this happens - but I actually escaped Kent this weekend!  Yep - they let me out, for two days only.  Me and Fanny the Focus made a little trip to see some friends on the south coast - and how beautiful it is too.  Look, I could have almost been in the Med!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ok, this view was Friday evening, and Friday evening only - after that it poured and poured. And then poured a little bit more.  But had an amazing time at the gorgeous Captain's Club Hotel in Christchurch, Dorset - totally recommend.

So, what else can you do in the rain apart from eat and sleep?  Cinema of course.  I managed to persuade the person I was with to watch Salmon Fishing in the Yemen with me.  Seriously, don't be put off by the title - it's really good.  And it's Ewan McGregor as you've never seen him before - go see it somewhere in Kent this week.  Funny in the cinema though.  It was all rather old fashioned - remember the days when the staff showed you to your seat with a torch - well that happened.  But the little man with his little torch was SO on a power trip.  He was barking orders at customers - no one was allowed to walk to their seats by themselves!  Seriously, made my day.  Love people like that.

Right - we've got a day 'on location' today.  Can't say why - but I can say we're off to the beach AND Wildwood Animal Park - hope I see the wolves, love a wolf.

Right, 'av a good un.  Hope the sun stays smiling for you :)

x

Friday 27th April

S  o I may well have reached a new low today - grovelling on my hands and knees on the studio floor to prove that my £7.99 value vac does indeed work!!!  Goodness me.  Yesterday James found a story about this new vacuum cleaner that records and tells you how many calories you've burned off.  I said that all you need is a broken value vac like me because you have to literally grovel with the nozzle and pick up each individual bit of dirt individually and it DEFINITELY burns loads of calories coz you get so hot and tired.  So here it yes. I did warn you it's a new low

 

Had an amazing day yesterday.  We popped to Bluewater and managed to get another person for our 2012 challenge!  Woop. We got a photo with the lovely Maken Alexander from Dominica!  He works at Joov and was more than happy to help out.  It means we've now ticked off 78! The slight sticking point is that there is still 127 to go.  Erm yeah .... about that.  If you can help in anyway at all, we'd be really grateful!  Get in touch!

After meeting with Maken we popped along to Tapas Revolution for a bit of lunch.  We met up with owner Omar and his lovely staff and sampled some amazing Spanish food.  It's all home made and fresh and because Omar is Spanish himself and really passionate about food - you know you're getting the real deal!  I totally recommend. 

Rather full from all our tapas sampling we then headed off for a personal styling session at John Lewis - I SO had to hold my stomach in trying on loads of tight dresses! Ha. We were there because the amazing personal styling team have helped me and James pick out outfits for the Sony awards in a couple of weeks time.  I was helped by two gorgeous ladies Emel and Nicky who picked me out the best shoes, dress and bag!  They knew exactly how to put the outfit together for me - where as I would have just got in a total flap by myself!  And James had his own stylist as well - the lovely Sukh.  She runs the only male fashion advisor service in the John Lewis group and has sorted him out so he looks right proper daper!  I'm not going to give any more details about what we're wearing till the actual day - but just a massive thank you to all the John Lewis staff who were so accommodating, helpful and patient with us!  V v v excited about May 14th now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right, Time Tunnel is coming to an end - about to open the lines for Who's on Heart.

Have a gorgeous weekend - I'm off to the sunny south coast, can't wait

See ya monday

xx

Thursday 26th April

Are you in a bit of a grouch today because you had a bad night's sleep last night? Was it because your partner rubbed their cold feet on you or nicked the duvet?  If so, you're not alone.  A survey's found the average couple argue 167 times a year about stuff that goes on in bed like this!  I've come to realise I can actually argue with MYSELF about this - forget someone else!  Every night without fail I wake myself up by talking/snoring/sleep walking/falling out of bed/losing the duvet.  I'm a nightmare!  Here's to better nights sleeps all round!

Been having a chat with Heidi Wallace on twitter this morning.  She's a Kent resident and former partner of celebrity chef Greg Wallace.  They sadly split recently which has been well documented in the press. Heidi tweeted that she had a load of press just sitting outside her house, waiting for a story.  What do they want?  To see her popping to the local shops for a loaf of bread, or going out to walk the dogs?!  It's ridiculous.  And surely in this day and age the whole paparazzi thing is a bit out of date??  Things like twitter are so instant - it only takes a celebrity a few seconds to tweet the truth about something, or a picture - and there's your story.  Is there really room for made-up tabloid fodder any more?  I think the future of the press is going to be very interesting and exciting.

We've got the lovely Hayley from Race for Life popping in to see us this morning.  Hayley comes in every year to have a chat to us about why we should sign up, get involved and run Race for Life!  It is such a great cause.  I've run two of them and will be hosting a couple this year again as well.  So come on ladies, if you love pink, a good old gossip and doing something for a great cause - it's for you.  Click here for all the details .

After we've seen Hayley we're off for a little group Heart trip to Bluewater (ok, yes I know I go there twice a week already!)  We're having lunch at Tapas Revolution in the new Glow area, then we're off for a personal styling sesh at John Lewis to find us something to wear to the Sony awards where we're nominated next month!  I really can't wait.  Having someone help you pick out outfits always makes it so much easier.  I will report back tomorrow!

Love ya

xx

Wednesday 25th April

W  elcome to winter.  So is it November or January this morning?!  Seriously - when can I take my Ugg boots and man's jumper off?! This is  a joke.  I even had extra blankets on my bed last night!  Been flicking through the magazines this morning and they've all got amazing spring fashions in them - maxi dresses / wedges / gorgeous swimwear - AS IF!!  Anyway, enough moaning.  James made a funny statement on the show this morning.  He said when he sees huge puddles and flooded gutters he hopes that the water is running off to a dried out reservoir somewhere.  Can't say I've ever thought that, but I will do from now one!

Boys so don't prepare for bad weather do they? In my car you will find about three jackets, a huge brolly and some wellies.  Oh and various scarves / gloves / hats.  I'd like to think I'm prepared for all eventualities and even perhaps a siege style situation.  Producer Matt on the other hand came in without a jacket - and James even worse, he's only got the shirt he's standing up in.  They need looking after those two.

I tweeted earlier than I need to start feeling a bit summery - so I'm planning on going home, slapping on the darkest fake tan I can find, sitting by a lamp and drinking a cocktail.  In reality this is probably more likely to be another blanket over the knees day and I might even tackle the chocolate that I've still got leftover from easter - check this out!

 

 

 

 

 

Am I the most disciplined person in Kent or what?!

Think another trip to the gym today may be in order.  Which reminds me, yesterday there was a man waaaaay older than my dad walking round in there without his top on.  Still can't decide if it made me feel a bit ill or if I admire him for having no shame!

x

 

Tuesday 24th April

Tuesday - bit of a nothing day isn't it?  I kind of feel sorry for Tuesdays.  At least Monday is infamous coz everyone hates it.  Wednesday is hump day, Thursday is the new Friday and Friday, well Fridays are always great aren't they?!  But Tuesday ..... mmmm just a bit beige?  If you can think of a reason I should start loving them, let me know!  And the very early part of this Tuesday was just rubbish weather wise.  I got soaked walking from my flat to my car this morning, and then again from my car to the studios.  Got lots of tweets about the rain as well - not great for early morning dog walkers.  But I suppose as we're in drought - it's what we need.  Why it can't all come down in the winter though, i'll never know.

So, the big topic of the day - can you dump a friend and if so, how?!  You'd probably assume this subject came from me - but no, it was James!  He's obviously been getting his knickers in a bit of a twist about someone he's not keen on any more, and wanted to know if he can be really honest and end the relationship.  His argument is that you dump a lover, so why not a friend.  We got loads of sentences text in to us that he could use - all the old cliches - 'it's not you, it's me'.  'I'm just not in a good place right now' etc etc.  Yep, heard those chestnuts before!!  I got a bit panicked though because James wanted to go full steam ahead and call the person in question, whoever they are!  I thought it would be a good idea for him to practice on me first - if you missed it, here's how it went!!

James wants to dump a friend

Can you believe it's almost a year since the Royal Wedding?!  I've just been flicking through OK mag and it's a William and Catherine Anniversary special!  Goodness, where has this year gone, seriously?!  I swear it's been the fastest year ever.  It's great though the way Wills and Kate have just become part of our lives and a huge part of the media .... can't remember what it was like before they were together.  Such a great couple.

Oh yeah and you know that cupcake I said I was going to try and resist eating yesterday (see below) - yep - ate that at 6.38am

x

Monday 23rd April

A bit late blogging today because we've just got back from breakfast at the local cafe - thanks Julie's!  A bit naughty on a monday and all because I fancied a fry up from 6.30 when we did 'Hot Sausage and Mustard'! I kept seeing the fry up picture here on the website and it made me so hungry!  The curse of getting up at 4am!

On the subject of food - look what we've just been sent!  They look amazing!  I'm being good at the moment after my fry up - but might sneak one home to have later!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you fancy one - here are the details - www.poshcupcakes.co.uk  or call Jan (she's lovely!) 07966368838

Went to see Marley at the cinema last night which is the documentary about Bob Marley's life.  It was great and a real insight, but just a bit too long!  It was well over two hours long which meant I got really fidgety especially because I knew I had to get up really early.  But, if you are a Marley fan - I'd def recommend it.

What are you up to today then?  I'm thinking a trip to the gym is in order after a weekend (and monday morning!) of indulgence.  Then it's gonna be a paperwork afternoon.  How dull, but got to be done hasn't it?

Happy St George's Day by the way.  You doing anything to celebrate?  Being half English and half Irish I kind of get to celebrate twice a year - it's ace!

x

 

Friday 20th April

  It's our favourite day of the week and this morning's Heart Breakfast was brought to you by myself and Neil Kefford as James is having a day off.  I've been rather hyperactive all morning, partly because Neil tends to have that affect on people but also coz I'm so excited about the weekend.  Got lots of catching up to do with lots of lovely people, can't wait.

So, haven't seen Neil in a while.  My first two observations of him this morning were that he's driving a smaller car and HE has got smaller!  What's going on?!  He says because he's lost weight and is smaller than means he can now squeeze into a more fuel efficient car - loving the rationale there! There was loads going on, on the show this morning - including our movie trailer voice overs!  Me and James yesterday were chatting about this 14 year old who's become a youtube sensation after showing off his movie trailer voice - he is rather good - check this out!

 

So all morning we had you calling in with your best movie trailer voices. Some were amazing, some not so!  My fave was Ivan - very impressive.  So it got us thinking, we need to carry this on for a bit longer.  I've now set up a special dedicated Heart answerphone  you can call to leave you movie trailer voices for us over the weekend, and they could be played on Monday's show! Here's the number:

01227 774433

Go on, you know you want to.

Apparently my movie trailer voice is rubbish and sounds like Marge Simpson, so I won't be doing it again!

I tweeted last night that I looked a bit of a sight because I was sitting at home alone, watching Home and Away, eating Ritz biscuits with a blanket over my knees!  Almost straight away I got a flurry of concerned tweets from lovely people worrying that I was a bit down or depressed!  So need to tell you that I am not, I'm fine and was actually laughing at myself.  I will def make a great old lady one day though - already got the blanket ready!

  If you wanna chat to me over the weekend you can do on twitter - I'm @charlie_radio  get in touch about anything, the more random the better in my opinion.

Right, better go - got a hot date with a treadmill so I can justify the copious amounts of wine and cheese I will no doubt consume tonight!

Have a great one whatever you're up to :)

x

Thursday 19th April

The day when Producer Matt almost keeled over with stress.  No, not because James or I were late, or because the show went off air or anything dramatic like that.  But because we got his mum in on the show!  He had absolutely no idea.  To cut a long story short, Ann called us after the show yesterday when she heard us begging for help with our 2012 challenge .  We still needed to get 129 on the list - and Matt's mum is from New Zealand, and he never thought to tell us!  So Ann kindly got in touch - and we arranged for a little trip into the studio this morning, which also happened to be her birthday!  Matt's face was an absolute picture!  It was the second time he went red today.  The first time was when Sarah who called up for Hot Sausage and Mustard revealed she used to take Matt to school when he was little, bless!

A  nyway, here is a mortified Matt and his lovely mum!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other things going on in my world today are Carly Rae Jepson, and Jon the Pigeon.  Weird sentence yes.  Today we played Carly Rae Jepson's 'Call me maybe' for the first time.  Sooooo exciting because it's such a great summery pop song.  In fact I actually downloaded it for the gym yesterday too!  And Jon the Pigeon - totally lost?  He is a new character on twitter that has almost 20,000 followers and just tweets the most random things through the eyes of a pigeon.  Me and a friend have a challenge on to see who can get the most points - 1 for a 'favourited' tweet, 5 for a retweet, 10 for a reply.  So far I am seriously lagging behind - so any ideas welcome!  Seriously, this is how I spend my time.  Productive eh?  If yo wanna follow Jon too - he's @pigeonjon 

Right off to do some pointless tweeting (and work)

See you tomorrow from 6, when I'm back with Neil Kefford!

x

 Wednesday 18th April

  Oops - yep, totally forgot to blog yesterday, my bad! Didn't realise until I got a stern email from Producer Matt in the afternoon.  Something along the lines of 'can you please make sure you do this every day Charlie?'  Yes, yes ok.  Keep your hair on Matty boy - I was clearly still in holiday mode.  All back to normal today though ;)

So - first thing I need to tell you about is Avenue Q at the Marlowe Theatre that we went to see on Monday night.  Absolutely BRILLIANT! I've heard loads about it over the years but first time I've seen it.  And how cheeky it is too!  Totally loved it.  You must put it on your things to see list.  If you haven't been to the new Marlowe yet either, put that on your list too.  The views at night of the cathedral from the top floor are breathtaking.  Apparently I might be getting involved in something rather exciting there in a couple of months too - so watch this space!  Oh, and apologies to 'Team Heart' who were apparently dreadfully embarrassed by me walking into the second half late and then not being able to find my seat.  Okay Okay, these things happen!  (always to me actually)

Been having a read through all the magazines during the show this morning - have you seen the story that it's rumored Prince Harry and Molly from the Saturdays are dating?!  OMG - I haven't been this exciting since Will and Kate!  I think they're perfect for each other.  They're both totally gorgeous so they'd have beautiful babies AND Molly speaks posh - so she'll be fine round the dinner table with Liz.  So hope it's true.

On the subject of all things beautiful - check this out:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, you are seeing that right - me with various hairy, ugly chins!  Why?  Good question.  Yesterday we were chatting about the new rage of 'chin-plants' - like a boob job but for your chin.  I mentioned that one of my brothers always teases me for not having a proper chin - so our producers mocked this up.  But who do the chins belong to?!  I shall reveal all tomorrow!

x

Monday 16th April

So - me and my blog are back!  And James is back too of course ...

Missed the show after a week off - it was great to have some relaxation time but was excited about getting back to it this morning, even if the 4am alarm and the -2c temperatures were a bit of a shock!

My week off was distinctly un- showbiz - here is what I did/learnt in a nutshell

- Ate WAY too many meals out - all with fat chips

- Sampled WAY too many bottles of red wine

- Saw Titanic in 3D at Bluewater - disappointingly Jack still dies

- Developed an unhealthy obsession with cleaning (had my marigolds on A LOT)

- Learnt that you should ALWAYS buy Mayfair in Monopoly

- Oh and Fanny the Focus got her first proper clean in a year! 

So, that was my week.

I reckon today was probably first day back at work for lots of us.  I could kind of tell people were in a grump in the supermarket yesterday - lots of carpark and trolley rage.  Think people had bad Sunday blues.

So today to try and cheer things up a bit on the show we asked you what you're doing today to make yourself feel happy.  I'm going to buy some daffodils - so cheap but really cheer up the house!  Ben and Nikki text in to tell us they're buying their first house!

Off to see Avenue Q tonight at the Marlowe in Canterbury.  Can't wait.  I've heard the puppets are a bit risque!  Can't wait!  Will let you know what it's like

x