Published on 26 July 2018
Lauren McLeish is about to start the job of her dreams.
On Monday the former Broadcast Media Production student from the University of Sunderland begins co-presenting the Breakfast Show on Sun FM Radio.
It’s a dream come true for 22-year-old Lauren who will be sharing the airwaves with veteran presenter Simon Grundy.
Despite feeling a little nervous, Lauren, of South Shields, says she is excited and raring to get started.
She said: “When I got the phone call saying I’d got the job, I couldn’t believe it; I nearly fell on the floor.
“It’s mad, just mad. When I told my nana I’d got it she just burst out crying.”
It’s a big opportunity for the graduate who will be joining the longest running same presenter led breakfast show in the North East, and the most listened to commercially across Wearside.
But Lauren, a former pupil of Church High School in Jesmond, is well prepared for her new role having spent her time at University working with Spark FM and learning all about the radio industry.”
She said: “I love presenting; it’s where my heart is. The immediacy of it, the fact that it’s live.”
Lauren’s Breakfast Show co-presenter and Sun FM Radio Content Director Simon Grundy said: “It is great to be bringing new local talent onto the show, so make sure you tune in on 103.4FM from Monday.”
Lauren added: “For the past few weeks I’ve been doing the showbiz and travel with Sun FM which has been great but Monday is a whole new ball-game.
“Everyone has been so nice though and crew feels like a big family, they’ve been so welcoming.”
Lauren graduated earlier this month, on July 4, at the Stadium of Light and within a few weeks received the call telling her about her new job.
She added: “I was always 100% sure what I wanted to do, just not sure how I would get there. The University of Sunderland played a key role in helping me sort that out.
“My lecturers were amazing and really supportive, going out of their way to help me whenever I had any doubts, convincing me I was doing the right thing.”
Julian Carter, Managing Director at Sun FM Radio said: “Linking up with the University of Sunderland was a natural thing to do, and whether it be through interns or work experience we have found some great people who want to work on the biggest station covering Sunderland.”
Q&A with Lauren
What’s the best thing about Sunderland?
Roker Beach & The Sunderland International Air Show
What’s your food heaven?
Japanese Gyoza Dumplings with Nana’s Apple Crumble to follow
What’s your food hell?
Anything with courgettes, aubergines or raw onions in – na!
Drink of choice?
Being on the breakfast show my life is fuelled by coffee and coffee only! Aside coffee, I love a margarita
Other than Simon, who is your dream co-presenter?
I’d love to present a show with Channing Tatum, I’m sure he’d make a great co-presenter because he’s so…talkative…
Who is your hero?
My nana is my hero. She’s absolutely incredible. Strongest, kindest and most caring lady I’ve ever met
Dream holiday destination?
I’d love to take a tour around all of America in a big American Dodge staying in each states fanciest hotels
Favourite singer?
James Bay/Ben Howard
Favourite film?
City of Angels or The Planet of The Apes Trilogy
4 dream dinner party guests?
Seb Larsson (former SAFC player), Dwayne Johnson, Chris Ramsey and Justin Timberlake
Europe or America?
America