Gary Davies is currently presenting the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show on a temporary basis, ahead of Sara Cox taking over the programme permanently.
The experienced broadcaster began covering the show on 25 March 2026, following Scott Mills’ sudden absence and subsequent departure from the BBC. Davies will continue presenting breakfast until Sara Cox launches her new show on Monday 6 July 2026.
How old is Gary Davies?
Gary Davies is 68 years old.
He was born in Manchester on 13 December 1957 and will turn 69 in December 2026.
Who is Gary Davies’ wife?
Gary Davies is married to Joongjai “JJ” Bhumichitr, who is usually known as JJ.
The couple married in 2004 and live in London. Davies was previously married to businesswoman Lisa Tchenguiz, but they divorced in 2001.
Gary regularly shares photographs of his life with JJ and their dog, Chilli, on social media. In a 2023 interview, he spoke about spending his annual holiday in Thailand with his wife.
What show does Gary Davies normally present on Radio 2?
Gary Davies is the regular presenter of Sounds of the 80s, which is broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on Saturday evenings.
He took over the programme from Sara Cox in 2018 and has since become one of Radio 2’s most frequently used stand-in presenters. He has covered programmes hosted by Zoe Ball, Vernon Kay, Sara Cox, Dermot O’Leary and Rylan Clark.
Is Gary Davies the permanent Radio 2 Breakfast Show presenter?
No. Gary Davies is presenting the Breakfast Show temporarily.
Sara Cox has been confirmed as the programme’s permanent new host and will begin on Monday 6 July 2026, broadcasting every weekday from 6.30am until 9.30am.
Davies has nevertheless received a warm response from many listeners during his time on breakfast, with some calling for him to be given another regular daytime programme.
What was Gary Davies famous for before Radio 2?
Davies became one of BBC Radio 1’s best-known presenters during the 1980s and early 1990s.
He joined Radio 1 in 1982 and went on to host its weekday lunchtime programme, promoted with the catchphrase “Young, Free and Single” and the famous “Ooh Gary Davies” jingle.
He was also a regular presenter of Top of the Pops before leaving Radio 1 in 1993. After working at Virgin Radio and in music publishing and management, he returned to BBC radio in 2017 and became the permanent host of Sounds of the 80s the following year.
Did Gary Davies work in the record industry?
Yes. Away from broadcasting, Gary Davies established the music publishing company and record label Good Groove.
The company published “Black Coffee” by All Saints, which became a UK number-one single in 2000. Davies later said the record’s success helped save the fledgling business.
He also discovered and signed singer Corinne Bailey Rae, helping develop her early career and working on her first albums before she became an international star.
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