Scott attends the Handlebar Club in London, rents fake moustaches for the evening, and Shayne Ward (X Factor winner) accidentally records a helium-voiced novelty single that becomes the show’s latest comedy feature.
Scott explores handlebar moustache culture, attending the first Friday of the month meetup at a pub near Radio 1. He’s hired several elaborate false moustaches for the occasion, including ornate curly styles, at a £100 replacement cost should they be damaged during drinks. The team discusses Shayne Ward’s appearance in the papers and a vague anecdote about him buying pitch access at Old Trafford via charity auction.
The episode’s highlight is the surprise release of Shayne Ward’s “If That’s Okay With You,” a novelty single recorded in helium at the studio. Scott explains he convinced Shayne to record it after a karaoke incident where Scott performed Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” using a helium balloon, impressing Simon Cowell enough to suggest a real recording. The resulting track features Shayne’s high-pitched vocals over a backing track, and becomes the launchpad for a new feature.
“Flirt Divert” is introduced as a practical tool for listeners: a phone number (0777 0774 914) to give out instead of their real digits when approached by unwanted suitors. The feature runs through a series of voicemail examples—callers leaving increasingly awkward, unsolicited messages about wanting to meet up or invitations to “come back to my truck.” It’s positioned as a humorous way to screen out creepy advances while giving callers a valid number to believe they’ve received.
COMMENTS