Will Smith is coming to Scarborough
The show began with the announcement that Will Smith would perform at Scarborough Open Air Theatre as part of his Based on a True Story tour. Scott enjoyed the contrast between dates in major European cities and an August Bank Holiday trip to the Yorkshire coast.
BBC Radio York’s Jeremy Buxton described it as “getting jiggy with it in Scarborough”, a phrase Scott immediately asked him never to repeat.
The announcement inspired Ellie to perform her own Scarborough-themed version of Will Smith’s music. The clip spread quickly enough for the theatre’s booker Peter Taylor to contact the programme.
Peter described the venue as “the Hollywood Bowl of Yorkshire” and then made Ellie a genuine offer: the opening slot at Will Smith’s concert. Ellie repeatedly checked whether he was serious before accepting.
Scott asked whether Will had approved it. Peter said Will was aware of Ellie’s video, but warned that she would need more than one song. Ellie nevertheless answered with an unambiguous yes.
The Shires
Three people dressed in leather waited outside the studio for the mystery-guest reveal, leading Scott to wonder whether Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond were about to enter.
Instead, the guests were The Shires. Scott’s relief was immediate and he welcomed them back after seeing them at Radio 2 in the Park.
The group discussed their latest music and the growth of British country since they first emerged. Their career had developed alongside festivals including Country to Country and a wider UK audience for Nashville-influenced music.
They also spoke about the Brit Awards, where they had met Jared Leto backstage. The meeting had caused some excitement, with the group describing him as “really lovely” and extremely handsome.
The conversation returned to Scott’s recent Belfast broadcast and the difference between British and American country audiences. The Shires said UK fans had become increasingly knowledgeable and committed.
Their appearance continued the programme’s country thread after the previous week’s C2C coverage, but with Scott no longer pretending to be a complete newcomer to the genre.
Regular features
The Easiest Quiz continued with Michaela’s eight points as the opening target, while the Birthday Game offered another listener three former number-one singles.
18 March 2025: Vernon Kay
The handover focused on Ellie’s unexpected promotion from breakfast-show contributor to Will Smith support act, with Scott already considering what additional material she would need.
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