Check out our interview with the late-night show host BBC Radio 2 presenter, OJ Borg.
Oliver James Borg D’Anastasi, AKA is known as OJ Borg, is a radio and television presenter, currently working on the BBC Radio 2’s weekday overnight programme from midnight.
OJ’s come a long way over the years, and one of his highlights is working with Kate Lawler, who he worked for over a year at Kerrang Radio.
What was working with Kate Lawler like?
Working with Kate was amazing; this was just one of those jobs that came out of nowhere. She was a great person to work with; intelligent, funny, we made such a great double act; it was a great experience.
How did you get involved in presenting?
I always wanted to be an actor, but I’m too cynical for that. It all started in Leicester when I began working at the local Hospital Radio.
My first ever radio real job was in Coventry, at Kix, then Manchester, Oldham and London, shows in America, in fact, all over the world.
I always go where the work is. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in the industry I love and the opportunities I’ve had over the years.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
The creativity, the ability to think on the spur of the minute and to play the records that I love.
I can imagine you’ve met some fantastic characters over the years, who’s been the most impressive person that you’ve ever interviewed?
I’ve interviewed so many people over the years, and it may sound bad, but it is easy to forget who as the years go by.
The most impressive was the American filmmaker Quentin Tarantino in terms of his career, but my most memorable interview though is Richie Sambora. He was fascinating; he was the very first person I interviewed when I did the lottery on BBC1. He was lovely and chatty, and he talked about being in Bon Jovi, touring the world and about loving his guitar. I don’t remember everything he said, but I do remember being totally blown away by him.
Anything new happening at the moment?
With two young kids in my life, it’s all go at the moment, and my wife’s a complete hero. Working night shifts can take its toll, but that’s the way it is. It pays the bills, and I love it.
Where’s the best place you’ve ever worked?
BBC Radio 2. Never bite the hand that feeds you (giggles). In all honesty, though, I love it, it’s fantastic. It’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to work.
Who would you love to interview?
Erm, Eddie Izzard, I think he’s fascinating, I loved his comedy growing up, he’s just so funny.
The worst?
Mark Oliver Everett AKA E from the EELS, I was obsessed with this one track.
With Absolute Radio, we ended up going to V-Fest, 2010 and I did loads of interviews that weekend. They all went brilliantly apart from Marks. It was cringeworthy. He just wasn’t up for doing an interview, and it was a bit awkward, to say the least. It’s the one I wish to forget.
I do have to ask what do you love about Manchester?
I love it; it’s the best city in the world. I met my wife in Manchester; it’s the architecture, it’s the life, the music, the place, the people, the vibe. Everyone still calls then barm cakes when really, it’s a cob.
