Live webchat with Radio 2 DJ Simon Mayo, Monday 27th February 1 - 2pm

[RachelMumsnet]

Simon Mayo will be joining us next Monday (27th Feb) for a live webchat. Best known as host of Radio 2 Drivetime, Simon has been broadcasting with the BBC since the early 80s, including a stint as host of Radio 1 Breakfast show.
Simon's debut children's book ITCH is described as 'a fast-paced thriller starring an accidental school boy hero called Itch whose hobby of collecting all the elements in the periodic table gets him into some seriously explosive situations'.

If you have a question for Simon, join us next Monday or send in your question in advance to this thread.

[thebestisyettocome]

[policywonk]

aaargh I'm unreasonably excited about this. SM is probably my favourite ever broadcaster. I still miss the Five Live afternoon show, and will always remember him skewering Mo Mowlam with impeccable courtesy.

My question: would you describe yourself as a feminist? I'm a huge fan of the Kermode/Mayo film show, and it was so cathartic to hear you both expressing real anger and shock at aspects of Winterbottom's 'The Killer Inside Me'. It seemed to me that the anger was at least partly to do with the nature of the violence in the film (ie, male-on-female violence within a relationship). I've always assumed that Dr K would identify himself as a feminist: would you too? (And if you could ask Dr K for his answer as well I would be STOKED. Although I realise that that's a cheeky request and you're welcome to ignore it )

(If I'm allowed a follow-up: What do you remember about broadcasting live on the radio as the attack on the World Trade Center began? I remember listening to you, waiting for the Blair speech to the TUC, which of course never happened.)

[BobblyGussets]

Simon Salad Cream of Viz no less?

[TheLastNameLeft]

Simon, Id love to know which is your favourite "confession" some of those on your show totally crack me up

[changer22]

My question/request - please can you lose the 'confession' slot on your show? It's really not fun or entertaining. We could hear more music too.

Thank you.

[lemonpoppyseed]

I always enjoyed listening to you Radio 5 book chats, particularly the ones about children's literature. Which books / authors have had the most influence on you, and your new novel?

[HJisgoingtotheChaletSchool]

Marking place for dh

[travellingwilbury]

I would like to know if you find the CIN day at radio 2 as tedious as you seem too and if so why ?


Not really expecting a reply to that

[cocolepew]

Oh I think my DD might like your book, is it geeky?

1.Why did you decide to write a childrens book?

1. What is your opinion on actors/comedians presenting radio shows?

[thebestisyettocome]

I am imagine Simon feels much the same way about actors/comedians presenting radio shows as childrens' authors do about radio djs writing books...

[cocolepew]

touche.

[coppertop]

"Itch" looks like the kind of book my science-mad 11yr-old would enjoy reading. He also likes listening to Drivetime when he's putting off doing his homework.

My question is:

Do you have an interest in science yourself and, if so, which area(s) of science are you most interested in?

Thanks. :)

[thetasigmamum]

Hello to Jason Isaacs

[seeker]

Could he say helllo to Jason Isaacs please.

[seeker]

Oops.

[ripsishere]

Why have you never read my DDs text messages out when she sends them into your show?
She is very unhappy with you. She has, to my knowledge, sent four. All when we have been driving from the NW to Norfolk.
She won't be sending any more. The radio has broken in the car.
Do you actually see them yourself, or do you have an assistant who decides?

[HJisgoingtotheChaletSchool]

Husband is obsessed a huge fan of the film show. He listens to it continuously a few times a week.

His question is why are you never on in school holidays? He has left teaching now but never used to be able to listen due to having to be in work.

[seeker]

Does he listen to Jason Solomons and Xan Brooks?

[Saltire]

Have you got any desire to go into tv presenting, something such as This morning (they could get rid of that eejit Holmes), or a quiz show, or do you prefer not being seen, therefore not have to "conform" to any image for viewers?(Fake tan, hideous white teeth etc)

Did that make sense?

[PigeonStreet]

I think I have heard that Simon is presenting a new series of Blockbusters Saltire.

[PigeonStreet]

My question - is there a radio show or tv format that you have always wanted to do but haven't had the chance?

[southlundon]

So excited about Simon coming on - I love his show.

My question is - you have three children (according to wikipedia, so I hope it's true!): have you brought them up as practicising Christians and if so, what do you think of the accusation that doing so is tantamount to child abuse..?

[SuePurblybilt]

Can we ask him how nobody has yet managed to kill sack Steve Wright yet?

[grumpyoldbookworm]

Love the Mayo/ Kermode show! Have you ever thought of doing a guide to how to be a good interviewee? Would make a great programme... Azkaban was not the best HP because the werewolf was an anaemic frog and should have been more like George in Being Human. Keep up the good work and hello to Jason Isaacs and his ukelele

[grumpyoldbookworm]

Love the Mayo/ Kermode show! Have you ever thought of doing a guide to how to be a good interviewee? Would make a great programme... Azkaban was not the best HP because the werewolf was an anaemic frog and should have been more like George in Being Human. Keep up the good work and hello to Jason Isaacs and his ukelele