PRESENTERS: Mark Radcliffe (l) and Stuart Maconie (r) (Pic: Getty Images)
Instead, from January, they’d have the weekend breakfast slot, 7-10am. Up at the crack of dawn etc.
Precious types might have thrown a hissy. But that’s not their style.
“At Radio 1,” recalls Mark, “I’d see people – mentioning no names – making a massive stand on air, complaining about changes that were being made, and I’d think, ‘Blimey, you thought you’d keep your show forever, did you..?’
“I vowed I’d never be like that.”
Fellow Lancastrian Stuart shares his positivity. “I quite like change,” he tells me.
“I like things being mixed up a bit. I didn’t know this was going to happen, but I soon began looking forward to it. We feel completely settled into it now.”
Even so, the new show faced a challenging start. Back in October, 60-year-old Mark revealed he had “cancerous tongue and lymph node issues”.
It meant starting treatment at once, with no idea when he’d be back. So Stuart had to launch on his own.
CHANGE: They were told their show’s time slot was being changed (Pic: Getty Images)
In the end, Mark was away for four months.
“It’s been a long, dark winter, Mike, I don’t mind telling you,” he says. “There were times when I felt like a husk of a man, and quite useless.”
So did ever doubt he’d return?
“I had to sign a waiver in case my voice was destroyed by the operation and things. But once I knew I had a voice, I knew I’d come back.”
Staying upbeat, however, wasn’t always easy.
“When you get the diagnosis, it’s obviously a shock. I remember sitting by the duck pond at the hospital, thinking, ‘This is unexpected…’
“But the chances of recovery were always good.
“The worst time was once Christmas and New Year were done and the treatment was over. You become semi-institutionalised, going to the hospital every day for radiotherapy etc. When I was just at home recuperating, those were very dark, cold days.
“You start to question who you are. You feel life’s a bit hopeless.
HEALTH: Mark Radcliffe revealed he had “cancerous tongue and lymph node issues” (Pic: Getty Images)
“But it’s almost worth going through it for the feeling you get when they tell you you’re in the clear. It really is like the weight lifts from your shoulders. It’s literally a physical thing.”
And has it changed his perspective on life?
“Of course. Little things that used to bother you, like rain or road works, they just don’t anymore, because life is good.”
Stuart and Mark did consider an amicable parting when their afternoon show was dropped after nearly eight years.
Mike Ward talks to all the big names (Pic: Daily Star )
“We both went away and thought about it,” Stuart admits, “and we both agreed we wanted to carry on. It works. We enjoy it.”
Their shared passion for all kinds of music, and for a certain style of broadcasting (no “affected slickness”), is crucial.
Also, “We don’t try to be best friends,” says Mark.
“We get on very well but we’ve never massively socialised. We can have a drink or meal together, but we don’t that often. We don’t force the relationship. So when we do see each other, there’s something left to give. It’s like, ‘What have you been up to?’”
ALONE: Stuart had to launch their new show on his own (Pic: Getty Images)
What Mark’s mostly been up to, of course, is getting better.
“It’s only recently I got the all-clear. I’ve been reluctant to make too many plans in case I needed more treatment.
“I’ve got a new dog, a cavapoo called Ziggy, and I’m spending a lot of time with him. And I’ve written the draft for a new book. That’s out in September.”
Stuart, among other projects, is finally learning to drive, aged 58.
“I’ve passed my theory. And I had a really encouraging session this week. Reversing into a parking bay at Tesco, I thought, ‘I’m getting the hang of this.’”
As it happens, Mark and Stuart can put their new early-rising routine on hold during this weekend’s BBC 6 Music Festival in Liverpool, starting today.
They’re on tomorrow and Sunday from 12 till 3, almost like the old days. So, yes, no need to be tucked up early this evening.
Stuart, for one, sounds keen to use this bonus time wisely.
“I’m going to go absolutely mental!” he says.
This weekend’s 6 Music Festival is on BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds. Tickets at bbc.co.uk/6music. Mark and Stuart’s regular show is Saturdays and Sundays, 7-10am.
MARK’S FAVOURITES: Find out about his favourites below (Pic: Getty Images)
MARK’S FAVOURITES:
FILM: Amelie
BOOK: The Return Of The Native by Thomas Hardy
TV SHOW: Frasier
ACTOR: Frances McDormand
COMEDIAN: Billy Connolly, Rhod Gilbert
SPORTSPERSON: Sergio Aguero
SONG: Heroes by David Bowie
SINGER: David Bowie
BAND: The Spiders from Mars
FOOD: Welsh Rarebit
COLOUR: Green, Purple
DRINK: Tea
CITY: Rome
HOLIDAY DESTINATION: India
GADGET: Gibson ES125 Semi acoustic guitar
APP: I only have one and that’s for my bank account
SUBJECT AT SCHOOL: English, Art
FIGURE FROM HISTORY: Roman emperors seemed to have a good time, so Vespasian
ANIMAL: Owl
STUART’S FAVOURITES: Find out about his favourites below (Pic: Getty Images)
STUART’S FAVOURITES:
FILM: Gregory’s Girl
BOOK: Oxford Book Of Twentieth Century English Verse
TV SHOW: Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads? / Fleabag
ACTOR: Jodie Comer/Albert Finney
COMEDIAN: Norm Macdonald
SPORTSPERSON: Billy Bremner
SONG: Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbell
SINGER: Scott Walker
BAND: Chic
FOOD: Curry
COLOUR: Magenta
DRINK: Whisky
CITY: Rejvjavik/Venice
HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Shetland
GADGET: Xbox
APP: Dark Skies
SUBJECT AT SCHOOL: English
FIGURE FROM HISTORY: Nye Bevan
ANIMAL: Red Squirrel
