Greg James – a radio DJ with a cheeky edge and a charitable streak

Greg James has become known for his quirky radio stunts over the past few years, including a stand-out moment when he encouraged Sir David Attenborough to narrate an Adele music video.

James, who has presented BBC Radio 1’s drivetime show for the past six years, started his radio career the day after he graduated from university.

The 32-year-old from Lewisham made headlines following his interview with American singer Taylor Swift at the BBC’s Biggest Weekend.

Swift responded: “I agree and I’m not offended that you said that, there’s a lot going on and none of it’s good.”

Fans of Swift, dubbed Swifties, took to social media to comment.

James responded humorously to an article on a US celebrity website, commenting on Twitter that it was “another zinger for my obituary”.

He also poked fun at a subtitling error during coverage of him presenting during the Big Weekend.

Posting a clip on Instagram which showed him introducing some of the weekend coverage – with a caption reading “Welcome back to the BBC’s tampon” – he said: “Shoutout to the guys doing the subtitles.”

The YouTube video has had nearly four million views to date.

In 2014, James picked up a Gold Award at the Radio Academy Awards for best entertainment programme.

He also hosts BBC One music show Sounds Like Friday Night and has co-written a children’s book titled Kid Normal.

Earlier this year, James made headlines when he completed an epic bike and mountain challenge for Sport Relief, two weeks after he was forced to abandon it due to dangerous weather.

He had to postpone the final leg of his pedal to the peaks fundraiser, named the “Gregathlon”, because of atrocious conditions, but he went on to succeed and raise more than £1 million for the cause.

He will take over as the host of the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show this autumn when he swaps jobs with previous host Nick Grimshaw, who will move to the drivetime slot.

James said he is “completely beside” himself over the “chance to present the most famous radio show in the world”.