Greg James has revealed that his on-air name isn’t actually his real name after 17 years on the air.
The 38-year-old Radio 1 Breakfast Show presenter has admitted he chose his famous surname shortly before he was discovered by the BBC in 2007.
Greg revealed his real name is Greg Milward and explained that James is actually his middle name, which he chose as his surname when presenting student radio in the hope it would appeal to BBC bosses.
Greg said on Kathy Burke’s Where There A Will, There A Wake podcast: ‘I’m writing a book. It’s my first non-fiction book for adults. It’s coming out next year, and I was writing a chapter about my name.
“It’s become a bit of a secret, but it’s not a secret at all. Greg James is not my full name in that.’
Greg James has revealed that his on-air name is not his real name, after 17 years on air
The 38-year-old Radio 1 Breakfast Show presenter has admitted he chose his famous surname shortly before he was found by the BBC in 2007; in the photo 2018
He continued, “I looked around like Sara Cox, Scott Mills. So my full name, my last name is Milward. It looks like a teacher’s name. It looks like a director’s name. Greg Milward.
‘My dad was a school principal and I thought, “Well, it’s probably not that cool. I don’t like it that much.” That’s why I chose Greg James.’
However, the radio star admitted that if he could have gone back in time, he would have chosen something different.
He said: ‘I’m sorry I should have thought about it because by the time Radio 1 had more or less noticed me; I had actually won this award, and Radio 1 got in touch, and before I knew it, I was doing a test show for them, and Greg James appeared in the Radio Times, in the listings, and I thought, “It’s too late, I can’t change it now.”
‘And then it just went on and on, and I can’t turn it back now, I can’t do anything about it. I don’t mind. It’s a great radio name, but I should have been more imaginative.’
Kathy replied, “No, no, because Greg James, as you say, has that bang.”
Last month, Greg unveiled a statue in honor of Britain’s most famous duck, which became an online sensation because of its abnormally large neck.
Long Boi arrived at the University of York in 2019 and went viral after a social media post incorrectly described him as ‘the tallest mallard that ever lived… over 1 meter tall’, but it was later measured to be only about 70cm was.
Greg revealed his real name is Greg Milward and explained that James is actually his middle name, which he chose as his surname when presenting student radio in the hope it would appeal to BBC bosses.
Greg said:[My name] It’s become a bit of a secret, but it’s not a secret at all. Greg James is not my full name in that. So my last name is Milward. It looks like the name of a teacher, Greg Milward. So I chose Greg James’
Over the years, Long Boi amassed a significant following, including an Instagram fan account with 60,000 followers and appearances on the James Corden Late Late Show and on BBC Radio 1.
But in May 2023, the university said it believed Long Boi had died after being missing for two months.
And last month, a statue commemorating Long Boi’s ‘life and legacy’ was unveiled by Greg on his BBC Radio 1 show.
During the ceremony in the university’s Central Hall, a distraught Greg, who wore funeral robes including a veil, said: ‘When I first spoke about Long Boi on the Radio One Breakfast Show in May 2021, I had no idea that a passing comment about a very large duck would lead to this now, three years later.
“There are hundreds of people here in person to remember and celebrate him. Millions are currently listening to this ceremony on the radio, and even more people around the world are following this story.
“So thank you to everyone who takes the time to listen to this ridiculous event, and thank you for being here today,” he said. YorkMix.
“Some people may not understand why we’re doing this today… but foolish things are important, foolish things get us through the day and look, foolishness brings us together.
‘And our favorite animals also help us through the day.
‘We love them because they show us the best of ourselves and when you get the chance to celebrate silliness and animals at the same time, you have to grab it with both hands.
‘So without further ado, let’s all celebrate the life of Britain’s largest duck.’
The Indian mallard sculpture will be located near Derwent College’s lake on campus, one of his favorite places, the college said.
Last month, Greg unveiled a statue honoring Britain’s most famous duck, which became an online sensation for its abnormally large neck
It comes after Greg was left horrified after his dog Barney had an accident on the train in front of shocked commuters earlier this year
It said a clay mold of the life-size statue was hand-carved by award-winning wildlife sculptor Neil Mason before being shipped to Greece for bronze casting.
The university’s students’ union raised the money to pay for the statue, saying it would ensure Long Boi “always remains in our hearts.”
It comes after Greg was left horrified after his dog Barney had an accident on a train in front of shocked commuters.
The DJ took a train from London Waterloo to the vets for Barney to undergo surgery on his knee due to arthritis.
The trip went smoothly until Barney shuffled to the door and started going with “the biggest p**s I’ve ever seen,” Greg said.
Greg claimed the pee lasted for two whole minutes and in a desperate attempt to clean up the mess, he rushed to the toilet to get some tissues.
But because the couple had to get off at the next stop, he was forced to leave the spot.
After getting off the train bound for Portsmouth, Greg approached the guard to apologize.