BBC Radio Solent is the BBC Local Radio service for the Isle of Wight and the English counties of Hampshire and Dorset. Its studios are located in Southampton, in the same purpose-built office block in Havelock Road as the BBC South Today news studios, and there are district offices in Portsmouth, Newport, Poole, and Dorchester. It was previously based in South Western House, the former railway hotel at the old Southampton docks terminus station.

The station, which began broadcasting on 31 December 1970, is named after the Solent, the area of sea between Southampton, Portsmouth, and the Isle of Wight.

Transmitters

The service is broadcast on 96.1 FM and 999 AM for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and on 103.8 FM and 1359 AM for Dorset, DAB (NOW South Hampshire), and via its website using Flash and Windows Media streaming formats.

North and north-east Hampshire

The signal for Hampshire on 96.1 FM from Rowridge on the Isle of Wight is less clearly audible north of Winchester than the transmissions from other BBC Local Radio stations, so that the north Hampshire town of Basingstoke is officially looked after by BBC Radio Berkshire (on 104.1 FM from Hannington), while towns such as Aldershot, Farnborough and Fleet in the north-east of the county are served by BBC Surrey via their Guildford transmitter on 104.6 FM. BBC Surrey's slogan into the news is: "The radio station for Surrey & North-East Hampshire".

Schedule

Weekdays start with the Early Morning Music show with Alina Jenkins at 5.00, Julian Clegg does the breakfast show from 6.30 to 9.30. Alex Dyke hosts from 9.30, followed by Katie Martin from 13.00, and then Steve Harris is in the chair for Drivetime from 16.00. From 19.00, BBC local radio stations in the South and South-East share evening programmes, starting with Roger Day, who broadcasts from the studios of Radio Kent and Paul Miller, who is based at Radio Solent, from 22.00 until 1.00. The station formerly produced an overnight show, hosted by Richard Latto, but now simulcasts BBC Radio 5 Live's "Up All Night" between 1.00 and 5.00.

Presenters

Alina Jenkins (Weekday early mornings, Saturday breakfast)

Julian Clegg (Weekday breakfast)

Alex Dyke (Weekday mornings)

Katie Martin (Weekday afternoons)

Steve Harris (Weekday drivetime)

Roger Day (Weekday evenings - simulcast with stations in the BBC South and BBC South East regions)

Paul Miller (Weekday nights - simulcast with stations in the BBC South and BBC South East regions)

Richard Latto (Cover Presenter / Station Sound Producer)

Sally Taylor (Saturday mornings)

Neil Sackley (Saturday morning/lunchtime)

Dave Cash (Saturday evenings - simulcast with stations in the BBC South and BBC South East regions)

David Allen (Saturday/Sunday nights - simulcast with stations in the BBC South and BBC South East regions)

Tim Daykin (Sunday breakfast)

Nick Girdler (Sunday mornings)

Georgina Windsor (Sunday lunchtime)

Mike Powell (Sunday afternoon)

Phil Jackson (Sunday evenings)

Harry Crawford (The Big Dorset Brunch - Saturday mornings 103.8fm)

Sports Presenters / Commentators

Adam Blackmore (Sports Editor)

Kris Temple

Tony Husband

Laurence Herdman

Kevan James

Newsreaders

Marcus White

Mike Powell

Jill Sainsbury

Lucy Morgan

Emily Hudson

Julie Massiter

Fiona Biggs

Reporters

Nadine Dukeson

Dominic Blake

Jo Palmer

Matt Treacy

Tristan Pascoe

Harry Crawford

Neil Sackley

Paul Clifton (Travel news bulletins)

Weather Presenters

Georgie Palmer

Alexis Green

Reham Khan

Sara Thornton

Mike Powell

Penny Gower

Sam Fraser

Lena Samuels

Notable past presenters

Kenny Everett (presenter, 1972)

John Piper (presenter of Piper's Tune throughout the 1970s, left to launch 2CR in Bournemouth)

Richard Skinner (newsreader, left to join BBC Radio 1 in 1973. Now presents for Xfm London)

Peter White (the BBC's Disability Affairs Correspondent, worked for Radio Solent from 1967-2006)

Andrew Peach (now on BBC Radio Five Live and BBC Radio 2

Carolyn Quinn (now a BBC Radio 4 presenter)

Ricky Salmon (Presenter of 'the Lunchtime and Evening News' from 1996-1999. Now a BBC Radio 2 Newsreader)

Lee McKenzie

Richard Cartridge

Gethyn Jones (presenter of The Afternoon Show during the 1980s)

Sandi Jones

External links

BBC Radio Solent Official Site.

Media UK - BBC Radio Solent

History of local radio in Hampshire.

Rowridge mast. 96.1FM Frequency and DAB.

Bincombe Hill mast. Solent for Dorset: 103.8FM Frequency

Fareham mast. 999 kHz AM Frequency

Fern Barrow mast. Solent for Dorset: 1359 kHz AM Frequency

Richard Cartridge Leaving in 2007 after an "association spanning 35 years".

Richard Cartridge's official site

Richard Cartridge's Band official site

Ricky Salmon

Richard Cartridge and Sylv Willoughby's site

Gethyn Jones' website

Audio clips

2006 jingle (jingles provided by David Arnold Music)

References

Category:Radio stations established in 1970 Solent Category:Radio stations in Hampshire Category:Radio stations in the Isle of Wight Category:Radio stations in Dorset Category:Companies based in Hampshire Category:Southampton

Coordinates	19°55′8.88″N43°56′19.2″N
Name	Rhydian
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Rhydian Roberts
Born	February 14, 1983
Origin	Sennybridge, Powys, Wales, United Kingdom
Genre	Musical theatreClassical crossoverOperaOperatic popWagnerian rock
Voice type	Baritone
Occupation	Singer
Years active	2007 – present
Label	Sony Music, Syco (until 2010)Conehead Records (since 2010)

Rhydian Roberts (born 14 February 1983), popularly known as Rhydian, is a Welsh baritone and crossover artist in the United Kingdom. Classically trained, he rose to fame in 2007 as a runner-up on The X Factor. Since then, he has released two bestselling albums, done a UK tour (2009), and made gala and charity appearances in his native Wales and at the Royal Albert Hall, London. During 2010, he completed a major arena tour of The War of the Worlds - Alive On Stage!. Projects for 2011 include the UK tour of We Will Rock You and a new CD album.

Biography

Rhydian Roberts was born in Sennybridge, Powys, Wales and attended the Pontsenni Cylch Meithrin and then went onto Ysgol y Bannau Welsh medium school in Brecon. He represented the school and Powys in the Urdd Gobaith Cymru Eisteddfod from the age of five. He maintained his links with the Urdd whilst at Llandovery College (where he became head boy) and as a university undergraduate. An accomplished sportsman and keen rugby union player, he played rugby union for the Gwernyfed RFC club, near Brecon, as a junior and later for his school, and cricket for Powys County Junior teams. "My plan was to be a professional player for the Swansea RFC Ospreys (rugby team)," he says. "From the age of ten that was all I could think about – and I wasn't interested in singing any more." He embarked on a stringent exercise programme and was "a gym fanatic who could bench-press 386lbs at 16."

Birmingham Conservatoire

After teaching in a small school in South Africa during his gap year, Rhydian won a bursary to the Birmingham Conservatoire at University of Central England (now known as Birmingham City University). Director of Theatre Studies Michael Barry commented that "Rhydian was a star pupil at the Conservatoire from the very beginning." He first trained with Adrian Clarke and subsequently with Christine Cairns. He beat 13 other second-year vocal students from UK music colleges to become the first student from outside London to win the Kathleen Ferrier Society Bursary for Young Singers. A judging panel of internationally-renowned singers hailed his "formidable talent" and his "immediate connection with the audience". Other awards included the Reginald Vincent Lieder Prize, the 2007 Mario Lanza Educational Award, and the Cecil Drew Oratorio Prize. Having been recommended in his second year by Barry for audition by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra's (CBSO) Musical Director Sakari Oramo, Rhydian played Morales in the CBSO's semi-staged Carmen. He secured leading roles in virtually all of the Conservatoire's operas and musicals, including Charley in Merrily We Roll Along and the title role in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde After graduating in 2007 with first-class honours, Rhydian auditioned for the BBC talent contest Any Dream Will Do.

The X Factor (2007)

At his audition for The X Factor, Rhydian was openly self-assured and ambitious. Judges found him both perplexing and talented. Ironically, it was his eventual mentor Dannii Minogue who gave the only "no" vote at the time, while Sharon Osbourne was reported to have found him arrogant, although these tensions softened in time. Later in the series, Simon Cowell averred: "[Rhydian] is incredibly polite and respectful. He stands out because he has an incredible voice. But there is no arrogance or conceit. He's a very good guy, and in fact I think he is very insecure." Rhydian himself had reportedly been anxious that film editing might generate unfavourable public perception of him. He described his portrayal as that of a "pantomime villain", and video clips of him often included "The Phantom of the Opera" song playing in the background.

Notwithstanding his fears, Rhydian eventually won over public opinion. Overhauling his image, he impressed as a spectacular and unpredictable performer, and "his trademark white hair and flamboyant dress sense made him an audience favourite immediately" His appearances included: A full theatrical account of "The Phantom of the Opera", about which judge Louis Walsh opined, "You've got star quality, you've got presence, and this show's going to change your life." Shirley Bassey's version of Pink's "Get The Party Started" in a fur coat and sequin-covered suit The Village People's version of "Go West" in Navy Officer uniform surrounded by male backing singers in sailor outfits. At this point, judges voiced concern that his camp theatrical presentation was beginning to overshadow his vocal performances. Subsequently, while still including dancers and pyrotechnics, Rhydian toned down his onstage antics.

Eventually, Rhydian became the favourite to win, performing, among others, "You Raise Me Up, " and "I Vow to Thee, My Country." His rendition of "Somewhere" moved judge Dannii Minogue to tears: "I can't even speak, that was so beautiful." Of his "Bridge Over Troubled Water", Simon Cowell said "Rhydian, I thought that was bloody fantastic ... and I think probably your best performance, if not THE best performance of the competition so far."

He duetted in the final with Katherine Jenkins, whom he had long admired. Despite finishing as runner-up, Rhydian was offered a recording contract with Sony BMG by Simon Cowell the next day.

Career

2008-10

Rhydian devoted much of 2008 to his debut album, the eponymous Rhydian, and performed at private functions internationally. UK engagements included at the Welsh Grand Slam celebrations and the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year Awards. He performed "Music of the Night" for over 30,000 people in Hyde Park to mark Andrew Lloyd Webber's 60th Birthday. Having heard Rhydian sing, HRH Prince Charles invited him to become a patron of The Prince's Trust. He sang at the Children of Courage Awards Ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Guesting at The X Factor finals, Rhydian performed "The Impossible Dream," the lead track of Rhydian. The album was declared the highest selling album by a male chart newcomer in 2008. Rhydian duetted on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with Charlotte Church on the seasonal special of her chat show.

2009 saw more than 600,000 albums sold and the release of Rhydian's second album, O Fortuna. He also completed a 24-date solo tour of the UK. For the BBC, he appeared on Songs of Praise; for S4C he recorded his own television special, followed by the documentary Rhydian, One Year On. Rhydian again entertained the Royal Family, at "The Prince's Trust Celebrates Success" Awards, and starred in the BBC's Children in Need charity telethon. At the 2009 Liverpool Summer Pops Festival, he headlined a concert for 3000 fans in the Echo Arena. In December, he turned on the Christmas lights in Hull.

During 2010 Rhydian starred in several all-star galas - three of them occurring within two months of each other at London's Royal Albert Hall. BBC Television re-ran his 2009 guest segment for Songs of Praise. He left the Syco recording label and joined Conehead Records. Extensive charity commitments included the Lord Mayor of Cardiff’s Gala Concert at the City Hall for Bobath Children's Therapy Centre Wales. For the Haiti Earthquake Appeal, he performed at Christian Aid's concert at St David's Hall and on the charity single "The Prayer." His charity work ranged from posing nude in Cosmopolitan to raise awareness of prostate cancer ("Taking my kit off wasn't something I expected to do, but as it was for a great cause I changed my mind."), to entertaining gala dinners for Help for Heroes at London's Grosvenor House Hotel and for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) at Cardiff City Stadium, observing:

I'm delighted to take part in this event. I had a very happy childhood in Wales, but I know that not all children are so lucky. The work done by the NSPCC is critical in helping to keep children safe. . . . I hope that by performing at this event, I can do my bit.

Rhydian closed the St David's Week Festival at Brangwyn Hall, Swansea and returned for a second year to The National Eisteddfod of Wales. There were several engagements with Welsh male voice choirs. He sang the anthem "Jerusalem" at the Rugby League Grand Final at Old Trafford (stadium capacity approximately 75,000). At the Royal Albert Hall, Rhydian starred in the Classic FM Live concert - singing "Myfanwy" and "Land of My Fathers" in Welsh - as well as Classic Response and the Classical Brits Awards. He ended the year playing Parson Nathaniel in the 2010 European arena tour of Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds - Live on Stage!. Seasonal engagements included Hayley Westenra's Christmas Wishes at Birmingham's Symphony Hall and at the Barbican Hall, and a Christmas Spectacular at the O2 Arena.

2011

Rhydian will perform the role of Khashoggi, Chief of Police, for the Cardiff, Southampton and Birmingham dates of the UK Tour of We Will Rock You. (18 March-17 April at the Wales Millennium Centre; 20 April-28 May at the Mayflower Theatre; 5 July-6 August at the Birmingham Hippodrome). His third album is due for release by Conehead Records early in the year.

Discography

Albums

Rhydian also features on the charity single, "The Prayer," for the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

References

External links

Rhydian Roberts at BBC Wales

Rhydian Roberts biography from BBC Wales Music

What's On Wales interview

"Rhydian's new album" movie video at YouTube

Rhydian on Premier Christian TV

Category:1983 births Category:2000s singers Category:2010s singers Category:Welsh baritones Category:Living people Category:Opera crossover singers Category:The X Factor (UK) contestants Category:Old Llandoverians Category:Alumni of the Birmingham School of Music Category:Welsh-speaking people