Today marks exactly 10 years since I realised a childhood dream and became a Blue Peter presenter. Possibly the best day of my life! The hug from my Mum and Sister… a feeling and moment that I don’t think will ever be topped!
People sometimes ask me how I got my break in tv, and the truth is that getting my Blue Peter offer was three journey to that point. I was working part-time in a leisure center, while I mc’d, commentated, hosted, presented (for free) absolutely anywhere that would have me.
I went wherever the “work” was, and lived everywhere from hostels to illegal accommodation. My budget beating diet at the time; breakfast – porridge, lunch – porridge, dinner – microwave rice and tinned sardines
I was mascot called Spike the Lion (loved doing that), a mascot called Busby the Bird (didn’t love that quite so much). I worked at 2012 Olympics and Paralympics (for free), reported at Kiss fm (for free), internships (£42 per day before tax), work experience placements (free and many), went on endless Megabus coach trips to London for meetings, which invariably came to nothing, I stopped counting job applications after I got to 100, as that was too demoralising.
10 years ago, when I was asked to be the 37th Blue Peter presenter, at 1pm, Media City, Bridge House, Floor One, my life changed in an amazing way. However a number of people were integral in my life during those 3 years… Thank you to: Warden Paul for understanding. George for choosing me for London 2012. Ewan (my eventual boss on Blue Peter) for putting me forward to the CBBC Wild team. Sue for replying to my email. Laura, Jonny and Alex for choosing me for that game-changing show (Wild). Cheryl, Joe and Ewan (again) for giving me the best job in the world (Blue Peter). Naomi (an unbelievably gifted presenter) for leading and guiding me as a totally green presenter. Tim (the most naturally funny presenter in the industry) for liberating me as a performer. Bryan, Lloydie, Ozzy, Al and Katie for being my rocks.
Today I feel extremely grateful for a journey which 10 year old Radzi wouldn’t believe!
Speech over. Happy 10 year anniversary. I haven’t aged a day! 🤥
#bluepeter #grateful Wolverhampton
We show @georgerussell63 the @landonorris @maxverstappen1 trophy smash!!! 😆😆 #formula1 #oops Budapest, Hungary
It’s always a week with @gmb on @itv 😎
#itv #suit #suits #fashion #morning Broadcasting House
Hungary for more 🇭🇺🇭🇺🇭🇺
#ferrari #formula1 #hungary 📷 @imharrybenjamin Budapest, Hungary
@iamradzi gives an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 brand new National Athletics Centre in Budapest 🏟️🤩
#athletics #WorldAthleticsChamp
Off to the races!!! 🏃🏾🏃🏾🏃🏾
@wabudapest23
#budapest #athletics #eurosport #discoveryplus Budapest, Hungary
Race time!!!
#formulae #london #race Tower Bridge, London
This is gonna be lovely 😊😊
#waterstones #birmingham #book Birmingham, United Kingdom
What an absolute privilege, for one of the world’s most talented on-screen performers to interview Christoph Waltz!!
#hollywood #greatness #actor #sarcasm Excel Arena, London
What an absolute privilege, for one of the world’s most talented on-screen performers to interview Christoph Waltz!!
#hollywood #greatness #actor #sarcasm Excel Arena, London
What an absolute privilege, for one of the world’s most talented on-screen performers to interview Christoph Waltz!!
#hollywood #greatness #actor #sarcasm Excel Arena, London
Annnnnd we’re off!!
#tntsports #letsgo 02 Arena London
Annnnnd we’re off!!
#tntsports #letsgo 02 Arena London
Annnnnd we’re off!!
#tntsports #letsgo 02 Arena London
Annnnnd we’re off!!
#tntsports #letsgo 02 Arena London
Annnnnd we’re off!!
#tntsports #letsgo 02 Arena London
Annnnnd we’re off!!
#tntsports #letsgo 02 Arena London
Cracked out the kilt for gala hosting duties with the oracle @saunderscb 🙌🏾🙌🏾
#gala #london #endofseason #fun #abb #fia #car #racing #food Old Billingsgate Hall
Cracked out the kilt for gala hosting duties with the oracle @saunderscb 🙌🏾🙌🏾
#gala #london #endofseason #fun #abb #fia #car #racing #food Old Billingsgate Hall
Cracked out the kilt for gala hosting duties with the oracle @saunderscb 🙌🏾🙌🏾
#gala #london #endofseason #fun #abb #fia #car #racing #food Old Billingsgate Hall
Cracked out the kilt for gala hosting duties with the oracle @saunderscb 🙌🏾🙌🏾
#gala #london #endofseason #fun #abb #fia #car #racing #food Old Billingsgate Hall
Waving on the waves 🌊🌊👋🏾👋🏾
#tv #boat #london #riverthames #towerbridge #tourist #travel
📷 @thamesribexperience Tower Bridge, London
Waving on the waves 🌊🌊👋🏾👋🏾
#tv #boat #london #riverthames #towerbridge #tourist #travel
📷 @thamesribexperience Tower Bridge, London
Waving on the waves 🌊🌊👋🏾👋🏾
#tv #boat #london #riverthames #towerbridge #tourist #travel
📷 @thamesribexperience Tower Bridge, London