Hartlepool Coronation Street actor, TV presenter and DJ celebrates launch of his new solo radio show

Dan Westwood who is also an actor and has starred in soaps Coronation Street and Doctors, is enjoying the new phase in his career with his upbeat show after joining a new Midlands LGBT radio station.

He broadcasts to thousands of listeners across Birmingham, the Black Country and Shropshire on Gorgeous FM every Saturday afternoon.

People outside the area can also listen in on DAB digital radio and online.

Dan, 35, from the St Aidan’s area of Hartlepool, said: “I’ve done a lot of radio in the past but have always had a co-presenter so this is the my first show on my own.

"They have given me full range. We have gone for really upbeat songs and I wanted to bring my presenter vibe so I have got a celebrity guest every week.

"It’s live so it’s scary but fun.”

His first guests have been former Brookside actress Claire Sweeney and Olympic swimmer Michael Gunning.

Future guests are set to include Britain’s Got Talent drag queen Danny Beard, comedian Jon Clegg and ‘Allo ‘Allo! television star Vicki Michelle.

Dan, who has also done TV presenting, previously worked in radio for Tameside Radio and BBC Manchester.

He took a break during the coronavirus pandemic and regularly comes back to Hartlepool to visit family.

He was offered his own show on Gorgeous FM, a not for profit organisation aimed at LGBTQ communities, after a stint on its breakfast show.

“It’s a nice time to go back as we come out of lockdown,” said Dan. “It’s been fab and I’ve had a lot of messages of support from people.

"It’s nice to show people in town that things are happening and getting back to normal, and we can create a bit of a good vibe.”

He is also continuing to run his social media mental health campaign #Here4U and plans to develop it further with the launch of a new podcast soon.

Dan, who is also an ambassador with mental health charity MIND, said: “I’ve been speaking to a lot of people to make them aware help is there and they are not on their own.

"I want to tie mental health into my radio work and openly speak about that.”

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