Preceded by John Lamb Name Ed James | Education Degree in Politics Full Name Edward Stirk Role Broadcaster | |
Profiles | ||
Profession broadcaster
journalist | ||
Ed James (born 1975/1976 as Edward Stirk) is a British disc jockey, broadcaster and journalist, who currently hosts the Breakfast Show for Heart West Midlands in Birmingham alongside Gemma Hill. He has presented the programme since 2002. He is also a columnist with the Birmingham Mail, Chairman of the Birmingham Press Club and also runs a local PR and events management company.
Career
He started on the radio aged twelve on BBC Radio York. While studying at Newcastle University, he presented at various radio stations across England before getting his first 'proper' job at a station in Manchester. Ed presented many shows before joining 100.7 Heart FM in Birmingham as Breakfast Show presenter in 2002 taking over from Daryl Denham. He worked alongside Hellon Wheels until 2006, and Sarah-Jane Mee from 2007 to 2008. Rachel New has been his co-presenter since 2008 after moving from neighbouring station Kerrang! 105.2. In 2011 the Heart Breakfast Show won a Gold Sony Radio Award for Best Competition for its Beat The Star quiz that saw members of the public from around the Midlands competing alongside celebrities such as Gok Wan and Leona Lewis to answer general knowledge questions. On 17 April 2012 Ed James celebrated ten years as the Heart Breakfast Show presenter with a champagne breakfast in the studio, while Rachel New presented him with a pet lamb as a gift.
James presented ITV Central's 'The Biz', a weekly round-up of the latest goings on in the Midlands for Films, Music and Gigs. In 2009 he became a columnist for the Birmingham Mail, writing about entertainment and showbiz. In April 2012 he was named as Chairman of Birmingham Press Club, narrowly beating former Central Tonight presenter Llewella Bailey to secure the position. Birmingham Press Club is the oldest organisation of its kind in the world.
Ed James's mother is TV chef Anne Stirk, who appeared on Gloria Hunniford's Channel 5 daily show Open House as the resident chef.