If Somer Valley FM’s Seb Bailey didn’t know any better, he would be

expecting to wake up from the dream he is in. The 24-year-old local radio show host is pinching himself after being told he will be presenting to listeners across the world on BBC Radio 1 on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, as part of the national radio station’s Christmas Takeover.

Seb only heard the news last Monday – astonishingly, he set himself a New Year’s resolution at the beginning of the year to present on a national

station during 2021 – and to his complete surprise, he has achieved it!

In an interview with The Journal, Seb explained: “Every September, Radio 1 launch a Christmas

presenter search, so people that are involved in hospital, community radio, local, commercial or podcasting can apply.

“They invite you to submit audio, and then you sit and wait. I’m told there were over a thousand applicants this year and thirty have made it. To be identified out of that many people as good enough, is jaw-dropping. It’s left me so gobsmacked, it’s hard to put in to words.

“I took part in a pilot at the station in London three weeks ago, thinking ‘what an opportunity’, ‘this is great fun’ – I went in, did some waffling and was politely asked to leave after it was done. It was a bit like taking an exam. And to my complete surprise, I received a phone call from one of the main commissioners from Radio 1 last week.”

Seb was back at Radio 1 on Friday to refamiliarise himself with the famous studios and enjoyed a session with the producer he has been paired with to start planning the shows. He’ll be bringing listeners Radio 1 Anthems from 2018 - 2019 on New Year’s Eve and dance anthems on New Year’s Day.

Seb says: “There will be lots of happy, lively music, ready to help people celebrate. I’ll be focussing on what people are getting up to, stories of New Year’s Eve celebrations past, and perhaps some experiences of my own. Hopefully it will lead to a good bit of entertainment!”

In preparation for his shows, this year Seb will be having a very quiet New Year’s Eve with a very early start on both days for the live shows, having to stay in London to be close by. The pressure is such, he may need to set several alarms, or just not go to bed! Nevertheless, it will certainly be one to remember.

Seb’s love of radio began as a student at Wellsway School, in Keynsham, where he took part in the school radio project in the mornings. When he was eighteen, he joined Midsomer Norton-based Somer Valley FM, creating a drum and bass show, progressing to a Saturday evening party show and then, through lockdown, moved to the drivetime slot. When he was furloughed from his administration job working for Bauer Media, who own stations such as Kiss and Absolute Radio, Seb would go over to Somer Valley to record his shows.

He said: “In its own weird way, I learnt how much time was in a day. Going to Somer Valley FM gave me some form of normality and routine. At the height of the pandemic, there were days when I didn’t know what on earth I would talk about. But I’d come up with some form of entertainment, and through that time I obviously got better at Radio - enough so to gain the BBC’s attention, anyway!”

Richard Burgess, Somer Valley FM Manager said: “Competition is fierce to be on national radio. I’ve seen Seb work so hard on honing his skills, incorporating much advice from the radio industry, and always bouncing back after disappointment. He has all the skills, and whilst I’ll be hugely disappointed to lose him, and Milo, his gorgeous dog, who so many listeners now know from Somer Valley FM, he is a credit to radio, and his family, and I’ve no doubt he’ll be a big success on Radio 1. We all want him to do great!”

Seb has already briefly met Radio 1 Breakfast Show host, Greg James and 1Xtra’s Nadia Jayne. He said: “It’s an honour to even be in the same building as them. When I was younger, I struggled to sleep, so I would often listen to Radio 1 during the night. I’ve always loved Annie Nightingale, Chris Moyles and Kissy Sell Out – so many iconic presenters.

The Radio 1 Christmas Takeover aims to showcase emerging new talent in the radio industry and is hopefully a powerful catalyst for boosting the careers of those taking part. Seb is trying to keep his feet firmly on the ground though. “I would absolutely love it to lead to more opportunities in radio – if it simply helps me be on the radar a bit more and helps me get on that platform to a point where I could do it more, or all of the time, then – wow!

“My dream job would be Radio 1 drive time – I don’t think I would want the Breakfast Show – I love being in bed too much. When they offered me the early slot on New Year’s Eve, I didn’t think it would be negotiable!

“Going back to the 9-5 will be like coming home again. Somer Valley FM is home for me when it comes to radio and without it, this wouldn’t have happened.

“I’ve received a huge flood of messages – so many people have reached out and I didn’t expect so many others to share that excitement.

“I can’t wait to see where the next twelve months go. I don’t think it will really hit me until I’m in the studio, doing the shows. All I have to do now is wake up on time.”