Wake up with the CofE on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show

11/01/10

The Revd Rob Gillion took to the airwaves this morning to present the first ever Pause for Thought on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Radio 2.

The Rector of Holy Trinity, Sloane Square, and Area Dean of Chelsea - who is also a trained actor - took up the theme of 'new beginnings' in the slot which went live at 9.15am. Chris Evans has taken over the popular show from veteran broadcaster Terry Wogan who stepped down from Wake Up to Wogan at the end of 2009.

Rob, who has been contributing to Pause for Thought for nearly ten years, said:

"It is a great privilege to be on the show and particularly on the first day. I will be talking about how we celebrate new beginnings as people of faith.

"I was invited to do a pilot 'Pause' a few weeks ago, after it was announced that Chris Evans was taking over from Terry and I thoroughly enjoyed working with him. So when I was asked to be involved in the first live programme I was delighted to accept the invitation.

"Pause for Thought provides an important voice in the middle of a hugely popular programme to reflect on up-to-the minute topical themes affecting the world, and to be able to bring one’s faith into the market place. Of course it’s not a place to engage in deep theological debate but it is the kind of opportunity that encourages you to tell stories in the same way Jesus did, which hopefully strike a chord with the listeners.

"It's not often you get a chance to chat with someone like Chris Evans or another very experienced broadcaster like Terry and be listened to by millions of people. It’s the largest congregation I ever have the chance to speak with!"