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Meet the breakfast co-host, waking you up alongside James Cannon every weekday morning.

In Public

Life before Gold - what were you up to?
"Started my career as a record plugger, at the mighty Ferret & Spanner (sadly, it wasn't a pub) representing artists like U2 and the Rolling Stones. Made the move into radio in the mid 90s and haven't looked back since. I mean, what other job would let me sit and play the songs I love, whilst getting paid for it? I rest my case..."

I don't feel like dancing - what will you play to get me on the dancefloor?
"Almost anything, if I've had a drink first."

John, Paul, George or Ringo?
"Paul McCartney - I'm a huge fan. And such a nice guy as well."

Whoops, I've pressed Play Count on your iTunes, what song have you listened to the most?
"At the moment, it's probably the audio book of Stephen Fry reading the latest Harry Potter book. Musically, a mix of the Stones, Neil Young's 'Harvest Moon', Carole King's 'Tapestry', the Foo Fighters, and of course being an 80s girl, some Duran Duran thrown in for good measure."

I hate to ask...but whose autograph did you insist on getting?
"There were two people, Michael Palin (LOVE Monty Python) and again, Sir Paul McCartney. He was thoroughly charming, undoubtably an icon but still thoroughly down to earth. He had just released his greatest hits collection 'Wingspan' when I interviewed him, and he signed a promotional chocolate copy of the CD for me. It's the ONLY chocolate I've managed to keep uneaten in my entire life."

Many wouldn't believe you but what's the most surreal moment you've had with a household name?
"Following Danny De Vito around a hotel, while he knocked on people's doors and pretended to be room service. He was fun. And hat shopping with Andie McDowell, what a beautiful lady."

Size matters - who was surprisingly taller / shorter than you expected?
"Gorgeous Gordon Ramsey was definitely taller than I expected him to be. And better looking too. Madonna is undoubtably the teeniest celebrity I have ever met. Small but perfectly formed."

Which song do you wish you'd written?
"Blimey, so many to choose from. Probably 'Yesterday' so I could retire on the royalties."

Which song sums up your journey so far?
"'Hang On In There Baby' by Johnny Bristol, or 'Beach Baby' by First Class - I've just moved to the coast in Whitstable, Kent, where I'm planning on becoming a surfer girl."

We've been a great audience - how will you send us home smiling?
"By telling you my hilarious sausage joke - it won't work if I write it down, but if you ever bump into me on the Tube, ask me nicely & I'll tell you."

In Private

It's my round - what are you having?
"Well if you're buying, I'll have a cocktail please - Mojito is my current fave."

Ever fallen in love (with someone you shouldn't have fallen in love with?)
"Hasn't everyone? He was a gorgeous person and I still love him to bits. Sadly, we don't talk anymore. Ah, my complicated love life."

Where did you sleep last night? (and how was it?)
"On my mate Jamie's sofa. He even got up to make me tea at 4am, you gotta love a man who does that."

Je ne regrette rien - et vous?
"Life is too short for regrets. Ever. My Mum once told me, you should only regret the things you didn't do in life, not the things you did. I try to live by that."

A day at the races or a night at the opera?
"A day at the races, please. That way I can go home with more money than I started out with. I once sat through the first hour of a very posh ballet at Covent Garden Opera House, before I turned to my friend and asked 'Why aren't they singing?' Way over my head."

The invite says fancy dress, who are you going as?
"Knowing my luck, the back end of a pantomime horse."

Do YouTube?
"Yes, when there's something worth watching on it."

Ah, there's the receipt - what are you returning and what do you want instead?
"I'm terrible at returning things. I usually forget and just end up going out and buying something else. Although I'm quite good at recycling the things I don't want as gifts, so watch out next time you're unwrapping a Christmas present from me."

If the cat's in the hat, what's the dog wearing?
"Dogs are way too cool to slavishly follow fashion. Unless you're Paris Hilton's chihuahua, in which case the poor pooch is probably wearing a pink velour jump suit. And cringing."

Famous last words:
"Wish I'd eaten more chocolate."

Erika North co-hosts Breakfast every weekday with James Cannon, Monday - Friday 06:00-10:00

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