Jo’s making waves

The next thing she knew, Jo had been spotted by Warrington radio station Wire FM and was informed by the programme director that she would make a great presenter.

"It was amazing really," she said.

"That night was my first taste of radio and television. I'd enjoyed singing when I was younger and as a kid I wanted to be in show business.

"I was even a dancer in Warrington nightclub Mr Smiths in the 80s but I'd never done anything like that before!"

Following her Stars In Their Eyes performance, Jo was invited to go in as a guest on Wire FM and impressed the presenters enough to be offered some weekend slots as a guest host.

Up until this point Jo had been employed as a flight attendant and it was around this time that the terrorist attack on New York shook the world.

"I decided to re-evaluate my life after 9/11," she remembered.

"There were a lot of redundancies at work and I made up my mind to take this chance I had been presented with."

Jo continued to learn her craft while still flying until finally going full time with Wire FM doing the breakfast show and drive time slots.

She stayed with the station for two years before moving on to Manchester radio station Century FM in 2004 and the rest, as they say, is history.

As a self-confessed 80s know-it-all', Jo feels right at home with Century FM and has rubbed shoulders with some of pop music's elite including U2, David Bowie and Robbie Williams.

"Every time I walk into the studio I have to pinch myself because I can't believe this is for real. I never thought in a million years I'd be doing this for a living," she said.

So what was it about her that appealed to station bosses?

"I think I was the perfect age at the time. I also have a massive passion for music and rely on my knowledge to do the shows.

"But it's not just about the music, it's about the whole team and being part of our listeners' lives.

"Everyone loves to reminisce over good songs."

The 80s enthusiast is on the airwaves every weekend with Disco Divas - the soundtrack to a Saturday night.

"Disco Divas is about having a great time on a Saturday night whatever you're doing whether it be preparing for a night out, staying at home or even if you're at work," she explained.

Jo recently played the fairy godmother role in a pantomime production of Cinderella at Preston Guild Hall's Charter Theatre, performing alongside former Steps singer and Celebrity Big Brother housemate Ian H' Watkins.

"I'd done acting as a child but not since I was 18 so I was quite nervous working alongside the singers and dancers," she said.

"It's not easy being an actor either - I worked six days a week, doing two shows a day, but I think the experience has made me a better presenter and I'd do it again if I was asked.

"Ian was a real joy to work with - when you meet him you realise he's such a calm person and his maturity shines through."

Jo grew up in Widnes but has now lived in Moore for 15 years where she enjoys the best of both worlds.

As a self-confessed shopper, she likes nothing better than travelling to Chester for a spot of retail therapy, but it's a walk along the canal with her Jack Russell Eric that's most favourable.

Jo's goal for 2007 is to build on her success story of the past few years and continue to have fun.

She added: "I have a new radio show called All Request Century from noon on Sunday where listeners can call in and request their favourite songs.

"So I'll be putting all my energies into that as well as Disco Divas. I also just want to enjoy my time and make new friends.

"In fact, the only thing I miss from working for the airline is the five star hotels!"

Jo presents Disco Divas on 105.4 Century FM every Saturday from 6pm.