Mark Radcliffe Born 1958 in Bolton Biography Mark's birthplace in Bolton is now marked with a commemorative column. After studying English, American Studies and Classical Civilisation at Manchester University, Mark joined the city's Piccadilly Radio and by 1985 was Head of the Music at the station. Two years later he had reached the heights of trainee director general of the BBC. But by the early 90s Mark found he was also at home on the other side of the microphone. In 1991 his Radio One 'graveyard shift' show Out On Blue Six won the Sony Gold Award for Best Specialist Music Programming. After such success Radio One chiefs boosted Mark and new sidekick Lard (aka Marc Riley) to the prestigious breakfast show slot. But after just seven months the pair were sacked and given the afternoon show. And with the move to the PM, came more awards. In 1998 they won Sony Gold for Daytime Award - Music, in 1999 Sony Gold for Daytime Music and in 2001 Sony Gold for Music Programming - Daily Sequence. Mark and Lard also made two chart albums as The Shirehorses. But in 2004 the pair went their separate ways and Mark moved to a solo evening show on Radio Two. To add yet another string to his bow, Mark penned his first book in 1998. Showbusiness: The Diary of a Rock and Roll Nobody is a semi-autobiographical look at his time spent in unsuccessful bands. Now, with a less hectic showbiz schedule, Mark devotes much of his time to charity work and enjoys life in his Northwich homestead. Back to the Mid Cheshire celebs homepage