He’s known for being one of Ireland’s funniest men – and now he’s making us laugh over breakfast.
Because PJ Gallagher has added a brand new weapon to his arsenal – morning radio. You can now wake up to PJ with his new show on 4FM – and amazingly he’s loving the early mornings.
The Naked Camera star tells us why he’s loving his break from telly, how it leaves him unnerved not to see his audience, and how marriage is treating him. Apparently, lots more Chinese food.
New role: PJ is taking on radio | RTE
How does it feel to have your own show?
It’s good craic I have to say, it’s not something I ever thought would happen. When I got the chance to take it I jumped at it. I’ve wanted to do radio for years.
How is co-hosting with Damien Fahey?
It’s deadly. He’s a cool guy and I think it works that we are very different. He’s the country side of things and I’m from the M50 so it works for the two of us and we get to bounce off each other. We have very different ways of looking at the world which is a good thing.
Do you prefer TV or radio?
At the moment it’s radio because its new and you get the chance to be new again. Naked Camera came out nearly ten years ago so I’m almost a decade working in TV so radio is brand new.
I’m learning all over again, it’s a whole new day at school really. It’s like going from school to college.
Baring all: PJ is known for speaking his mind
How is it having to get up so early for the breakfast show?
That was the thing that I was afraid of more than anything at the start and now I love it. I love having an excuse not go anywhere in the evening time.
I’m getting in to bed at 9.30pm like an old fella and its brilliant. The mornings aren’t that tough, getting into bed is harder than getting out of it.
How did the radio job come about?
It was Andy in 4FM. I got the call. Me and Damien had done a bit before and I got the call. I was in Morocco sick on my holidays and then that call cheered me right up. It was the perfect phone call I needed to bring me out of that bout of sickness.
Being on radio, is it odd not seeing the audience coming from stand-up?
Yes, totally. You say something and its silence. Its dependant on me and Damien having a bit of chemistry. But yeah it’s so different.
It’s such a different discipline from walking up on stage and you have an hour to say whatever you want to suddenly having an actual show with a formal and structure so it’s different altogether.
New role: PJ is taking over the airwaves | 4FM
Is stand-up still your first love, then?
I think so. It’s hard to beat that being in the moment, the electricity of standing up in front of an audience, no two shows will ever be the same.
But it’s probably going to end up being more of a hobby really as time goes on because radio is the priority at the moment.
Would you ever do another show for RTE?
I’m doing one for them at the moment. I’m doing a documentary on stage fright. That will be out in January next year.
Of course, I’m hoping to still do a bit of TV here and there but it’s all about radio really. If they have me back an odd time, that would be great.
No more injuries: PJ won’t be doing any mad dives again soon | VIPIRELAND.COM
You got married last year in Vegas to Elaine Stewart, how is married life treating you?
It’s good. It’s not that much different really. It’s the same routine really but with more Chinese food. We were together for a long time so we had the ‘L’ plates on for long enough before we took the test.
Do you ever want to have kids?
I don’t know, I don’t think I’m responsible enough. I’m good with the dogs. The dogs can rely on me for hugs and food and walks but I’m not sure that the same would apply with kids. Damien has enough kids for all of us.
You infamously did a 30 foot dive and pretty much nearly died, would you ever do it again?
I shouldn’t have done the first one never mind doing another one. It’s that old expression don’t climb Mount Everest twice if you get away with it once.
