Chris Hawkins – The Voice of BBC Radio 6 Music and Master of British Broadcasting
Who Is Chris Hawkins?
Chris Hawkins is one of Britain’s most familiar radio voices, known for his warmth, wit and deep love of music. A celebrated BBC Radio 6 Music DJ, broadcaster and podcast host, he has spent more than two decades shaping the sound of British mornings. Loved for his calm, relatable tone and authentic passion for music, Hawkins bridges generations of listeners — from classic vinyl fans to modern indie audiences.
Born 23 September 1975 in Loppington, Shropshire, Hawkins grew up surrounded by countryside, radio and records. As a young boy, he fell in love with radio storytelling, a fascination that later became his life’s work.
Chris Hawkins – Early Life and Education
The Shropshire Roots
Chris Hawkins’ upbringing in rural Shropshire shaped his grounded, approachable personality. His childhood was filled with the sound of British pop and folk music, which inspired his early dream to work in broadcasting.
Education and International Experience
Hawkins attended Ellesmere College in Shropshire, where he first began experimenting with broadcasting through school media projects. He went on to study American Studies at the University of Nottingham, combining cultural curiosity with academic rigour.
While completing his degree, he also attended Middlebury College in Vermont, USA, further deepening his understanding of American media and culture. Earlier, he had spent a year at Tabor Academy in Massachusetts as part of the English-Speaking Union scholarship programme — an experience that exposed him to the diverse world of American radio and storytelling.
Chris Hawkins Radio Career – The Sound of BBC 6 Music
The First Steps in Broadcasting
Chris Hawkins began his professional journey at BBC Radio Shropshire, where he honed his craft as a local presenter. His warmth and distinctive tone soon caught attention, leading to work with BBC Radio Nottingham and later GLR (London 94.9). These early years taught him the essentials of live broadcasting — connection, timing and personality.
The Rise of a National Voice
Hawkins’ talent quickly carried him into national broadcasting. He appeared on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 5 Live, and eventually became a core part of BBC Radio 6 Music, where his name is now synonymous with early-morning excellence.
Today, Chris Hawkins 6 Music mornings are a beloved ritual for many listeners across the UK. His show blends relaxed humour, musical discovery and meaningful conversation. Whether he’s playing a new track from an unsigned artist or discussing memories of a classic record, Hawkins brings sincerity and depth to every segment.
Chris Hawkins BBC 6 Music – More Than a Presenter
Early Mornings and Loyal Listeners
Hosting one of the most difficult slots in radio — the pre-breakfast hours — Chris Hawkins has turned early mornings into a community. His show, airing before sunrise, welcomes shift workers, musicians, parents and commuters alike. It’s his voice, often the first one listeners hear each day, that brings a sense of calm and belonging.
Hawkins’ natural connection with his audience is what sets him apart. He’s not just a DJ playing tracks; he’s a friend sharing the soundtrack of everyday life.
Documentaries and Guest Appearances
Beyond 6 Music, Chris Hawkins produces and presents documentary features for BBC Radio 4 and occasionally appears on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 5 Live. His versatility demonstrates his ability to cross genres — from music culture to storytelling and human-interest programmes.
Chris Hawkins DJ – The Man Behind the Music
How To DJ Podcast
Expanding his broadcasting portfolio, Hawkins launched the acclaimed “How To DJ” podcast, where he interviews world-class DJs, musicians and producers. The series offers candid insights into life behind the decks, creative struggles and the art of moving a crowd. With his signature mix of curiosity and empathy, Chris Hawkins has turned the podcast into essential listening for music enthusiasts.
Live Events and Festivals
Outside the BBC, Chris Hawkins regularly performs as a DJ and event host, appearing at British music festivals and cultural gatherings. His live sets reflect his broad musical taste — from soul and rock to indie, electronica and emerging new talent. Fans appreciate his genuine enthusiasm and encyclopaedic knowledge of music history.
Personal Life – Chris Hawkins Wife and Family
Marriage to Clare Nasir
Chris Hawkins’ wife is Clare Nasir, a well-known meteorologist, author and TV presenter for the Met Office and Channel 5 Weather. The two married in March 2005, forming one of the UK’s most recognisable media couples — he in radio and music, she in science and broadcasting.
Their relationship represents the perfect balance of creativity and intellect: Clare’s background in climate science complements Chris’s world of music and communication. The couple frequently appears together on social media, celebrating anniversaries, family milestones and professional achievements.
Chris Hawkins Daughter
Chris and Clare have one daughter, Sienna Clare Nasir Hawkins, born in November 2009. Clare often describes Sienna as their “greatest project” — a bright, artistic young woman growing up in a household full of creativity, science and music. The family lives in Wilmslow, Cheshire, close to MediaCityUK, reflecting their shared ties to the BBC North hub.
Family and Personality
Despite his national fame, Chris Hawkins remains a deeply private and family-oriented man. His humility and humour shine through both on and off air. Friends and colleagues often describe him as warm, curious and loyal — someone who genuinely loves people as much as he loves music.
Chris Hawkins Age, Character and Personal Interests
Age and Personality
As of 2025, Chris Hawkins is 50 years old, yet his enthusiasm for music feels timeless. His listeners often comment on his “ageless energy”, a result of both his early-morning discipline and his zest for discovery.
Hobbies and Advocacy
Away from the microphone, Chris is known for his sense of humour and distinctive quirks — including a playful public confession of his lifelong “phobia of vegetables”. He’s also a passionate supporter of Nordoff Robbins, a UK charity providing music therapy for people affected by illness, disability or isolation. Through charity events and live DJ sets, he helps raise funds and awareness for music’s healing power.
Chris Hawkins BBC Career Legacy
A Pioneer in Listener Connection
In a broadcasting landscape often dominated by fast cuts and fleeting trends, Chris Hawkins stands for authenticity. His quiet confidence, musical curiosity and conversational tone have created a distinctive style that other presenters emulate. His ability to hold a national audience in the stillness of dawn is rare — and it is exactly what keeps Chris Hawkins Radio 6 Music among the most beloved slots in the schedule.
Mentoring and Industry Influence
Hawkins frequently mentors younger presenters, sharing the importance of preparation, empathy and humour. He has become a trusted figure within the BBC for nurturing radio talent and encouraging diversity of sound and perspective.
Why Chris Hawkins Matters to British Radio
The Human Voice of Music
More than just a DJ, Chris Hawkins represents the enduring magic of radio — the intimacy of voice, the storytelling in sound and the connection between broadcaster and listener. His presence on BBC Radio 6 Music reminds audiences that music is not merely entertainment but an emotional language that unites people.
Balancing Tradition and Modernity
Hawkins’ career embodies the blend of tradition and innovation that defines British broadcasting. He respects the golden age of radio while embracing podcasts, live streams and digital engagement. His shows consistently highlight emerging artists, proving his ear for the future of sound remains sharp.
Final Thoughts – The Enduring Impact of Chris Hawkins
At 50, Chris Hawkins continues to evolve, balancing his role as a BBC Radio 6 Music presenter, DJ, podcaster, and family man. His partnership with Clare Nasir and their daughter, his charitable work, and his unwavering passion for music mark him as one of the most authentic voices in modern broadcasting.
For listeners waking up to his calm tones, Hawkins represents continuity, community and creativity — qualities that define the best of British radio. His story proves that true success in broadcasting isn’t about fame or volume; it’s about connection.
