I’d like to make a statement which I’ve never made before in my broadcasting career.

I smoke.

I’ve never said this on the radio as obviously I never wanted to promote smoking in any way shape or form.

But I’ve started quitting.

I’m 55 years these days and through my life I’ve smoked too much.  Even with my light habit of four or five a day it’s been bugging me.

So over my holiday, I decided to quit. And guess what I’ve done? I started vaping. And I just started the Champix this week.

So I’m hoping that this is all going to fix it all up, and I just thought I really should be honest about this. I don’t think I’ve been honest throughout my broadcasting career completely. It hasn’t coloured my opinions at all, as such, but thought I should say it.

You want to know why I never said it? I remember when I was a kid and I was about 14 or 15, and my dad just randomly out of the blue as we were driving along the road, said ‘Son, if I ever catch you smoking, you’re disowned’.

I believed him. So much of my smoking has been secretive.  Hidden from my family.  Hidden from you, the audience.  When I was about 17 or 18 in the last bit of school about to go to university, I had a few and away we went, here and there, on and off, not wildly heavy but enough.

Anyway, I’ve started the vaping. I’m quitting.  Wish me luck.  I just thought I probably ought to make that admission. A full disclosure