Toby Anstis, a DJ at Heart FM for 25 years, has reflected on some of his most memorable and unusual encounters with celebrities during his broadcasting career. Anstis, who began his radio journey in 2001 after a notable television stint, shared these anecdotes in a conversation with the Daily Mail, highlighting his enduring passion for radio.
"It was always my dream to be a DJ on the radio, not to be on TV, and 25 years on, I still love it more than ever!" Anstis stated. He noted the growth of Heart FM from a regional station to the UK's largest, now boasting 12.8 million listeners. Anstis also launched Heart Dance in 2019 and currently hosts the Heart Dance Breakfast show and Heart's Club Classics on Friday nights.
Anstis recalled interviewing numerous high-profile artists. Among them was Emma Bunton, whom he described as "the loveliest and kindest and coolest music star." He mentioned that Bunton once co-hosted a Saturday morning show with him for a few weeks.
Robbie Williams made an unannounced visit to the Heart studio while Anstis was on air. "Totally unannounced, came in, sat down and started chatting," Anstis said. Their conversation veered into relationship advice, with Williams reportedly offering Anstis tips on finding a partner.
During a Heart "Up Close and Personal" live show, Bruno Mars performed and later spoke with Anstis. "He absolutely smashed the gig!" Anstis remarked, noting that Mars and his band still participated despite having just finished a major tour. Anstis also humorously recounted a playful arm-wrestling challenge with Mars.
Anstis's interview with Lady Gaga was somewhat unconventional, as she wore a veil for much of the conversation and spent the entire seven-minute interview spinning in a studio chair. "She just wanted to spin that day!" Anstis explained, adding that she was "super cool and friendly."
Lionel Richie was noted for remembering Anstis's name from a previous television interview conducted years earlier. Anstis praised Richie as a genuinely kind individual, contrasting him with some newer celebrities who can be "precocious entitled nightmares."
Craig David, who had returned to the UK music scene after several years in Miami, was described by Anstis as "very spiritual and present, and in control." Anstis acknowledged the enduring popularity of David's hits.
DJ Carl Cox, whom Anstis called "house music's final boss," was also featured. Anstis shared that Cox, now 64, retains the energy of a much younger person and still loves making people dance, referencing a viral video of Cox's energetic stage entrance.
Fatboy Slim was described as a "top bloke." Their conversation touched on his book and reminisced about the 1990s, with Fatboy Slim humorously suggesting he might have been responsible for his ex-wife Zoe’s tardiness on her first day working with Anstis at Children's BBC.
Take That has a long history with Anstis, dating back to the 1990s when he helped launch their music career by featuring their song "It Only Takes a Minute" on a BBC TV show. He noted that the band members remain humble and down-to-earth.
Kylie Minogue, interviewed at a hotel in Kensington, put Anstis at ease by mentioning her sister, Dannii Minogue, with whom Anstis had previously worked. He described Kylie as "genuine and lovely and somehow vulnerable," as well as a "savvy business woman" who was also "incredibly 'normal.'"