Radiobit: 'Big' George Webley

George Webley - known as Big George - has died suddenly.

George had two long-running stints with BBC Radio London, in its GLR and 94.9 incarnations - he was currently presenting overnights on weekdays - and a spell at Three Counties Radio on breakfast. He was 2002's Sony Music Presenter of the Year.

His time on GLR had come to a dramatic halt when he had a heart attack during a programme - although he finished the show, he took a long break from radio to recover; he also became patron of the Milton Keynes Community Cardiac Group as a result of his experience.

His other career was as a producer, arranger and composer - he worked for EMI producing chart hits during his 30s; a move into television came as bandleader for Derek Jameson Tonight, the short-lived attempt to turn Derek Jameson into a new Michael Parkinson.

Webley would go on to become a go-to guy for programmes in search of a theme tune or arrangement; his work still graces Have I Got News For You and the residuals from having done the version of Handbags And Gladrags used by The Office must have been quite nice.

George Webley was 53; the cause of his death has not been announced.

My Mom, My Flag, My 94.9: Danny Baker's coming back...

BBC London have shared some happy news:

"Cats and kittens, great and good, riff and raff, hot ginger and dynamite.

Last Friday while watching yet two more dubious DVD's - "And The Same To You" an atrocious 1960 boxing farce starring Brian Rix and "Not So Dusty" a pretty good 1956 romp about a couple of dustmen starring Bill Owen - I realized things could not go on like this forever, sweet though the living was. What was I doing with my life?

With some trepidation I opened my old trunk of showbiz memorabilia that dates my career from my very first TV appearance as the toddler on the Dickie Henderson Show right up to the Good Attendance rosette I received last year from the Gillard Radio Award People for showing up every year at their big night for no apparent reason. Fighting back a tear I was suddenly overwhelmed at just how good this business had been to an old hoofer like me. I saw new perspective on the reviews of my work that I had previously seen as negative: terms like "washed up" "leper of the airwaves" and "over Radio Two's dead body" began to have a new meaning for me. A challenge if you will. Surely at just 61, I had something more to offer than another busted flush like the Cat & Dog Super Bowl and endless days watching "What A Carve Up"?

Therefore I intend to un-retire again. I shall return to BBC London on Monday April 18th at 3pm to give it another go. I realize this will reduce Steve Wright's overall audience figures by more than 300 but it's a tough game we're in Steve. It's just a few vowels from Radio To Rodeo you know.

Likewise it is not my intention to do a "Jay Leno" to Gary Crowley but, down in his heart, he knew this day would come. That he is one of the richest men in British Broadcasting should bring him some succor. I am also endorsing his push to purchase Heart FM and make it an "All Mod. All Day." station.

Anyway, unless the medics make some last gasp cruel objection, that's how it is.

The 18th at 3. Not the other way round.

Croaky, thinner but none the wiser,

DB"

Hats may, at your discretion, be worn on the side of your heads.

Mitch fills in for Danny

I'm a little surprised at the decision of Mitch Winehouse to take up an offer to co-host a show with Gary Crowley on Radio London. He's doing the show while Danny Baker is on holiday - just one day, mind, but the list of other co-hosts ( Lucinda Ledgerwood, Phil Daniels, Katie Melua, Clare Grogan, Sandie Shaw, Alison Moyet, Toyah Wilcox, Sharleen Spiteri and David Grant) is an awkward slice of company for Winehouse to be rubbing shoulders with. Nobody would deny him the chance of having a spot of fun, but this does look a little like someone using a sick daughter as a stepping-stone to being a minor celebrity. Unless there's some other reason he's been invited?

Mind you, he is a London cabbie so a phone-in show could just be his natural element.

In other Baker-related news: He's going to be doing 606 all next season. Back where he belongs.