'I was really Scared'

THE FATHER OF THREE AND POPULAR RADIO AND TV PRESENTER ON FAMILY AND HIS DARKEST FEARS

Ben Fordham is slowly getting used to the “unforgiving” alarm clock that sounds at 3 am each morning since he took over Alan Jones’ breakfast radio slot on 2GB. Fordham makes his way to an outdoor shower because he doesn’t want to wake his family – news presenter wife Jodie Speers and their children, Freddy, 5, Pearl, 3, and 10-month-old Marigold, or Goldie. “I can tell you, if you want to wake up fast, it’s standing under an outdoor shower at 3 am when it’s 2 degrees. It’s a life-affirming moment,” the 43-year-old tells WHO.

Often, Fordham will stop at a nearby cafe on his way to work. It’s not open at that time, but he knows the owners. On Saturdays, Fordham and Freddy help out at the cafe, stacking and unstacking bread. He’s even been taught how to use the coffee machine and now the owners have been kind enough to give him a key. Can you see where this is going? “If I’m having an outdoor shower and I get to make myself a coffee before I’ve even got to work then I’m just fine,” he assures.

Fordham has a laid-back charm and enjoys having a yarn. He says he was initially scared of taking Jones’ breakfast radio slot at 2GB after Jones quite suddenly announced he was retiring earlier this year. Unsure of what to do – and aware of the large boots he’d have to fill – the seasoned journo knocked back the gig. “My initial response was no,” he says. “I think it’s natural to be reluctant to do something that scares you.”