The world according to… Tony Blackburn

I can’t believe I’m turning 80 this month because I don’t feel it. But I will be celebrating the day (29 January) in the best possible way with a special Radio 2 show. Then I’m off again on tour around the UK with a seven-piece band and singers. It’s basically like my Sounds of the 60s radio show but in the theatre. I love seeing older people enjoying a night out, dancing in the aisles.

My wife Debbie often comes with me and we treat it like a little holiday staying in some nice hotels. She is 17 years younger than me and was an actor, but she is happy to be out of the limelight. We celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary this year, and she makes sure I get where I’m meant to be.

Keeping up

I was one of the first people to have a satellite dish, and be on Twitter, I have all the up-to-date equipment at home to interview people for my show and I couldn’t be without my mobile phone. I love technology and think it’s important for older people like me to keep up. The older generation are getting the hang of it better now. They listen to radio on BBC Sounds, and do their shopping and plan holidays online. I have a Tesla electric car, which virtually drives itself. I can’t wait for the time when all cars drive themselves – the roads will be much safer.

‘When my wife arranged a 70th party for me at a hotel, I asked for chips, beans and a fried egg’

Don’t stop

Sometimes people retire far too early. To keep your brain going it’s really important you have something to do, even if it’s a hobby. I never want to retire. As long as everyone loves what I do, I’ll carry on. It’s also about health. I’ve been a vegetarian most of my life because I’m an animal lover. I take vitamin pills and every day I have Manuka honey, which is wonderful for the voice. I would be happy if there was a daily pill to take instead of eating because I don’t like food. When my wife arranged a 70th party for me at a hotel, all the guests had a special meal and I asked the chef for chips, beans and a fried egg.

Good neighbours

In this country, we’re not very good at caring for our elderly. My wife didn’t want to put her mother in a home, so she has been living next door to us at our home in Hertfordshire for the past six years in a purpose-built granny annexe that we put where our old shed was. She sold her house to build it and her water and electricity are supplied by our house. I think these annexes are such a great idea that I’ve become an ambassador for the company. My mother-in-law is 99 and has a bit of dementia, so she has a carer who comes in, but we can keep an eye on her as well.

My sister

My youngest sister, Jackie, died in March 2021 due to Covid. I wasn’t able to see her or go to the funeral, so I couldn’t say goodbye to her properly. Jackie was disabled and never able to walk. She was always in a wheelchair, but she was fine, and so lovely with lots of friends. She had a tough time but she never moaned. I cannot stand it when people are continually moaning about their life when they are so lucky to have their health.

King of the Jungle

I was the first winner of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2002 [left]. When I was asked to take part, I said, ‘I’m sure you won’t want a 60-year-old vegetarian who isn’t used to outdoor life.’ We weren’t told before we went in we would have to do the Bushtucker Trials and I wouldn’t want to do them now, but I will always be King of the Jungle in my own mind.

Tony presents BBC Radio 2’s Sounds of the 60s (Saturdays, 6-8am) and Tony Blackburn’s Golden Hour (Sundays, 7-8pm). For more on his Sounds of the 60s tour, click here