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David Vitty
David Vitty
from Wikipedia

David Lloyd Vitty (born 24 April 1974)[1] is a British radio presenter. He worked alongside Chris Moyles at BBC Radio 1, having originally been a broadcast assistant on Moyles' early morning show. He became the show's head writer and 'Director of Comedy' and moved with Moyles to the drivetime slot, and then to Radio 1 Breakfast, during which time the programme was known as The Chris Moyles Show. In total, he spent 14 years from 1998 to 2012 working alongside Moyles.

Key Information

Vitty has also presented other shows on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 5 Live, as well as some presenting work on television, including Channel 4's Coach Trip. He is a former contestant on Dancing on Ice.

Background

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Vitty was educated at Glenealy Junior School and Bedford School After school, Vitty studied Radio Production at college, but never had any ambitions to be on-air. He began working as a copywriter[2] and then moved onto becoming a "tech op" for Radio 1 on 5 December 1996.

In 1997, Vitty met Chris Moyles – they got on well with each other and Moyles invited Vitty to work with him on his early morning show. When Moyles transferred to drive time in 1998, Vitty went with him and became "Comedy Dave" after comedian Lee Hurst asked Vitty on the show who he was, he said "Super Dave" to which Hurst sarcastically responded "Comedy Dave more like" in reference to his formative years nickname.[3]

On 22 April 2011, Vitty and his wife, Jayne Sharp announced they were to split.[citation needed]

Vitty is a fan of Everton F.C. as his father and other family members from the Prenton area were also a fans of the club.[4]

The Chris Moyles Show

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Vitty's regular daily contribution to The Chris Moyles Show was the "Tedious Link" (which launched September 2002 – a parody of Jo Whiley's now-defunct "Tenuous Link"), a collection of loosely connected information, where one fact lead into another by way of juxtaposition, which then eventually lead into the title of a song (or the musicians responsible for it), often a "classic" or memorable tune, which was usually played at precisely 9 am, preceded by the Greenwich time pips. Once the song had been played he was questioned by listeners and the rest of the crew about the validity of the information given out during the "Tedious Link" (the theme tune from Treasure Hunt is usually played in the background). The theme music from the TV comedy show Bottom was used as the "bed" (underlying music) for the feature but for January 2009 Chris Moyles unveiled a new purpose-written jingle and music.

Around 9:05 am, Vitty sang "Let's get ready to ramble", signifying the start of the feature "Half-Time in the Show", holding onto the last syllable for a good ten to twenty seconds, in the style of Michael Buffer. This feature was dropped on the show's return for the new year in January 2009.

It was announced on the show on 11 July 2012 that Chris Moyles would be leaving the Radio 1 Breakfast Show in September 2012. Moyles went on to play Herod in a UK tour of the Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Jesus Christ Superstar in September – October 2012. It was unclear what activities Vitty would move on to, but on this show Moyles simply said "We're off.." implying that the whole team was leaving.

Vitty did not return when The Chris Moyles Show did in September 2015 on Radio X.

Marathon broadcast for Comic Relief

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Moyles announced in February 2011 that both he and Vitty would, in aid of Comic Relief, attempt to present Radio 1's Longest Show Ever with Chris Moyles and Comedy Dave for Comic Relief, a record previously held by Simon Mayo.[5] The show began at 6:30 am on Wednesday 16 March and at 7:31 pm on Thursday 17th Moyles and Vitty reached the 37-hour mark which gained them the record for the Longest Radio Show in BBC Radio 1 history.[6] They continued to broadcast and at 8.30 am Friday 18th broke the Guinness World Records' record for the 'Longest Marathon Radio DJ (Team) Show'. By the end of the show at 10.30 am, they had set a new record of 52 hours and raised £2.4 million for Comic Relief 2011 via online and SMS donations.[7]

Subsequently, the total raised has increased to £2,821,831 and with an audience of 2.84 million, it was the most popular live BBC Red Button radio feature ever.[8]

Other radio work

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On 5 January 2013 Vitty made his debut on BBC Three Counties Radio presenting Saturday Breakfast for two weeks.[9]

In 2018, Vitty returned to early morning on the new "Hits Radio", presenting alongside Gethin Jones & Gemma Atkinson. It was announced on 30 May 2019 that Vitty and Jones would leave the station, with Atkinson moving to the Drivetime show after her maternity leave.[10]

Stripey Horse

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In 2014 Vitty set-up a production company called Stripey Horse along with Nic Franklin, Luke Hammersley and Nicola Martin.[citation needed]

Band

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Vitty was part of the comedy folk band Folk Face with Dominic Byrne, a newsreader on The Chris Moyles Show.[citation needed]

Dancing on Ice

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Vitty appeared on the 6th series of Dancing on Ice with British adagio ice skater Frankie Poultney. He was knocked out in the skate-off on Sunday 13 February 2011.

Other work

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Vitty has co-presented cover shows on Radio 1 entitled Chappers and Dave, with the ex- The Scott Mills Show sidekick Mark Chapman. On 30 December 2006, on the "Celebrity Couples Edition" of The Weakest Link, Chapman and Vitty won, beating the Chuckle Brothers in the final round. They both toured student unions across the UK regularly on their 'Chappers and Dave World Tour', and raised money for both Comic Relief and Sport Relief by visiting football stadiums across the UK.[citation needed]

On 28 February 2007, Vitty appeared in an edition of Ready Steady Cook, beating radio colleague, and former band member of Folk Face, Dominic Byrne. He previously presented a programme called Shed Sports 1 on Nuts TV and co-presented on UK Play's The Chris Moyles Show.[citation needed]

Vitty appeared on BBC game show, Hole in the Wall in an episode aired on 26 September 2009. He failed to get through any of the holes except for the very first.[11]

On 29 December 2009, Vitty appeared on Celebrity Mastermind, raising money for Cancer Research UK. He finished third overall on 17 points after the general knowledge round, having recovered from scoring 6 points on the first round answering questions about British motorways.[citation needed]

Between 2010 and 2012, Vitty provided the narration for Channel 4 series Coach Trip for a total of four series.[12]

In 2020, Vitty started co-hosting Fuelling Around, a motoring podcast with British Touring Car Championship driver Jason Plato.[citation needed] It was confirmed on 30 March 2021, that the chat-show style offering would be returning for a second series.[13] He hosted a first live show[14] with an appearance from Bradley Walsh marking the start of a third series in November 2021.[15]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
David Vitty, known professionally as Comedy Dave, is a British radio presenter, writer, and producer best recognized for his 16-year tenure at as co-host, head writer, and self-appointed director of comedy on . Born David Lloyd Vitty on 24 April 1974 in , he holds British nationality and began his broadcasting career in the mid-1990s. Vitty joined in 1996 as a technical operative and broadcast assistant, quickly advancing to support roles on early morning programs before becoming a core member of ' team in 1998. Over the next 14 years, he contributed to the show's comedic segments, news rundowns, and on-air banter, helping it become one of the station's longest-running breakfast programs with a peak audience of nearly 10 million listeners. In 2011, Vitty and Moyles set a for the longest continuous radio broadcast by DJs, airing for 52 hours to raise funds for . Following the end of The Chris Moyles Show in 2012, Vitty transitioned into production and development roles, including work as Head of Development at audio production company Stripey Horse and contributions to campaigns for Cancer Research UK. He has also appeared as a presenter on television programs such as Top of the Pops and competed on series 6 of Dancing on Ice in 2011. As of 2025, Vitty serves as Senior Producer at The Content Works, a London-based agency specializing in branded podcasts and radio content, where he oversees production drawing on his extensive radio expertise. In recent years, he has co-hosted the automotive podcast Fuelling Around, featuring guests from entertainment and motorsport.

Early Life and Education

Birth and Upbringing

David Lloyd Vitty was born on 24 April 1974 in . As a British national by birth in the then-British colony, he spent his early childhood there before relocating to the . Public details about Vitty's family background and his parents' professions remain limited, with no widely documented connections to media or expatriate roles during his formative years in . This period laid the groundwork for his later move to , where he pursued further education.

Schooling

Vitty began his formal education at Glenealy Junior School in , where he spent his years in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Following his family's relocation to the around 1985, Vitty attended , an independent boarding school in , , for his . He remained there until approximately 1992, completing his pre-university studies at the institution known for its emphasis on academic and extracurricular development. After , Vitty attended North Cheshire College in from 1992 to 1995, studying media and business.

Radio Career

Beginnings at BBC Radio 1

David Vitty joined in 1996 as a technical operative, initially working behind the scenes in various support roles before transitioning to more prominent positions. By 1998, he had advanced to the role of broadcast assistant on ' early morning show, The Early Bit, where he handled production duties, scripting segments, and providing on-air support to ensure smooth broadcasts during the 4:00–7:00 a.m. slot. In this capacity, Vitty contributed to the show's energetic format, assisting with technical operations and content preparation that helped establish Moyles' style at the station. His work during this period laid the groundwork for deeper involvement in the creative aspects of . By the early , following the transition to Moyles' afternoon show in late 1998, Vitty had progressed to co-presenting and providing comedy contributions, honing his skills in scriptwriting and humorous interludes that became hallmarks of the program. This evolution marked his shift from operational support to creative input, setting the stage for further collaborations. Vitty's early partnership with Moyles began during the latter's initial years at Radio 1, starting with the overnight and early morning slots in 1997, where their shared humor and ideas fostered a lasting on-air dynamic.

Role on The Chris Moyles Show

David Vitty, known on-air as "Comedy Dave," initially served as a broadcast assistant on Chris Moyles' early morning show before advancing to a more prominent position on the breakfast program. In early 2004, coinciding with Moyles' transition to the breakfast slot, Vitty was promoted to head writer and self-appointed "Director of Comedy" for , a role he held until the program's end. This elevation marked the culmination of his 14-year collaboration with Moyles, spanning from the late early morning and afternoon shows through the flagship breakfast era until 2012. As head writer, Vitty was responsible for crafting comedic sketches, producing humorous segments, and contributing to the show's signature banter-driven style, which blended music playback, interviews, and satirical takes on current events to engage a audience. His on-air persona as "Comedy Dave" involved regular appearances as Moyles' foil, delivering punchlines, participating in improvised comedy bits, and enhancing the show's lighthearted, irreverent tone that helped it achieve peak listenership of over 7 million in the mid-2000s. Vitty's contributions were instrumental in shaping the program's format, emphasizing quick-witted humor and audience interaction through elements like parody songs and listener call-ins, which differentiated it from more traditional radio broadcasts. Vitty departed the show in September 2012 alongside Moyles, following the BBC's decision to refresh the breakfast slot with a younger host, ending an eight-year run for the breakfast iteration.

Post-Moyles Radio Work

Following his tenure on The Chris Moyles Show, David Vitty contributed to with sports and segments from 2012 to 2013, leveraging his experience in engaging audiences through humor and topical discussion. In July 2012, he hosted the "Kids' Guide to the Olympics" specials on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., answering listener questions about the London Games in an accessible, format aimed at younger audiences. From 2013, Vitty shifted to regional broadcasting at BBC Three Counties Radio, where he presented the Saturday Breakfast show, covering local news, sports updates, weather, travel information, and listener interactions for three hours each week. He continued in this role through 2018, emphasizing community-focused content while incorporating comedic elements reminiscent of his national radio style to connect with Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire listeners. In 2018, Vitty returned to a breakfast format as co-host of Hits Radio's national morning show alongside and , broadcasting weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. with a mix of , celebrity interviews, banter, and competitions. The program, which launched in June 2018 following the rebranding of Key 103 to , attracted around 347,000 weekly listeners by late 2018 but concluded in May 2019. This period represented Vitty's adaptation to more localized and sports-oriented radio, allowing him to sustain his comedic delivery in varied formats beyond prime-time national broadcasting.

Marathon Broadcast for Comic Relief

In March 2011, David Vitty, known as Comedy Dave, co-hosted "Radio 1's Longest Show Ever" with on as a fundraising effort for 's Red Nose Day. The broadcast began at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16, and continued nonstop until 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 18, spanning a total of 52 hours and surpassing the previous World Record for the "Radio DJ Endurance Marathon (Team)" set by at 37 hours in 1999. This marathon was streamed live online and via the service, engaging listeners with continuous programming that replaced the station's regular schedule. The event featured a variety of live elements to maintain audience interest and boost donations, including celebrity guest appearances from figures such as , , , , and , who performed on-air segments and interacted with the hosts. Challenges included severe , with Vitty and Moyles enduring over two full days without rest, leading to moments of fatigue that tested their ability to keep the show energetic and coherent; they also incorporated humorous stunts, like stripping on air and Cotton appearing in a swimsuit after donations hit £2 million. The setup involved the duo handling all DJ duties, music playback, and ad-libs without breaks, while the website crashed in the final half-hour due to overwhelming traffic. The marathon concluded with presenting the official Guinness World Record certificate, marking a significant achievement in charity broadcasting. It raised £2,406,648 specifically for , contributing to the overall Red Nose Day total of over £74 million that year, and highlighted Vitty's collaborative dynamic with Moyles from their regular breakfast show in a high-stakes, endurance-focused format.

Television and Entertainment Appearances

Dancing on Ice Participation

David Vitty, known professionally as "Comedy Dave," participated as a celebrity contestant in the sixth series of ITV's , which aired from to 2011. Paired with professional adagio ice skater Frankie Poultney, Vitty joined the competition to challenge himself beyond his radio persona and step out from the shadow of his long-time co-host . His involvement came shortly after a period of intense radio commitments, during which he took time off for rehearsals, leading to a temporary stand-in on . Preparation for the series involved rigorous training at , where Vitty practiced skating routines under Poultney's guidance. In one session, visited by the team, Vitty demonstrated improved speed on the ice, while Poultney provided essential tips on technique, including how to fall safely. Vitty later shared that Poultney had warned him about the likelihood of facing multiple skate-offs given his beginner status, but he embraced the physical demands and camaraderie of the process. Over the initial weeks, Vitty's showcased gradual progress in basic skating elements, though he consistently ranked in the mid-to-lower leaderboard positions based on combined judges' and public votes. Vitty's run ended in the sixth week on February 13, 2011, when he and Poultney performed a theatrical "Night at the Theatre" routine, earning low judges' scores that placed them at the bottom alongside and . In the subsequent skate-off, the judges split: and opted to save Katona for her emotional delivery and effort, while voted to keep Vitty for his cleaner jumps despite the routine's messiness. Vitty expressed being "gutted" by the elimination but reflected positively on the experience, noting it had boosted his confidence and allowed him to connect with audiences beyond radio. He finished eighth overall out of 12 main contestants.

Coach Trip Hosting

David Vitty provided the narration for Channel 4's reality travel competition across four series from 2010 to 2012. He assumed the role starting with series 5, which aired from August to October 2010, succeeding who had narrated the previous two series. Vitty continued in this capacity through series 6 (February–March 2011), series 7 (–September 2011), and series 8 (January–February 2012). As a former presenter known for his humorous style, Vitty brought a lively element to the program, commenting on the daily antics and interpersonal dynamics among the contestants. The format of centers on four to seven pairs of British tourists embarking on a 30-day coach journey through , guided by host Brendan Sheerin. Each day features organized travel challenges and excursions at destinations, designed to test compatibility and reveal personalities, followed by a private voting session where pairs award cards for mild disapproval and cards for strong dislike to their peers. The couple receiving the most cards is eliminated, with the surviving pair at the end winning a holiday prize. Vitty's comedic played a key role in bridging these elements, delivering witty observations on the challenges—such as cultural tasks or group meals—and the voting mechanics, often highlighting awkward moments or budding rivalries to amplify the show's entertainment value. His input added a layer of irreverent humor, aligning with the program's blend of travelogue and . During Vitty's tenure, sustained its reputation as an engaging, low-stakes reality series, praised for its unpretentious mix of European exploration and interpersonal drama. The show drew consistent viewership in the afternoon slot, reflecting sustained audience interest in the format's voyeuristic appeal and light-hearted tone enhanced by Vitty's . Vitty also narrated the spin-off Celebrity Coach Trip from 2010 to 2022. No specific awards or nominations were recorded for his narration, though the series as a whole contributed to Channel 4's lineup of enduring travel-reality programming.

Other TV and Media Roles

Vitty contributed to television writing in the early , creating and penning the 2004 quiz show pilot Reverse-a-Word, a Challenge TV special hosted by that featured contestants reversing words for comedic effect. He appeared as a presenter on the long-running program in at least one episode during 2005. In 2010, Vitty participated as a panelist on the sports-themed comedy panel series The Umpire Strikes Back on , engaging in satirical takes on sports alongside hosts like Mark Chapman. Beyond writing, Vitty made several guest appearances on television prior to 2012, often leveraging his radio persona. He featured as himself on in 2003, contributing to coverage of football highlights. In 2010, he joined the panel on for an episode pitting Radio 1 against This Morning, showcasing his quick wit in a team-based format. That same year, he participated as a panelist on The Umpire Strikes Back. Following his departure from in , Vitty's on-screen roles became more sporadic, typically brief cameos linked to his ongoing radio endeavors. He competed as a contestant on Pointless Celebrities in a daytime special, in a format that highlighted his broadcasting background. These appearances underscored his transition to new radio projects, such as his 2018 breakfast show on , without venturing into major hosting commitments.

Production and Creative Ventures

Founding Stripey Horse

In 2014, David Vitty co-founded Stripey Horse, an independent production company specializing in creative content across broadcast and commercial sectors, with a particular emphasis on factual entertainment and television and radio formats. Vitty served as a founding partner and Head of Development, collaborating with Nic Franklin, Luke Hammersley, and Nicola Martin to establish the company under the umbrella of Zebra Worldwide, aiming to produce innovative storytelling that explored human experiences through documentaries and series. Stripey Horse quickly secured commissions from major UK broadcasters, focusing on unscripted content that blended entertainment with real-life narratives. A notable early project was the 2016 All 4 digital series Make Me A Famous Face, which followed individuals undergoing extreme transformations to resemble their celebrity idols, highlighting themes of obsession and identity. The company also produced the On The Road With... documentary series for BBC Radio 1, including episodes shadowing emerging music acts like Wolf Alice during their tours, capturing behind-the-scenes moments of the music industry. Other outputs included the 60-minute documentary Facing Vladimir Putin, which delved into geopolitical tensions through personal perspectives. The company's growth was marked by strategic expansions, including offices in , , and , enabling international collaborations and a diverse portfolio of factual programming. Following acquisition by CreativeDrive in May 2018, Stripey Horse secured ongoing deals with and the , establishing itself as a key player in production and scaling operations until its dissolution in 2020. This period underscored Vitty's transition from radio performance to behind-the-scenes production leadership, fostering innovative content that resonated with broad audiences.

Podcasting and Current Production

In 2020, David Vitty launched the podcast Fuelling Around, co-hosting it with professional racing driver to discuss , automotive culture, and related topics through conversations with guests. The show, produced in association with Adrian Flux Insurance, has maintained a consistent release schedule, attracting listeners interested in petrolhead discussions and high-profile interviews. A notable example from recent episodes includes the October 2024 premiere of series 9, featuring , the long-time host of Channel 4's , who shared insights on classic cars, electric vehicles, and design influences in motoring. The podcast continued into 2025 with episodes such as the release, expanding its guest lineup to include figures from Formula 1 and entertainment, while maintaining its focus on engaging, light-hearted automotive narratives. Since approximately 2021, Vitty has held the position of Senior Producer at The Content Works, a specializing in audio content, where he manages podcast development and radio projects alongside Des Paul. Under his oversight, the company has produced Fuelling Around and collaborated on initiatives like s and short films for the (EFL) over the past four years, supporting campaigns and events in sports media. This role builds on Vitty's prior experience founding Stripey Horse, transitioning his production expertise toward formats.

Music Band Involvement

David Vitty co-formed the comedy folk duo Folk Face in 2005 with , the newsreader from on 1. The pair, who met while working on the breakfast program, created satirical folk-pop songs blending humor with acoustic elements, often performing them live on air as a recurring segment. Vitty contributed vocals and comedic timing, drawing from his radio persona as "Comedy Dave" to deliver witty, exaggerated narratives in their material. Folk Face debuted publicly at T in the Park festival that year and became a staple of the show's entertainment, with performances that poked fun at pop culture and everyday absurdities. Notable live outings included a set at the launch event for in in May 2008, where they joined other acts in to promote the festival. The duo's output remained tied to the , emphasizing spontaneous over polished production. In 2010, amid Vitty's prominent role on the Moyles show, Folk Face undertook a short tour, including a gig at Factory 251 in on September 10. This endeavor highlighted their playful dynamic but stayed confined to niche venues without extending to major arenas or international dates. Overall, the project served as a whimsical extension of Vitty's career, fostering fan engagement through humor rather than pursuing commercial music success.

Personal Life and Recent Developments

Marriages and Family

David Vitty's first marriage was to Emma Pontefract, which lasted from August 23, 2003, to September 2006. Following his , Vitty began a relationship with television presenter , whom he met when she worked as a runner at 1. The couple welcomed a daughter, Nicole Catherine Vitty, on August 2, 2007. They married on August 23, 2008, but announced their separation on April 22, 2011, stating that the decision was mutual and amicable with no third party involved. Vitty and Sharp share custody of their daughter. Since the divorce, Vitty has remained single and kept subsequent personal relationships out of the public eye.

Feud with Chris Moyles

In March 2025, media reports highlighted the ongoing public fallout between David Vitty and , reigniting interest in the breakdown of their long-standing collaboration after Moyles' departure from in 2012. The feud, which stemmed from their earlier teamwork on from 1998 to 2012, reportedly began in 2011 when Moyles was photographed holidaying with Sharp in shortly after their divorce, centering on deep-seated feelings of personal betrayal regarding their . Vitty expressed his sense of through insiders, who described him as feeling "totally betrayed" by the erosion of their once-unbreakable bond, a that had defined much of his . Moyles addressed the in a 2016 Guardian interview, stating, "We haven’t spoken in a while. The last time we spoke it was 'Good luck', 'And you'. All that," indicating no meaningful reconciliation at the time. No further public statements from Vitty on or in interviews have emerged regarding the matter. The conflict severely strained their 14-year professional relationship, which had been marked by collaborative success on radio but dissolved into silence post-2012, preventing any joint ventures thereafter. Reflections in recent coverage underscore the personal toll, with sources noting how the tight-knit duo's dynamic "changed almost overnight," leaving lasting resentment. As of March 2025, the appears ongoing, with no indications of resolution or renewed contact between Vitty and Moyles.

References

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