There's a brand-new sound to your weekend mornings as Riverside Radio welcomes broadcaster James Gaffney to the station, hosting Weekend Breakfast with Elys every Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 10am.

James joins the Riverside family with plenty of broadcasting experience, having started his radio career at Radio Jackie in 2022 before going on to work at Global, including delivering travel news on LBC.

Now he's bringing his infectious energy, warm personality and love of local radio to South West London, promising a fun, feel-good start to every weekend.

"I'm so excited about joining Riverside Radio," says James. "It's a station I've kept my eye on for a little while. The creativity given to each show and its presenters is something that really excites me, and it feels like a real honour to be given the opportunity to wake up South West London every weekend."

And what can listeners expect?

"An energetic start to their weekend, that's for sure! I love being the pick-me-up. Whatever is going on in someone's life, I want people to know they can switch me on, have a laugh and really start the day off on the right path."

A very special partnership with Elys Wimbledon

The new show is proudly sponsored by Elys Wimbledon, the iconic department store that has been at the heart of Wimbledon for 150 years.

The partnership brings together two organisations that share a passion for South West London, its people, businesses and communities.

Jason Rosam, Riverside Radio's Founder, Managing Director and Weekday Breakfast Presenter, is delighted with the new partnership.

"Working with Elys is genuinely a dream partnership for Riverside Radio. We absolutely love having this iconic department store in the heart of Wimbledon. For 150 years, Elys has been so much more than somewhere to shop. It's part of the fabric of the community, a place generations of local families have grown up with, and a wonderful example of everything that makes our part of London so special.

"At Riverside Radio, we're passionate about celebrating the people, places and businesses that give South West London its unique character, so bringing together a much-loved local institution like Elys with our new Weekend Breakfast show feels like a perfect match."

Meet your new weekend breakfast presenter!

James has always been passionate about the special relationship local radio has with its listeners.

"Local radio is such a unique form of broadcasting, and one that's becoming ever harder to find. I started listening to local radio when I was younger, and there was nothing more thrilling than hearing your local town mentioned on air!

"The relationship you build with real people is something I never take for granted. South West London really is the best part of the capital, and Riverside has such a wonderful way of connecting with every part of it."

James is also looking forward to getting out and about across South West London, including the possibility of broadcasting live from Elys itself.

"Elys is such a magical department store. I cannot wait to broadcast live from the store one day soon and connect with the South West London community even more."

And Jason believes Riverside listeners are going to love their new weekend companion.

"We couldn't have found a more marvellous presenter than James Gaffney! James is a fantastic broadcaster with a brilliant personality, bags of energy and a genuine love of radio. He's warm, funny, engaging and exactly the sort of presenter you want keeping you company on a weekend morning.

"Having presented weekday breakfast myself for many years, I know just how special that relationship with listeners can be. James has that wonderful ability to make radio feel personal, and I'm incredibly excited to hear him make Weekend Breakfast his own."

Wake up with James every weekend!

Whether you're enjoying a lazy Saturday morning, heading to the shops, walking the dog, getting ready for brunch or simply enjoying a well-deserved lie-in, James will be there with great music, plenty of laughs and everything you need to start your weekend with a smile.

Join James Gaffney for Weekend Breakfast with Elys, every Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 10am, only on Riverside Radio.

Listen on DAB+ across South West London, online at www.riversideradio.com or ask your smart speaker to play Riverside Radio.

Riverside Radio – Loving South West London.

‍