Comedian, Heart Radio DJ, BBC Television Presenter, Breaking the News Host, SMTV Live Presenter & Commonwealth Games Host

Des Clarke is a comedian, Heart Radio DJ and television presenter, widely regarded as one of the UK’s most engaging on-screen talents. Known for his quick wit and natural warmth, he has built a reputation as a confident live performer across both broadcast and stage. His long-running BBC radio series Breaking the News proved so popular that it made the move to BBC television in 2019, cementing his status as a trusted and entertaining host. Des has also appeared at major live events, including the Commonwealth Games, where he performed in front of more than 250,000 people and later hosted the closing ceremony, broadcast to a global audience.

His versatility as a presenter is evident in the breadth of his television work. Des beat thousands of applicants to front ITV1’s iconic Saturday morning show SMTV Live, bringing fresh energy to a much-loved format. He has also become a familiar face on BBC One Scotland, anchoring the live Children in Need broadcast for several years. Earlier in his career, he made his mark in sports broadcasting with the Setanta Sports Network and appeared regularly on BBC One Scotland’s flagship football programme Sportscene. His presenting credits extend further, including Invention SOS for Discovery, Sky One’s youth programme Whatever, and How to Purchase Abroad on Overseas Property TV.

Alongside his television success, Des has earned strong industry recognition in radio. He won a prestigious X-TRAX British Radio Award and was named Presenter of the Year for his Breakfast show on Beat 106. He also contributed to the SONY Award-nominated sketch show North by North North, before becoming a regular guest on BBC Radio 5 Live with Gabby Logan. This led to hosting roles on BBC Radio Scotland and Clyde 1, where his personality and humour connected with a broad audience. His work has taken him behind the scenes at major music events such as the MTV Europe Music Awards and T in the Park, where he interviewed global stars including Beyoncé, Robbie Williams and Justin Timberlake.

A natural comedian, Des has enjoyed notable success on stage. His appearance on The Weakest Link Stand Up Comedy Special was a standout moment, and he later became a regular cast member on BBC One Scotland’s cult series Live Floor Show. At the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, he has performed multiple full-length shows to sell-out crowds, with further appearances at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival and events in New York, Adelaide, Dublin and Dubai. Away from performance, he is also a well-known newspaper columnist and an experienced after-dinner speaker and event host, regularly bringing his humour and insight to corporate and live audiences.

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