Greg James misses Radio 1 breakfast show after a boozy Strokes gig but insists it was a 'sanctioned day off'

Greg James, 40, who has fronted the Radio 1 Breakfast Show since 2018, missed his Tuesday slot after travelling to Manchester to watch indie band The Strokes with a friend, returning with what he called a lot of drinks inside him. He posted a pre-scheduled Instagram 'unofficial statement' — complete with Radio 1 branding he admitted was 'literally just for a laff' — to head off any suggestion he had simply slept in.

Weekend afternoon presenters Sam MacGregor and Danni Diston stepped in, with James telling listeners to tune in 'OR ELSE'.

James signed off his statement: 'I timed this post to go out because I'm a pathetic loser.'

He also saluted Harry Kane's goals — admitting he had only just caught up on the latest football news.