Viking FM

Follow Paddy on Twitter: @paddybillington
As a child Patrick dreamt of just two things; scoring the winning goal for England in the World Cup Final and singing Italian Opera in a huge Opera House. He actually achieved the latter. Oh yes, as a boy, Patrick sang Italian Opera in a deep voice. So strange was this, he appeared on many a TV show and sang at the San Carlo Opera House in Naples!

One of his first jobs was doing talks at Scarborough Sealife Centre about Seals, Sharks and Starfish. Once a kid came running in and told Patrick his mate had found a ‘baby whale’ and was bringing it in to show him. Next minute, said kid turns up with a Porpoise that had beached itself nearby. "I’ll just pop that in a tank then" said Patrick!

Away from the radio, Patrick loves playing and watching football, running and travelling. He’s also a bit of a geek with what his friends call ‘obsessions’ with things like palm trees, the weather, the sea and cruise ships. He also runs ‘Ocean Promotions’ doing Discos and Videos for weddings and parties as well as a tourist website for Scarborough. He’s married to Lizzy and has 2 gorgeous kiddies Isabella and Leo.

Patrick has worked on radio stations here, there and everywhere, but hasn’t taken the hint yet, so here he is at Viking FM!

"I love getting stuck in! I've abseiled off the Holiday Inn tower at St. Stephens, run the Humber Bridge Half Marathon and sailed a huge barge round Goole Docks during my time here so far! Starting the Clipper Race in 2009 was a highlight and welcoming the teams home was great too! So many people watching what was a great spectacle for the area! I love getting on stage too so hosting Freedom Festival, Brid Bash & Hull Christmas Light Swicth-On's have been amazing fun! I am also doing "Paddy's Pab Party" every couple of months so keep an eye out for us taking over a pub near you soon" 

Quick Q & A!

Nickname: Billers, Paddy, The Legend (honest)

Star sign: Aries

Time you get up in the morning: If I catch the train in, then 6:15. If I drive then about 7:30! But if my little girl wants, then 4:30am for Peppa Pig episodes on the laptop!

Hobbies: Being outdoors running, playing football, exploring, travelling (been to 44 countries and counting) eating kebabs etc etc!

Previous job: Had a few. Used to work at Scarborough Sealife Centre. Once a kid brought in a “baby whale”. I thought he was joking but it turned out to be a washed up Porpoise! I carried it from the admissions area to the nearest tank!

Big break: Getting my first show on the radio aged 18 was a great moment. But when I was 9 I sang Italian Opera on the stage of the San Carlo Opera House in Naples. Just like every other child my age, I was really into Opera! It was surreal but an amazing experience!

Most annoying habit: Checking my phone every 3 seconds!

Most likely to say: “Scarborough”

Least likely to say: “Blackpool”

Favourite song: It changes daily, so as soon as I write this, it’ll be out of date. So I won’t, if that’s ok. Sorry!

Favourite TV show: the weather forecast. Erm.

Favourite food: a Banana Sandwich with Salt n’ Vinegar Crisps sprinkled on top! Mmmmmm! Also love Fish & Chips, Donner Kebabs, Pizza, Curry, Fajitas.. all the really healthy stuff!

Most embarrassing moment: There have been many! Possibly leaving my microphone on whilst answering phone calls during a song on live radio! The last caller was my Dad telling me what I had done! You just hear me saying “Hi Dad.. what? You’re kidding”

Most memorable moment: Birth of my beautiful daughter. I remember thinking “omg how much hair has she got on her head”?

Best advice you’ve ever been given: “No Rain, No Rainbows”. From a book.

Who's your hero: My parents for doing everything for me and my siblings when we were growing up. I still am growing up to be honest. I sadly lost my Dad to Cancer but he’ll always be a huge influence to me and is still with me in spirit.

What’s most important in your life: Family and friends. And Scarborough FC were until they went bust!  I rarely get opportunity to see the new Scarborough team but I hope one day we’ll be up there in the football league once more!

How would you like to be remembered: With a statue overlooking the South Bay, Scarborough. I’m thinking smart casual look please.

3 words that best describe you: Silly Outgoing Geek

Celebrity you most look like: Jonathan Wilkes has been suggested and more recently Plan B. is Jonathan Wilkes still a celebrity though?

I never want to meet: A hungry Lion face to face.

What’s on your mousemat: Dubrovnik, Croatia. Which has give me an idea for a nice personalised Christmas Present.

Super power you would most like to have: On air ‘back timing’… off air, a bit of Time Travel!