In November 2005, Unofficial Mills gave listeners another chance to put their questions to Scott Mills Show producer Laura Sayers.
As part of our old Ask the Experts feature, Laura talked about what time the team arrived at Radio 1, whether anybody ever pulled a sickie, how she got her break at the station and what she drank on a night out.
There was also another intriguing answer about Laura’s Diary, which was rapidly becoming one of the show’s biggest features.
What time does everyone come in for work?
Laura: Chappers is in before any of us. He has a lot to do and is very committed to the cause.
The core team get in at ten on the dot and Scott comes in about midday.
Has anybody ever pulled a sickie?
Laura: No… We are all professionals and even if we’re feeling rubbish we come in to work.
What’s your favourite tipple?
Laura: Are you serious? Dry white wine… Pinot Grigio.
How did you get your job at Radio 1?
Laura: I started getting work experience in radio and TV when I was 15.
I went to Glasgow Uni and did a show on the student radio station, Subcity. From there I applied to BBC Talent, and Joce off of the Breakfast Show and I got to be the two trainees picked for Radio 1.
Are you single?
Laura: Yeah… at the moment…
If you could bring in an old Radio 1 DJ as a guest on your show, who would it be?
Laura: I don’t think I’m the best person to answer this, but I’ve got a feeling it would be Mark Goodier.
Will there be any Christmas-themed features on the show?
Laura: Yeah! We’ve got some great stuff up our sleeves!
Any news on Laura’s Diary?
Laura: Watch this space… Sorry, that’s all I can say…
At the time, Laura’s Diary was becoming one of the defining features of the Scott Mills Show.
The feature had begun after Laura’s younger sister Mary discovered her old teenage diaries and started reading extracts from them on air. Listener interest quickly turned the idea into a regular part of the programme.
By the end of 2005, Laura’s Diary would be voted one of Radio 1’s biggest moments of the year, and during 2006 it would grow further, eventually becoming a published book.