Mark 'Chappers' Chapman

Everything you could possibly want to know about Chopper...

< -------------- This page is due for an update shortly -------------- >

Chappers was born on the 11th of October 1973. Born under the name of 'Andrew Mark Chapman' he is usually referred to as Mark, Chappers or Chopper. He was born in Rochdale, and spent most of his childhood in Sale. He is also father to one son who was born in April 2003.

Chappers had dreamed of working at Radio 1 from the age of twelve. He began his career in radio with work experience and hospital radio. He went on to do a postgraduate in broadcast journalism, before joining the BBC as a continuity announcer. During that time he worked as a cricket reporter, before applying for the role of a sports presenter on Radio 1. His application was successful and he joined in September 1999.

He begun reporting for Sara Cox's breakfast show, before becoming a regular on the show. In 2001 and 2003 Chappers and Dave spent a week travelling the UK as part of their 'Football Challenge' for Comic Relief. On Boxing Day 2003, he and Dave presented 'Chappers and Dave's Football Annual', which was to become the first of many Chappers and Dave shows. In 2004 Sara and Chappers moved to the drive time slot, to allow Chris Moyles to take Breakfast. In May 2004 Scott moved to weekday afternoons to fill for Sara Cox who went on maternity leave. At this time Chappers and Comedy Dave gained a temporary Saturday afternoon show, replacing Scott until JK and Joel joined Radio 1 and took over. Sara Cox decided not to return to afternoons and was later awarded a weekend slot, so Scott was given the afternoon job permanently, and Chappers remained with Scott.

He continues to present the occasional show with Dave when a DJ is off, usually during the weekends or over Christmas and Easter. Chappers and Dave started up their own gigs known as the 'Chappers and Dave World Tour', touring a variety of places such as universities.

These days Chappers is capable enough to present the drive time show by himself if Scott is ill. Up until late 2005 producers used to get other DJs to cover for Scott including Sara Cox, Spoony and Vernon Kay. He also presents the daily Newsbeat headlines from 3.30pm to 5.00pm each weekday. He usually joins Scott when covering for Chris Moyles throughout the year, although has been known to remain in the afternoon slot.

Outside of Radio 1, Chappers works for Five Live, occasionally presenting the 6-0-6 programme, and has done voiceovers for digital TV channel UKTV Gold. He also writes for football magazine 'Shoot' and has presented several television shows - including covering for John Barnes on Channel Five.

He also became the proud father of a baby boy in 2003, and is a regular in the Saturday league football.

In early 2005 Chappers joined Scott, Laura and Neil in the 'Golden Fleece' episode of Most Haunted. Other notable moments in his career working with Scott, include facing his fear in 2004 when he met 'Hypno Dog' whilst on 'The Chris Moyles Show with Scott Mills' and posing as Santa calling naughty children on the air. In spring 2006 he had to kiss Scott on the lips as part of the forfeit for losing the Radio 1 FA Cup competition. In January and February 2006 Chappers participated in two on-air experiments, known as Dr. Mills' Great Experiments. He also presented the Chart Show with Scott and Laura in March 2006 whilst JK and Joel were away.

Chappers has been known for his outrageous singing and poor quality quizzes. These include the Car Alarm Game, Meal Or No Meal, and What Fish Am I?

In 2000, Chappers joined The Chris Moyles Show for the Euro 2000, broadcasting from Holland and Belgium. He also joined the team again for Euro 2004 and the World Cup 2006 from Germany. During the World Cup 2006 Chappers continued to work for Scott's show in the afternoon as well as the Breakfast show.

In 2005 as part of the campaign known as 'Everyman Protect Your Nuts', Chappers and Dave posed for some revealing photographs in Nuts Magazine. Chappers was part of the team in June 2006 when Scott's show won a Sony Radio Gold Award in 'Best Interactive Programme' and a silver for the 'Music Programme Award'. He joined Gary Neville for the Adidas +10 football event in March 2006, and took part in a cricket tournament for Sport Relief in India with Chris Evans, Harry Judd and Tuffers.

Chopper answered some questions for Unofficial Mills. Click here to read his responses!