Self-confessed 'radio geek' Lauren Laverne first shot to fame as the lead singer of cult indie band Kenickie. Lauren was due to start a degree in medieval studies at university when they were signed up. Four singles and a top ten album followed before Kenickie split (amicably) in 1998.

Lauren moved seamlessly into television presenting, and her outspoken manner (she once labelled the Spice Girls 'Tory scum') and impressive musical knowledge have led to presenting roles as wide-ranging as CD:UK, The Brits Red Carpet, and the television coverage of T in the Park, Glastonbury and V Festival.

Lauren joined XFM in 2002 and co-hosted a Saturday morning show for two years before going on to replace Zoë Ball in the drivetime slot and then eventually taking over the breakfast show from Christian O'Connell. Despite 'not being a morning person' Lauren's breakfast show was massively successful, and her legions of listeners were left reeling when she abruptly quit in April last year.

Lauren's latest projects have included presenting The Culture Show on the BBC, and Channel 4's Transmission, which she co-hosts with Steve Jones.