People / 10 Questions
10 Questions: Martin Evans
As well as being a presenter on BBC Radio Bristol, Martin Evans has also hosted The Bristol Festival of Nature for the last six years, Grillstock, and this year’s Bristol Half Marathon from Millennium Square. He’s also broadcast live from the Balloon Fiesta and The Harbour Festival. You can join Martin every Sunday from 10am to 1pm on BBC Radio Bristol’s new show Clueless – he’ll be cracking clues with listeners’ help to cross Bristol and beyond.
1. What was your earliest ambition?
“I always wanted to be behind a microphone! My nan was a huge wrestling fan. She would scream at the TV when she was watching it and that reaction fascinated me. I didn’t fancy being thrown around by grown hairy men in leotards but I was drawn to the presentational side, so from the age of about three I’ve wanted to be a wrestling announcer. Luckily for me I got to live that dream in America for three incredible years.”
2. How physically fit are you?
“Not as fit as when I lived in America. When I was there I was surrounded by athletes and bodybuilders and you lived that lifestyle. I’m not going to be running a half marathon anytime soon with my 21-stone frame but I can kick the top of a door! I’m starting to take fitness more seriously and I’m thinking of going on a raw veg diet between now and Christmas.”
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3. If you were mayor of Bristol for the day, what would you do?
“I’d let the whole of Bristol have the day off work (except me as I love my job) and give everyone a meal voucher so they could try one of Bristol’s amazing restaurants. I really think our city has one of the best culinary scenes in the UK.”
4. Where is your favourite holiday destination?
“Anywhere sunny. I like to step off a plane and feel the warmth hit me. I never go back to the same place twice as I want to visit as much as the world as I can. Saying that, after a week I can’t wait to get back to Bristol. There’s always something going on and I feel I’m missing out when I’m not here.”
5. What’s your biggest extravagance?
“Once every two months I’ll treat me and a friend to a really good Michelin starred meal. We’re blessed here in Bristol with so many great places to eat and so many talented chefs.”
6. In what place in Bristol are you happiest?
“I love anywhere where there’s a good view. There’s something magical about walking across the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Brandon Hill is an amazing place for quiet reflection whilst looking over the city.”
7. What ambitions do you still have?
“Family is important to me. I’m lucky to be part of a big and close family so I’d love to have children sometime soon and I wouldn’t say no to presenting a TV show on the BBC.”
8. What is the greatest achievement of your life so far?
“Getting to work in America with World Wrestling Entertainment and presenting a weekly episodic television show that I grew up watching, and working and learning alongside stars that I admired as a kid.”
9. Can you sum up Bristol in a sentence?
“It’s a community that always has something going on for everybody, from live music to theatre to art, and if there’s a festival going on then we’ve got it covered!”
10. What is your favourite secret spot in Bristol?
“I love going through a stroll in Badock’s Wood. It’s a really great sensory experience. You can see some amazing wood carvings and feel the wind blowing through the trees whilst listening to the birds chirping all around. It’s got a lovely little stream winding its way through it with lovely little bridges to cross and a bamboo den area.”
Can you recognise some of Martin’s celebrity friends? 
From left to right: Tom Kerridge, Shaun Williamson, Brian Conley, Ashley and Pudsey, Andy Day.