Stephanie Hirst has been a fixture on Commercial and BBC Radio during the last twenty-five years, and played at the highest level behind the mic. Since transitioning, she’s returned to National radio by joining Bauer’s Hits Radio brand. With diversity and inclusion close to her heart, she talks passionately about representation in the LGBTQ+ community and inspires others to believe in themselves and their goals.
Stephanie is one of the UK's biggest radio stars, best known for fronting her breakfast show on Capital for over a decade, along with hosting the National Sunday chart show Hit40UK. At the height of her fame, she transitioned and stepped away from broadcasting to focus on her mental health and personal life. Since returning to radio, she’s joined the BBC for The Stephanie Hirst Show, and recently returned to National Radio for her weekend evening shows on Hits Radio.
Stephanie began her broadcasting career at the age of twelve, making tea for the DJs at her local radio station in Leeds and by the age of sixteen, she had secured her overnight show. She went on to host some of the biggest commercial radio shows in the UK and interview some of the world’s biggest stars.
As well as being a high-energy and engaging presenter, Stephanie shares her inspirational story of how she achieved her dreams, but had to make the brave decision to let it go in order to put her mental health first. She talks candidly about her journey, transition, and the importance of representation in the LGBTQ+ community from her experience.
Outside of radio, she has appeared on Loose Women, presented for BBC Breakfast, and Lorraine, and is regularly seen as a panellist on The Jeremy Vine Show. She's also written articles for The Independent, The Telegraph and Huffington Post, and teamed up with Kurt Geiger to promote their brand.
Stephanie is a Trustee & Fellow of the Radio Academy, and recipient of an Honorary Degree from Leeds Beckett University.
