Robbie Williams lets Gary's big news slip at Downtown Christmas launch

Author: Nigel GouldPublished 1st Dec 2020
Last updated 3rd Dec 2020

They say it’s the most wonderful time of the year …

And for Downtown presenter Gary Myles, it’s certainly one he’ll never ever forget – after a double helping of festive delight from none other than Robbie Williams.

Not only did the pop superstar help switch-on Downtown Christmas on the breakfast show he co-hosts with Glen Pavis – but he also announced during the launch that Gary was going to become a dad for the second time.

The baby bombshell was delivered to thousands of listeners across Northern Ireland – a number of them members of Gary’s family and friends who he hadn’t got around to telling.

“It was surreal,” Gary said. “It was a lovely surprise for my wife Carol-Ann and me.

“There was Robbie Williams, one of the biggest stars in pop history, revealing to the world about me becoming a dad again. It doesn’t get much better to be honest.

“Of course, many of my friends and family who didn’t know, were listening and my phone has been red-hot ever since.

Gary Myles, Carol Ann Myles with baby Macy

“It’s a moment I will remember and cherish forever.”

Gary and Carol-Ann are expecting their second child in May – a baby brother or sister for Macy who turns two in January.

“It will be lovely to play a clip from Robbie in years to come when our new arrival is old enough to understand,” he said. “I will be able to tell this story over and over again.”

Gary said he initially wondered if Glen was about to play a prank on him.

“We’re always pranking each other so I wasn’t sure what was coming but this was one was a real cracker,” he added

Co-host Glen told starry-eyed Gary: “As for the advice i am giving Gary on kids? Enjoy the final six months of your life as you now know, because when number two comes along, it's a whole new world.”

Meanwhile, Robbie’s launch of Downtown Christmas kicked off a near four-week all Christmas playlist with plenty of cracker classics and festive bangers from every era.

Turning Rock DJ for the occasion he entertained the audience with his brand new Christmas single ‘Can’t Stop Christmas’ – a timely cheeky little track that tackles the festive season during the covid pandemic with nods to facetimes, zooms and getting hand sanitiser as a present as well as Santa’s sleigh being two metres away

The tune is taken from Robbie’s double repackaged Christmas album ‘The Christmas Present’.

Downtown Christmas will play festive tunes 24-7 and will end on Boxing Day. Find out how to listen here

“It comes on the back of last year’s mega success,” Gary added. “This year with everything that’s been happening with coronavirus, Downtown Christmas will be even more special and we are just glad we can bring some cheer into people’s lives.”