Faithful listeners to one of the longest running breakfast radio shows turned out in their droves to join BBC Radio Solent presenter Julian Clegg to mark his 20th anniversary today.

Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre provided the venue for the live broadcast before an audience of listeners and invited guests.

The presenter was greeted by fans waiting outside the theatre in the early hours as he arrived to present his regular show. Julian was joined on stage by his regular team as well as a few surprise guests.

After the show went off air, the presenter signed autographs and posed for selfies with his listeners.

“I loved it. I thought it was terrific. Great reaction. No boos and they laughed along with the funny bits and it was great they could join in with the games,” said Julian after the show.

“Some of it I didn’t know was happening. Playing cricket on stage was fun as well as getting on to a tandem on stage – thank goodness I didn’t wear a suit!”

And Julian admitted that he wasn’t certain anyone would turn up to watch the show live at that time in the morning.

“I wasn’t until I drove down the road at 5.30am and was pulling into the car park and people were waving at the car it struck home what was taking place.

“Lots of people turned up which was very, very nice. Although it was a special day, parts of the show were just like normal so that people could come along and see how we do the news and the weather.”

Julian did admit to one change, however.

“Because we had an audience we had to dress up a bit. I even had a jacket on.”