Heart 106.2 DJ and I'm a Celebrity contestant Toby Anstis talks reality shows, celebrities and going down a storm at Butlins

When and why did you first realise you wanted to be a DJ?

I reckon it was when I was 8 or 9. I was naive and young. My parents had a really old record player that I put together and pretended I was a Radio 1 DJ. If guests were arriving for a party I'd be there on the pretend decks. And I had a terrible little makeshift microphone made out of a saucepan and a wooden spoon. I really thought I was a DJ.

Were you always interested in music as a kid?

I loved music - it was my first love I was fascinated by the impact it had on people.

First record you ever bought?

Something by Madness - I was a massive fan. I met Suggs once and I was beyond excited about it. And I loved Phil Oakey from The Human League but I didn't have the wedge cut. I was also into The Jam and The Style Council so I went all mod around 13 or 14 years old. I tried to be a mod and got my first Jam shoes from Carnaby Street but at the same time I was trying to be a New Romantic. A bit mixed up.

Who's your guilty pleasure on your iPod?

Neil Diamond The Jazz Singer. My aunt played Neil Diamond so much when we went on holiday in Minorca. She's a special aunt so it brings back good memories.

How do you get a crowd at a live gig going?

The choice of music is a massive deal. In Bognor its nice to get on the mic and do a shout out to everyone. Also, I also find chanting "Anyone who's not going to work on Monday, give us a cheer!" gets a good response at a Weekender. Saying that I hate DJs that go on with corny talk and speak over the tunes. I like to get three or four tunes on before I talk.

What do you like about playing a Butlins Weekender?

It's the biggest gig you could ever do. And it's Britains best-kept secret. There are 3,000 like-minded people that want to have a good time and love nostalgia trips. One of the best things I've done there is an impromptu outdoor set in the summer. I was talking to Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills the other day and we agreed theyre fantastic gigs as you have everyone from 20 to 40 and more having a good time. And let's not forget the sound system is top notch. You'd find the same quality somewhere like Pacha. Some people don't realise that Butlins has moved away from the old hi-de-hi image and now has some great accommodation. Just look at The Shoreline Hotel, it's fantastic.

Most requested song on Heart 106.2?

Apologize by Timbaland is a top tune. Alicia Keys and Luther Vandross are constantly being requested too.

What do you love about doing the Heart morning show?

Hopefully over the course of four hours there's banter that helps the listeners get through the mornings work or housework.

Whats the best live gig you've ever played and why?

I hosted the 96 Smash Hits Arena tours. There was a Wembley Arena extravaganza to raise 100,000 for Childline. I had to go out and say Hello Wembley to 15,000 people. Honestly I had to be pushed onto the stage but I loved it when I got out there. I was introducing bands like Take That and Just 17, it was mental.

Highlight of your career so far?

Number one was being on a luxury yacht with Guns & Roses sailing around the Greek islands. They were playing the Olympic Stadium and I got the chance to interview them afterwards. We spent the whole day being waited on as they came up from below deck to be interviewed one by one. When the boat finally docked they all emerged looking a little worse for wear. Also, we flew around the UK with Bon Jovi in their private jet when they played three capitals in one day Glasgow, Cardiff and London. Another cool moment was interviewing Thom Yorke from Radiohoead in a cable car going up a mountain in Vancouver. I also feel privileged to have been asked to appear on I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and I'll never forget getting my first job on Heart as I always wanted to do music radio.

Who was the best camp mate in the jungle when you appeared on I'm a Celebrity and why?

David Gest was great from a morale point of view. Too much of a good thing can get a bit trying though.

You appeared in Celebrity Fear factor, what was your worst fear-filled moment?

I'm scared of heights so jumping off a 250ft tall tower in Buenes Aires. It was shocking we were blindfolded, taken up in a lift, then we had to crawl along a pole to a pad where you had to stand up, jump and grab the team flag, then jump to the ground. It was all done on a harness. Terry Christian went green.

You gave a memorable performance to JTs Sexy Back on The All Star Talent Show why did you choose to dance?

The point of the show was to relearn something you did as a kid and I used to dance. But I found out I'd lost all my ability to dance and co-ordinate. My girlfriend suggested I dance to Sexy Back. Now I can't play it without laughing.

Do you think you have a future on Strictly Come Dancing?

I'd love to do it. But I'd love to do Dancing On Ice more. I want to do a show where I learn something.

Favourite music decade and why?

Without a doubt the 90s my university years, happy days. I'm a big Blur fan and I also love Oasis. A lot of the club classics around now are from the 90s and they've hit so many people.

Top 5 playlist?

1. Set You Free by N-Trance
2. Born Slippy by Underworld
3. Sandstorm by Da Rude
4. Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis
5. Song 2 by Blur

When can you see him?

Catch Toby Anstis on the following Big Weekends:

• 90s Reloaded, Bognor Regis 3 October

You can hear Toby on Heart 106.2s Time Tunnel at 9am to 1pm on Thursdays and 9am to 12noon on Saturdays; and on the breakfast show with Harriet Scott, Fridays from 6am to 9am.