Blair hits the airwaves in support of tsunami appeal

Monday, 17 January 2005 12:00 AM

Prime Minister Tony Blair was among a host of high profile figures appearing as part of Radio Aid today.

Mr Blair was interviewed by Chris Evans, as part of the appeal for victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster.

During the interview, Mr Blair put a guided tour of Number Ten Downing Street up for auction as part of his efforts to increase donations - saying he would have a cup of tea with the winner if he was at home that day.

He also pledged a book on Number 10, signed by all the living Prime Ministers.

All Britain's commercial stations are joining forces for the combined event and each station will donate a day's profits to the cause.

Simon Bates of Classic FM took over from Evans at 10:00 GMT and was followed by Zoe Ball and EastEnders actor Shane Ritchie before Johnny Vaughan and Liza Tarbuck relive their Big Breakfast days at 16:00 GMT.

Kate Thornton, Davina McCall and Dermot O'Leary are also involved, while Jamelia, David Gray, Bryan Adams and Ronan Keating are among a number of stars due to perform.

Listeners are being urged to donate an hour of their time or an hour's salary to help victims of the Boxing Day disaster in which at least 175,000 people died.

About 30 million listeners across 250 stations are expected to tune in today, in what would be the biggest-ever UK radio audience.

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