BROADCASTER Alex Dyke is starring in a Christmas TV show based on the 'Stars Cars Guitars' podcast he launched earlier this year.

The podcast reached the number two position in the Apple Podcast Chart and it has now spawned a festive TV show fronted by Dyke, who is well known on the Isle of Wight for his shows on local radio.

Filmed in a TV studio in Guildford 'Stars Cars Guitars – Talking Christmas' is being broadcast on Talking Pictures TV.

It features Dyke’s regular cohorts on the podcast — the former Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley, and Jim Cregan, the guitarist who played with Rod Stewart for more than 20 years.

Other guests on the hour long show include glam rock star Suzi Quatro and singer Kim Wilde, along wither her dad Marty.

Dyke, who began his career as a DJ at Shanklin Youth Club in the 1970s, said: “I was amazed at how quickly the podcast took off.

“It started as an idea to fill in some time during lockdown but then it suddenly took on a life of its own.

“To be honest I couldn’t quite believe it when it reached number two in the podcast charts.

“When the chance came along to make a Christmas TV show we leapt at the opportunity.

“The TV show has a real retro feel to it and I hope the people who listen to the podcast will like it. I think it’s no secret that we're looking to appeal to those aged in the over-40 age bracket.

“Tony Hadley and Jim Cregan play some Christmas classics live on the show and hearing them at close quarters in the TV studio made me realise what great musicians they both are.”

Dyke, a former Sandown High School pupil, revealed there are plans to record further episodes of the podcast in the New Year with both Hadley and Cregan committed to the project.

He said: “Once the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted we are looking to get some really exciting guests on and Rod Stewart is definitely top of the list.

“He goes back a long way with Jim and I don’t think we’d have any problem filling 30 minutes with the stories Rod has to tell about his time in the music industry.”

The TV show went out this morning and you can catch it again at 4.30pm on Wednesday (December 23).

Talking Pictures TV is available on Sky channel 328, Freeview channel 81, Freesat channel 306 and Virgin channel 445.

The programme was produced by Tom Stroud, from Cowes.