Born in 1992 in County Antrim, Dean McCullough grew up in Northern Ireland and attended Glengormley High School. His early passion for performance led him to a scholarship at Laine Theatre Arts, where he honed his skills in music and theatre. As a young man, Dean came to terms with his sexuality, realising he was gay at around 11 or 12, and has spoken openly about the challenges of growing up in that environment.

Dean’s radio journey began with volunteer work, including a stint at Wandsworth Radio.

Dean McCullough | Big Break into Radio

His big break came in 2018 when he joined Gaydio, co-presenting with Emma Goswell and later fronting the breakfast show. His warm, witty style soon caught the attention of the BBC, and by 2020 he was covering shows on Radio 1. This led to a series of permanent roles, from weekend slots to the prestigious weekday afternoon show with Vicky Hawkesworth, stepping into the shoes of Scott Mills and Chris Stark. More recently, he has moved into the early breakfast slot and also hosts Radio 1’s “Pop Anthems,” cementing his place as a key figure at the station.

Dean McCullough | TV Credits

Dean has also appeared on a number of popular television programmes. His biggest TV break came in 2024 when he joined the line-up of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, which introduced him to a wider audience beyond radio listeners.  He has also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother: Late & Live (2024), Celebrity Mastermind (2024), Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two (2022-23), CelebAbility (2023), and Saturday Mash-Up (2022), and is the narrator of current affairs documentary Untold.

Dean McCullough | Homelessness and Mental Health

Dean’s story is also one of resilience and personal growth. After his parents separated, he and his mother experienced hidden homelessness, moving frequently and often staying with friends.

He has often spoken publicly about his experience with homelessness, even though he didn’t think of himself as homeless at the time. “We weren’t living on the street, we were living in my aunt’s house on a sofa. I was moving between houses on a regular basis”. He is very passionate about “widening the narrative” about what homelessness actually is and how it can impact mental health, particularly that of young children.

As a young man, he also struggled with loneliness, alcohol, and drugs, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when his drinking became destructive. In later years, Dean chose sobriety, a decision he describes as life-changing, giving him renewed focus and energy for his career. He has been candid about these experiences, using his platform to highlight issues of mental health, addiction and the less-visible forms of homelessness.

LIVE HOSTING

Dean has hosted a number of large-scale corporate and industry events, and red carpets, including:

– The Olivier Awards

– The British LGBT Awards

– London Fashion Week

– Radio 1’s Big Weekend

– Westlife at Wembley

– Sam Smith at the BBC for BBC Sounds

He has also hosted at a range of national pride events from London to Manchester, Belfast to Birmingham and Glasgow.

Dean is a competent interviewer, and has worked with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Kylie Minogue, and Little Mix.

Clients: Moss Bros, Sony, Symprove, Virgin

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book radio presenter Dean McCullough for your next live event.

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