Today programme presenter John Humphrys believes his radio style is “timid and nervous”.
The Welsh broadcaster, 72, has grilled public figures from former Prime Ministers David Cameron and Tony Blair to ex-BBC director-general George Entwistle.
But the Radio 4 host, who came second in a Radio Times poll of the most attractive male voices on radio, said he worries about upsetting his interviewees.
He told the magazine: “I think I’m possibly over-friendly. A little timid and nervous. I’m always worried I might upset someone.
“If anything, I err on the side of obsequious.”
The poll, which received more than 32,000 votes, was topped by Scottish presenters Eddie Mair and Kirsty Young as the most attractive male and female voices.
The 10th most popular male voice belonged to LBC presenter Steve Allen, who said he wasn’t really a “radio person”.
He said: “I’m on it, but don’t know anything about it. I’m always amazed when people come over and say they listen to me and I go, ‘Oh, right… weirdos’.”
Allen insisted he could never listen back to his shows. He said: “My idea of hell would be somebody saying, ‘You’re going to listen to yesterday’s programme’.”
This week’s Radio Times is on sale now.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article