Presenter Gerallt Pennant, from Porthmadog in Gwynedd, is enjoying being back on screen presenting S4C’s nightly series Heno, and he loves the variety it offers.
Here he tells us what he likes so much about the series.
What do you like about presenting Heno?
I present from the Heno studio in Llanelli on Wednesday and Thursday evenings with Emma Walford. It’s great, especially for someone like me who enjoys a chat. Being in the studio gives me the chance to have a longer conversation with our guests and that’s really refreshing.
Who have you had the chance to inteview so far?
The first person I interviewed in the studio was Anglesey singing legend, Aloma. I had been to the Gresham Hotel in Blackpool twice to see her and her singing partner Tony for the series Wedi 7, and it was good to have the opportunity to welcome her to the Tinopolis studio in Llanelli.
I’ve also enjoyed chatting to actress Rhian Morgan who plays Gwen Lloyd in Gwaith Cartref, and Roger Williams, author of this popular drama. I had a good conversation with Big Brother star Glyn Wise who’s starting a new period in his life as a teacher at Ysgol Rhydywaun school in Hirwaun, and with Brychan Llŷr who sang his new version of the iconic song Calon Lân which was a very interesting experience.
What else do you like about the programme?
As well as presenting from the studio I also report on stories from across north Wales. I am in contact with people within their communities and in my opinion, that’s the programme’s greatest strength – but I also conduct longer interviews in the studio.
You travel a lot between north and south Wales. Do you enjoy the journey?
I travel down to Llanelli on a Wednesday morning and, at the moment anyway, it’s true to say I enjoy the journey. Rural Wales is so lovely at this time of year. The journey gives me time to think and come up with ideas for the programme.
Can you give us a taste of what’s to come on Heno over the summer?
I’m really looking forward to joining the great classical singer Rhys Meirion on a sponsored walk from Swansea to Dinas Dinlle near Caernarfon to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance. Rhys is the service’s ambassador this year, and I’m pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to such a good cause.
We’ll be starting the journey on Friday, 17 August, finishing a week later at Dinas Dinlle. Another of the Heno presenters, Angharad Mair, will be walking with us on one day and I hope to persuade more staff members to join us during the journey. I’m sure the sun will be shining throughout the week!
On Heno this week (25 to 29 June) we pay a visit to Melin Teifi, a family business in Trefach, Felindre; Iolo Williams is a special guest on the sofa; and we’ll broadcast live from one of the events at Tafwyl Festival in Cardiff and the Dinefwr Literature Festival.
Heno, Monday to Friday 7.00pm (English subtitles)