Hywel Gwynfryn

Hywel Gwynfryn has been around as a broadcaster nearly as long as Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol has been on screen. The series’ first ever programme was broadcast back in 1961 and Hywel started his TV presenting career on the BBC’s nightly current affairs magazine programme, Heddiw, in 1964. Since then he’s been a familiar face and voice on TV and radio. He’s currently half of the popular duet Hywel a Nia on their daily programme on Radio Cymru. Is he looking forward to venturing in front of the camera once more?

"I’m really looking forward to being part of the team. I’ll be doing the type of interviews that I enjoy – chatting with people and discussing their lives. People are prepared to open their hearts and talk about their experiences and the way they’ve managed to survive. To some viewers or listeners who are also experiencing bad times, this perhaps can be of great comfort to them, and help them see some light at the end of the tunnel," he says.

Hywel hails from Llangefni where he was a member at Smyrna Chapel. There, we as children were encouraged to stand in the pulpit to recite verses from the Bible, and take part in the services by reading from the Bible or by praying. Standing in front of an audience like this built up your confidence and developed your communication skills. By now, Hywel, who has seven children, has more than settled down in the Capital city and goes to chapel in Cardiff’s Minny Street.