James Valentine (journalist) facts for kids

James Matthew Valentine (born 1962) is an Australian musician, a radio and television host, and a writer. He is well-known for playing the saxophone. He was part of popular bands like Jo Jo Zep, Models, and Absent Friends.

Early Life and Learning

James Valentine was born in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. His dad sold cars, and his mom taught people how to speak clearly. She also worked as a radio announcer part-time. James has two older brothers.

He went to Ballarat Grammar School. There, he learned to play the saxophone. He remembers playing "really bad jazz rock fusion" music in his local area. In the early 1980s, James moved to Melbourne for university. He soon started getting music gigs and focused more on becoming a jazz musician.

Music Career Highlights

James Valentine has played saxophone in several well-known Australian bands.

Joining Jo Jo Zep

In 1982, James joined Joe Camilleri's band, Jo Jo Zep. This was one of his first big steps in the music world.

Playing with Diana Boss and The Extremes

James Valentine also played saxophone in a cover band called Diana Boss and the Extremes. They performed songs by The Supremes. Kate Ceberano and Zan Abeyratne sang lead vocals. Other members included James Freud and Barton Price from the band Models. James said that after this band finished, the Models asked him to join their tour. He ended up staying with them.

Time with Models

James joined the band Models in late 1984. They moved to Sydney, and he played saxophone with them until 1987. The band broke up the next year. While with Models, he played on their albums Out of Mind, Out of Sight (1985) and Models' Media (1986).

Working with Absent Friends

In 1989, James Valentine joined Absent Friends. He played saxophone and clarinet for them. They released one album called Here's Looking Up Your Address in 1990. He also worked on Wendy Matthews' first solo album, Émigré, in 1990.

Radio and Television Work

James Valentine has had a long career in radio and television.

Early TV Shows

From 1987 to 1990, James hosted The Afternoon Show on ABC TV. This was a popular children's afternoon TV series. He also presented TVTV for the ABC.

Radio Presenting

James has been a radio host for over 20 years. He worked on 666 ABC Canberra. He also presented the Afternoons show on ABC Radio Sydney for a long time. On Sundays, he hosted Upbeat on ABC Jazz. James also wrote and performed funny sketches for the ABC's Humour Australia website.

Recent TV and Radio Roles

From 2010 to 2013, James narrated Come Dine with Me Australia. He also narrated Celebrity Come Dine With Me Australia from 2012 to 2014. In December 2021, he became the host of ABC Radio Sydney's Breakfast show. He took over from Wendy Harmer and Robbie Buck. At the end of 2023, it was announced that James would return to the afternoon radio program.

Writing Books

James Valentine is also an author. He has written a series of books for teenage boys. This includes a science fiction trilogy called JumpMan.

Personal Life

James Valentine has faced some health challenges. He received medical treatment in March 2024 and again in June 2025.