Aircheck Tracker
Profile: Ingrid Hagemann: Born in Newcastle in 1971, but with Norwegian origins, under the starsign of Scorpio, now standing in size 7 shoes at 5ft 10" tall, blue eyed Ingrid Hagemann's first ambitions had nothing to do with broadcasting. In fact, as a child, she always wanted to be a policewoman, but her first job on leaving school was as a swimming teacher.
Her first steps into the world of broadcasting came at the age of 17, as a co-host for Newcastle's Metro Radio on the station's evening show, called 'Hits, not Homework', working alongside her best friend Lee - she got her job by auditioning for the station, for which she later received full training. In 1999, she caused controversy when she appeared on 100ft image projected onto Durham Cathedral, wearing a plunging neckline and angel wings in order to advertise her programme.
Having presented Metro's mid-morning show, she then spent some time DJ-ing in Miami, Florida, USA, as well as Chicago, and from there, in February 2001, she moved to Leeds to present the afternoon show on Radio Aire for just over 12 months. Ingrid is famous on a couple of non-radio counts. Firstly, she used to swim for the UK's Under-18s team, in which she gained the nickname 'Speedo', and she's also been seen relaxing in the bath for 'For Him Magazine' (FHM). She appeared in the magazine in late 2001/early 2002 whilst working for Radio Aire, pictured naked with just bubbles to cover her modesty. Programme director Mike Bawden, called Ingrid into his office for a 30-minute meeting after the new year of 2002, threatening her with dismissal and dishing out a heavy fine because she'd allegedly taken time off, claiming to be ill, in order to go to the London photo-shoot.
Speaking after the summons to Mike's office, Ingrid said: "I should never have posed for the pictures without telling my boss. I took time off from my show saying that I was ill. It meant another presenter had to stand in for me. I was threatened with the sack. It was only after I apologised that he relented. I have been given a written warning about my behaviour and a heavy fine. I accept the punishment. I certainly won't be doing anything like that again." Mike Bawden said: "I told her in no uncertain terms that she had a responsibility to Radio Aire and her audience first. I have accepted her apology. She has been fined a substantial four-figure sum and she has received a written warning about her actions. The matter is now closed."
She joined London's 95.8 Capital FM in May 2003, hosting the overnight show Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1:00-6:00am and early breakfast on Sundays and Mondays from 4:00-6:00am, but was around at a more sociable time as a host of Capital's concert series, 'Party In The Park' during which time she introduced Beyonce Knowles to the capacity 75,000 crowd. She describes her broadcasting style as one on personal and friendly 'matey' terms with the listener. Her biggest on-air mistake is cited as being the occasion when she found herself talking about orgasms from Mars, rather than organisms from the red planet - and she didn't even realise her mistake when it happened!
Water plays an important part in her life. She loves water sports, but the substance also fits in with her obsession and her most annoying habit - cleaning. Interestingly, or, should that be, amusingly, her biggest influence is non other than fictional Radio Norwich presenter, Alan Partridge, played by comedian Steve Coogan. She is most likely to say "Are you for real?", least likely to say "For free? I couldn't possibly..." and loves to relax with a bottle of Mango flavoured smoothie. When she's out and about, Ingrid likes nothing better than dining-out, buying records and playing "Lookie-Likey" whilst drinking, particularly when enjoying her favourite drink - Bacardi Spice with Diet Dr. Pepper, fresh lime and ice.
Her bleach blond hair has become a trademark during her broadcasting work and she hopes to be remembered for sporting a rather mad hair-do - she is forever changing her style, but will no longer be seen sporting either Pillar Box Red, or Purple hair for the time being. Apart from her swimming connections, Ingrid has spent some considerable time recently building up hours on her mountain bike in order to take part in the annual HALC cycling trek to Thailand which takes place every November - the down side, is that she never passed her Cycling Proficiency test at school and therefore spends her time in the saddle trying to stay alive!
Ingrid loves fashion, clothes, jewelry, handbags, all kinds of retail therapy, apart from shopping for groceries which she hates with a passion. If she wasn't Ingrid, she'd be Mickey Mouse!
A programme shake-up at 95.8 Capital FM in early 2004 saw Ingrid disappear from the airwaves without trace. So, thanks go to Dave and Melanie for contacting AIRCHECK in June and October 2005 respectively to provide the following whereabouts.
Whereabouts: Ingrid is now back at Metro Radio presenting weekend breakfast 06:00-10:00 and filling in for other presenters while they take a holiday. In 2005, she took part in the Great North Run, completing the 13-mile course in just under 90 minutes. Ingrid can also be seen playing live at the popular Newcastle Long bar each Thursday night from 8:30pm.