‘It gladden my heart to see women from all backgrounds, cultures, etc choose to turn their lives around after being in turmoil, severe pain and brutality for all or part of their lives. That can’t happen a lone and so to have a charity like Breaking the Silence, coming alongside the women and offering emotional, spiritual, physical and practical support is amazing to me. To be a patron and, part of the BTS team is an honour and I welcome the opportunity to offer support, in any way I can’

Nikki Tapper, local BBC radio broadcaster, is a voice familiar to people in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Watching TV and listening to radio from an early age inspired Smethwick-born Nikki to pursue radio presenting in her early thirties. It was during this time that Nikki also studied an MA in Media Production at Birmingham Central University (formerly University of Central England).

Her broadcasting career began with presenting on local restricted service licensed stations in Birmingham and Solihull. Then in 1998 she co-presented the Gospel music show on Galaxy 102.2 Birmingham with Lee Quinney, followed by a period presenting the show solo from February 1999. Around 4 years later, Nikki was approached to join BBC WM to present the Late Night Gospel show, taking up the role after the late Frank Stewart, who had been there for nearly 30 years.

Since joining BBC in March 2003, Nikki has become one of the station’s familiar voices, presenting not only ‘the Gospel Lounge with Nikki Tapper’ for nine years but also a plethora of other programmes and specials on both BBC WM and Coventry & Warwickshire. These included BBC Sport relief, Children in Need and the 2012 Olympic Torch relay to mention a few. She was also a regular Presenter’s friend with Richard Bacon on BBC 5 Live’s late night programme in 2004/2005.

During her radio career to date, Nikki has interviewed local community personalities, sports celebrities, international musicians and singers including Cliff Richard; Motown’s Mary Wilson of the Supremes; Ronny McNeir of the Four Tops; British actors from Eastenders and Holby City, Rudolph Walker and Jimmy Akinola; Football legends Cyrille Regis MBE and Brendon Batson MBE; International singers of Black oral tradition, Black Voices with music director Carol Pemberton MBE and Gospel artists Mary Mary, Fred Hammond, Junior Tucker, Papa San and Kirk Whalum.

Her love of gospel music has been recognised, gaining her a commendation at the Andrew Cross Awards in 2000 for her radio show ‘Gospel Heat’ and a nomination in 2002, when on Galaxy 102.2. And subsequently, the voting public selected her as the ‘Best Presenter for the Midlands and North’ at the Oasis Music and Church awards in 2006.

Nikki has a great appreciation for most sports especially football and the teams she supports are West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal (yep, she can support two!). She has been married for 19 years to Norval and they have a daughter called Olivia. Nikki is also a qualified teacher of 21 years.

Her fun and lively personality together with her warm, engaging approach and conversational style means she is always able to make her guests feel comfortable and at ease. That’s why she now is an established Host/Compere for events from public outdoor activities, charity dinners, awards and concerts.

Nikki currently co-presents ‘Sunday night with Joe & Nikki’ on local radio, BBC WM & BBC Coventry & Warwickshire. The show airs on Sunday evening from 8pm to 10pm.