From interviewing famous faces to entertaining listeners across southern Spain, radio presenter Hannah Murray has built a loyal following among English-speaking residents on the Costa del Sol. Whether on Talk Radio Europe, discussing books with well-known authors or appearing on Good Morning Spain, she has become a reassuring presence for many. Behind the microphone is a broadcaster who has crossed paths with celebrity chefs, Hollywood personalities and more than a few unexpected moments.

We caught up with Hannah to talk about her career, the people she has interviewed and what keeps her busy on the Costa del Sol.

Learning the art of interviewing

You started at Talk Radio Europe as a producer and researcher before stepping in front of the microphone. What did that journey teach you about interviewing people, and what do you know now that you wish you’d known at the beginning?

Starting as a researcher and producer was really great grounding, and I’m so grateful for it. Mary Harboe was the best person to learn from. Getting guests for other presenters gave me a real understanding of what the presenter wanted, and didn’t want. Producing outside broadcasts, before I ended up doing them regularly myself, also taught me the importance of constant communication between the person in the studio and the person on location.

I remember watching Mary and asking her how she knew what to ask someone if they didn’t have much to say. She told me something I’ve never forgotten: “The key to being a good interviewer is to be a good listener.” People think it’s all about knowing what to say, but if you’re actually listening, the conversation flows naturally. That’s how an interview should sound. I never prepare questions beforehand, just like you don’t in life.

Famous faces and unexpected answers

You’ve interviewed some famous names over the years. Has there been a guest who completely surprised you?

I’ll never forget chatting to the late Gary Rhodes. I mentioned some of his career highlights, from cooking for Manchester United to cooking for the Royal Family, and asked him what he was most proud of. He said, without hesitation: “Without question, I am most proud of marrying my wife.” What a nice man he was.

Food critic Michael Winner was also a real character. Off air, before interviews, he could be quite abrupt and would say “Five minutes!” before hanging up, even though the timings had been confirmed the day before. When I eventually got him on air, he was so charming, calling me darling, and happily said, at my request: “Calm down dear, it’s just a radio show!”

The interview she would love to do

If you could spend an entire day shadowing any fictional character, historical figure or celebrity, with no restrictions on time or budget, who would you choose, and what would you most want to find out about them?

The person who springs to mind is Nadia Comăneci, the Romanian gymnast. I did gymnastics as a child and watched the film Nadia over and over again. I would love to have been there when she achieved the first-ever perfect 10 at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. It was quite a moment – people thought she had been given a score of one because they had never seen a 10 before. I’ve tried many times over the years to interview her properly but haven’t managed to. I did get her on as a guest before I was a presenter myself. I called in from home and went on air, asking her if she was still friends with her former teammate Teodora. After I hung up, I burst into tears. Thankfully, that’s the only time that’s happened.

A surprising side to the familiar voice

What is something about you that would genuinely surprise people who listen to you regularly?

Something people might not know is that I’ve jumped out of a plane … twice. I did a skydive on my 21st birthday in Australia, and another about a week before my 30th birthday in Seville. I was hoping I’d enjoy it more the second time around, but nope. I’ll stick with just doing it twice, thanks.

What’s next for Hannah Murray?

Where’s Hannah going from here?

I’m pretty busy. I’m back to booking my own guests for my radio shows … TRE in the Afternoon and The Book Show … which is fun to do again. I really enjoy joining Nicole King on Good Morning Spain each week. My husband and I also host a weekly podcast called Marbella with Him & Her about our lives here. I still host a weekly quiz at The Hogan Stand in San Pedro every Thursday, something I’ve been doing for nearly 16 years.

I love singing in the choir, The Del Sol Singers, and being an active member of the International Theatre Studio. I’m also excited about going to Sri Lanka next year with The Sisterhood, an amazing group of women I went to India with last year. We’ll be driving tuk-tuks across the country, raising money for women and girls. When we did the India trip, we raised over £100,000, which was incredible. I’m looking forward to doing more with these women and getting more involved with event hosting in the UK.

Where to hear Hannah

You can catch Hannah every Monday to Thursday on Talk Radio Europe from 4pm to 6pm, with The Book Show every Friday from 2pm, repeated on Sundays from 1pm. Her weekly podcast, Marbella with Him & Her, is free to listen to and download on all major podcast platforms. You can also follow her on Instagram at @radiohannah.

Marbella’s international residents were given a reassuring message on Tuesday, November 3, when the city’s police and emergency services came together to explain just how much work goes into keeping the community safe.

The United Nationalities of Marbella summit, held at the Hard Rock Hotel, brought together representatives from the Policia Nacional, Policia Local, Guardia Civil, firefighters and Civil Protection, alongside charities, local councils and organisations supporting foreign residents. The event followed an earlier Marbella international safety summit announcement.

The overwhelming message was that Marbella really is a comparatively safe place to live, its international community is wholeheartedly valued, and the authorities want residents to feel confident approaching them whenever they have concerns.

Representatives of the National Police stationed in Marbella particularly stressed that keeping the city safe is a community effort. They want to build relationships with residents, listen to their concerns and work together to prevent problems before they develop.

For British and other international residents who sometimes feel uncertain about dealing with Spanish authorities, the message was particularly encouraging: they are welcome, they are fully part of the community, and help is available.

Planning for emergencies before they happen

One of the most informative presentations came from emergency services representatives explaining Marbella’s preparations for major incidents, including flooding, wildfires and other situations requiring evacuations.

Nicole King, organiser of the summit, helped explain how emergency planning takes account of people who might struggle to look after themselves during a crisis.

Authorities are currently working on identifying vulnerable residents who may be unable to evacuate independently, making sure emergency teams know where assistance will be needed. This includes people with mobility difficulties, older residents and those requiring medical equipment or other support. Schools, nurseries, hospitals and care homes are also identified as priority locations in emergency plans.

Residents may be directed to temporary council-run safe spaces, known as “albergues municipales”. These could include sports centres or community buildings where people can receive information and assistance, including those who do not have internet access, such as was the situation in the recent Benahavis wildfire in which communications towers were left out of action.

Importantly for pet owners, emergency planning also takes account of people who need to evacuate with their animals. Designated facilities are being considered so that residents do not have to choose between their own safety and that of their pets.

Nicole stressed that keeping in contact with emergency services is essential, even if residents decide to stay with relatives rather than use an official shelter. Updates through the 112 Andalucia emergency service will explain which areas are safe and when people can return home.

She also called on anyone living in the countryside or in an area at risk of flooding to understand the dangers and find out what to do before an emergency occurs.

Marbella has already demonstrated its commitment to emergency preparedness, including a major tsunami emergency exercise on El Faro beach.

Help does not stop when the emergency ends

Another reassuring message from emergency services was that their responsibility does not finish once an immediate danger has passed. Representatives explained how teams continue supporting affected communities until normal life is restored.

During previous emergencies, this has included delivering drinking water and providing generators to vulnerable residents whose homes have lost electricity. This can be particularly important for people dependent on oxygen equipment or other electrical medical devices.

The message was simple: emergency services will stay together with affected residents and help them through the recovery process.

Marbella’s Civil Protection and emergency services also explained their important role in preparing for emergencies, supporting evacuations, helping locate missing people and providing practical assistance at public events. Their trained volunteers work with the police, firefighters and other emergency teams throughout the year.

A lifeline for women escaping domestic violence

The summit also gave valuable attention to the work of Soroptimist International Costa del Sol, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The organisation, which works to improve the lives of women and girls, used the occasion to explain its Safe House project and raise funds for women escaping domestic violence.

Its current initiative provides emergency assistance during the first three days after a woman leaves an abusive home, whether alone or with children.

Support can include hotel accommodation, food vouchers, clothing, toiletries and other essential personal items. Volunteers can also help with translation and communication, particularly for foreign women who may struggle to navigate the Spanish support system.

The longer-term ambition is to establish a dedicated safe house where women can recover and rebuild their lives. The organisation stressed that domestic violence affects Spanish and international women, with language barriers sometimes making it particularly difficult for foreign victims to seek assistance.

For women who need help, there is also a useful guide to domestic violence support services in Spain, including English-speaking organisations such as Soroptimist International Costa del Sol.

A community coming together

The summit attracted representatives from across Marbella and the wider Costa del Sol, including members of the press, Marbella Council, Mijas Council, Age Concern Marbella-San Pedro, La Cala de Mijas Lions Club, AVOI and numerous other charities and organisations offering assistance to expat residents.

It was also an opportunity for expats to discover ways of getting involved in their local communities, rather than simply finding out where to turn at the moment they need help.

Special recognition is deserved by Georgina Shaw, who tirelessly translated the presentations from Spanish into English throughout the summit, making sure that language was no barrier to understanding the important information being shared.

Organiser Nicole King encouraged attendees to collect emergency contact information, leaflets and fridge magnets displaying essential telephone numbers.

Perhaps the most important number to remember is 112, Spain’s emergency telephone number, available around the clock. It looks an easy number to remember, but in moments of extreme stress, the simplest of numbers can escape one’s recollection.

By bringing residents, authorities and voluntary organisations together, the summit delivered a reassuring reminder that Marbella’s international community is not on its own. Its safety is a shared responsibility, and the people working to protect the city want its residents to know that they are there for them, always.

Marratxí is preparing for a weekend of Mallorcan traditions, family entertainment and charitable fundraising as its popular autumn fair returns for its 25th edition.

The Fira de Tardor will take place in Sant Marçal on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, bringing together local artisans, sporting organisations and residents for one of the municipality’s best-established annual celebrations.

The two-day event will feature a craft market, live music, children’s entertainment and traditional cultural performances, with a charity running event providing a particularly meaningful start to the festivities.

The fair is free to attend and offers an opportunity for visitors to experience local life beyond Mallorca’s usual tourist hotspots.

Charity run kicks off celebrations

Saturday morning will see the return of the Cursa del Siurell, which is being held for the 13th time.

The sporting event will begin with children’s races at 10am, followed by a 12-kilometre race at 11.15am. A five-kilometre race and a popular walking event will start at 11.20am.

All proceeds from registration fees will go to ASPANOB, the Balearic Islands association supporting children with cancer and their families.

The charity’s work includes providing support to young patients and their relatives during the difficult experience of childhood cancer.

The afternoon will bring a different atmosphere, with a musical tardeo at the La Verònica marquee from 6pm until midnight.

DJ Piter, La Década Prodigiosa, DJ Oscar Romero and DJ Juan Campos are scheduled to perform, giving visitors the chance to enjoy an evening of live entertainment.

172 stalls showcase local craftsmanship

Sunday will be the main day of the autumn fair, with Sant Marçal transformed into a bustling marketplace celebrating the work of artisans from Marratxí and other parts of Mallorca.

The artisan market will open from 10am until 4pm, featuring 172 stalls selling handmade crafts and locally produced goods.

More than 20 local sports organisations will also set up information points between 10am and 2pm, offering demonstrations and opportunities for visitors to learn about activities available in the municipality.

Traditional Mallorcan culture will take centre stage throughout the day, with pottery workshops, a tasting of handmade almond milk and performances celebrating the island’s heritage.

Visitors can watch the Ballada dels Gegants, a traditional dance performance by Engalba and a musical appearance by the municipal music school’s instrumental ensemble.

The programme also includes storytelling sessions, a performance by the Xaranga Quak marching band and a traditional pigeon release.

Families invited to enjoy weekend festivities

Children will have plenty to keep them entertained, with a dedicated programme running from 10.30am until 3pm on Sunday.

Activities will include inflatable castles, face painting and the Món de Colorins children’s play area.

The fair will also host exhibitions showcasing canaries, bonsai trees and historic motorcycles, while associations representing older residents will take part in the celebrations.

The event’s 25th edition reflects its importance to the local community, bringing together generations of residents while providing a platform for local businesses, cultural groups and sporting organisations.

Marratxí mayor Jaume Llompart has highlighted the fair’s place in the municipality’s identity, describing the milestone edition as an opportunity for residents of all ages to come together and celebrate local traditions.

With its combination of artisan shopping, charitable fundraising and family entertainment, the Fira de Tardor promises a lively autumn weekend in Sant Marçal.