KISS FM presenter Melvin Odoom shares words of wisdom with students

Wed 01 February, 2017

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Melvin Odoom gave budding performers advice on how to make it in the media industry at a masterclass at the University of Bedfordshire.

Melvin graduated from the University’s Media Performance course in 2001 and has carved out a successful career with his partner in crime, fellow Bedfordshire graduate Rickie Haywood Williams.

Together they present KISS FM’s breakfast show and recently hosted their first gameshow Bang on the Money. They also hosted last year’s MOBO Awards and The BRITs Backstage in 2015.

Melvin told the students: “Set yourself goals, don’t be afraid and never forget how unique you are. You will have an audience of people who will love you for you. Embrace them and just do what you do to the best of your ability.”

Having previously studied at the University, Melvin, who is from Edmonton, North London, encouraged the students to take every opportunity presented to them.

Melvin with group

“My time at university was the best time of my life. If I hadn’t come to Bedfordshire, I would never have met Rickie and there would be no KISS Breakfast. The staff here really care about you and will make time for you and that is so important,” said Melvin.

Media Performance student Siobhan Noone said: “It is really amazing that someone like Melvin, who has done so well, has taken the time to come in and give so much advice to students who are in the same position as he was when he was at university.”

Course Coordinator and Senior Lecturer in Media Performance Rachel Clark said: “Melvin was always a fun and quirky student with exemplary style and a huge personality. Melvin offered excellent advice, shared wonderful stories of interviewing Will Smith, Rihanna and many other celebrities, which our students aspire to be achieve once they graduate from university.

“It is wonderful that our graduates have enjoyed their time at the University and want to come back to offer support and advice to others and in Melvin’s case he was inspiring and definitely encouraging for the students.”

Today our TV Production students enjoyed a masterclass from the talented @Melvinodoom Have a sneak peek over on our @Snapchat uniofbeds pic.twitter.com/5KKbnWJe9s
— uniofbeds (@uniofbeds) 27 January 2017