Trivia

She was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2001 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to radio broadcasting.

Nightingale became Britain's first female disc jockey after joining BBC Radio 1 in February 1970. She was also the station's longest serving broadcaster, celebrating 50 years of service in 2020.

Son Alex Thomas, an agent for the music duo The Chemical Brothers (2008), used to manage the rock band Primal Scream.

Counted longtime BBC Radio 1 colleague John Peel as her career soulmate, a friend in whom she could intimately confide.

Merited a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest career as a female BBC radio presenter (1970-2010). The award was presented to her by Liam Gallagher (from the rock band Oasis) at Radio 1's London Studios (September 2010).

She was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2020 Queen's New Years Honours List for her services to Radio in Greater London W9, England.

She was an ambassador for The Prince's Trust, a leading youth charity which provides training, personal development, business start-up support, mentoring and advice. She was a supporter of Sound Women, an organization to promote women in broadcasting.

She attended and graduated from the School of Journalism at the Polytechnic of Central London (now the University of Westminster). She later received an honorary degree (Doctor of Letters) from the university in December 2012.

Had two children with Gordon Thomas: Alex Thomas and Lucy Thomas.

Gained 8 'O' Levels while at school.