A TV star, from Winchester, was in disbelief to hear he had finally won his first Emmy after multiple nominations.

Rick Adams, 52, from Kings Worthy, won the American TV award for an episode of his show Virtually Rick which explored how fungus can reverse climate change.

Mr Adams, who launched a radio station at Peter Symonds College more than 30 years ago, has presented shows such as The Big Breakfast on Channel 4, Crazy Cottage on ITV, the National Lottery for the BBC, Amazing Animals on National Geographic and co-hosted the Kid’s Choice Awards alongside Whitney Houston.

READ MORE: Meet the Emmy-Nominated broadcaster Winchester born Rick Adams

After a successful career in the USA, including his time producing Virtually Rick on Spectrum News 1, the broadcaster returned home to Winchester in 2022.

His friend, Amrit Singh from Spectrum News 1, therefore accepted the Emmy on his behalf, with Rick sending in a last-minute video for Amrit to play as his acceptance speech live on stage.

Hampshire Chronicle: Rick and his mum with the EmmyRick and his mum with the Emmy (Image: Rick Adams)

The Emmy winner said: “I didn’t expect it. I wake up at 3.30am. I wasn’t sure if I would win or not. Amrit said there is no Wi-Fi in this place. I recorded something in 30 seconds flat on my phone. He was still downloading it as he walked up to the podium.

“He is a legend. He played it out live so everyone could hear it and they were all laughing in the right places.

“Last year I went and didn’t win so it was a bit bitter sweet to not be there but it was great to know my friend was there in my place.

“I couldn’t believe it. I had a heavy feeling that I was going to get my hopes up.

“When I recorded the video I didn’t know I had won. I first got a text from a colleague saying congratulations and then another person messaged. When I realised I had won, I was stunned and couldn’t speak. I had to call four or five people to check if it was really happening.

“You don’t need coffee when you have won an Emmy.

SEE ALSO: Winchester DAB radio stations return to the airwaves after shutdown

“My goal is to make boring things interesting because that’s the best way of teaching. You always remember the best teachers because they were fun. I always remember my English teacher at Westgate and he ended up producing some of the biggest West End musicals with Michael Ball.”

In Virtually Rick, the TV and radio personality characterises a mad professor to break down difficult concepts for kids using virtual and augmented storytelling. After winning the Emmy in the summer, Rick finally received the physical award in January.

Since being back in Winchester, Rick has been able to spend more time with his family and meet up with old school friends form Westgate and Peter Symonds.

He’s also working on a new kids’ book and even featured in an episode of Casualty, which should be released this month.

For more information on Rick and his work go to rickadamsonline.com/.