One of Swansea's best-known entertainers, broadcasters and chaplains said he had never felt so humbled after being conferred with the honorary freedom of the city and county. Kevin Johns MBE has been known to many over the years as Swansea City's match-day announcer and club chaplain, a presenter on Swansea Sound radio station, the patron of many charities, an actor and panto star.
He was directed by Michael Sheen in the National Theatre of Wales’s production of The Passion, appearing as the MC of the Last Supper. Mr Johns was born in Uplands in 1961, grew up in Plasmarl, and attended Dynevor School before entering bible college in London and then the ministry in 1984.
"I can honestly say, hand on heart, I've never been so humbled or honoured all my life," he told a meeting of full council. He referred to some of the other people who had received the award, such as Catherine Zeta Jones and Chris Coleman, and said: "I was the only one I'd never heard of!" He added: "I'm a Jack, I really am - I love my city with all my heart." You can get more Swansea news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
He said Swansea's coastline and hills and nearby mountains were part of what made the city great, but the key ingredient was its people. It was the people and his family, he said, who gave him the energy to keep going. Mr Johns, who was appointed MBE in 2013 for services to charity, is married to Rosie and has two children.
Council leader Rob Stewart said it gave him great pleasure to recommend the award. He listed Mr Johns's various achievements, and also said an Adele impression he once did was unforgettable. Cllr Stewart said: "He will rally around anything to support Swansea and Swansea's causes." The Swansea Labour leader said Mr Johns didn't do it for the publicity or attention - often not charging any money for the events he did - but because it was the right thing to do.
Opposition group leader, Liberal Democrat councillor Chris Holley, described Mr Johns as one of the best advocates for Swansea, while Swansea Conservatives leader, Cllr Lyndon Jones, said he was the city's "all round entertainer", a good and decent person, and also a Lego fanatic. Cllr Jones added: "I have known him for a quite a few years - when we first met I had hair!"
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