The character of May started life as a caller to a radio show hosted by Eamonn Holmes in 1987.
“Downtown radio asked [Eamonn] if he would do a couple of weeks as a guest presenter and he was just looking people to ring in and he asked me,” John recalls.
He remembers how on his first appearance May did not yet have a second name so when Eamonn asked for one he played for time while flicking through a newspaper.
He said he across the name of Olcan McFetridge, an Antrim hurler, “and that was her started”.
Now, nearly forty years on and at the age of 72, John said he has no intention of quitting any time soon.
“If the punters want me and the part is there for me and I’m fit enough to take it.
“A couple of years ago I had a very bad back and I just got me second knee done so I’ve two titanium knees.
“But then somebody said you couldn’t be from north Belfast and not have your knees done.”