Donnelly was born in Glasgow, where he began his career with Radio Clyde in the 1970s,[1] presenting the top-rated Mid Morning Show from 1979[2] until 1992.
He also presented a Dougie Donnelly File show on Sunday evenings in 1987 through to 7 August 1988 which reviewed a famous musician/band each week.
[2] He was the first Scot to present the Grandstand programme on the network, which he did on a regular basis between 1992 and 2002. International exposure also saw Donnelly serve as commentator/presenter for the World's Strongest Man during the 1980s on ITV.
He has also hosted quiz shows on radio and TV and has appeared on The Weakest Link, Ready Steady Cook, Banzai and The Games.
[1] Donnelly was raised in Rutherglen,[4] educated at the former Hamilton Academy and is a graduate of the University of Strathclyde Law School.