All you say about Maconie is true, though (imo) he is still more soulful than CC. As previously stated he was from Wigan and went to Wigan amongst other Northern venues. As an NME journalist obviously he developed other musical tastes. He is a huge fan of the Smiths.
I think you're just bigging him up because of his funkyness Si.
Seriously though, I can't see him championing the finer points of the Fascinators, but who knows.. Hey some 'All Singing All Dancing" is better than none.
As most folk will probably be jollying it up NYE, the real debate (perhaps) will happen after his show.
Lastly, not a huge fan of the guy personally, but good luck to him and I hope it goes well.