BBC Radio 2 have confirmed the new hosts of Sunday morning shows following the passing of Steve Wright.
Michael Ball, who currently presents on Sundays from 11am-1pm, will present Love Songs with Michael Ball from 9-11am from June. Michael has hosted many programmes across the station since 2005 and has fronted his current show since 2016.
Michael Ball:
“Steve made Love Songs ‘appointment to listen’ radio. I’m beyond excited and more than a little nervous to be tasked with the chance to continue with his extraordinary legacy. Beautiful, moving, relaxing and uplifting music to lift the soul on a Sunday morning, coupled with the stories, suggestions, requests and precious memories from you, the listener, will ensure that this won’t be just MY show, but OUR show. I hope you will join us as we continue to share the love.”
Paddy McGuinness will host a new Sunday show from 11am-1pm from June as Michael Ball moves to an earlier time.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2:
“Although these are changes that we’d rather not be making, given the circumstances, I’m delighted to welcome Paddy and Michael to their new Sunday slots on Radio 2. I’m looking forward to Michael’s new earlier show, where he’ll entertain his ‘lovelies’ as he’s always done, and Paddy made a huge impression on our listeners when he sat in for Rylan as well as with his Easter specials. I’d also like to thank Nicki Chapman for presenting brilliant editions of Sunday Love Songs for the past few weeks.”
The new presenter for Pick of the Pops (Saturdays, 1-3pm) will be announced in due course, with Gary Davies continuing as the show’s interim host in the meantime. Radio 2 have also revealed that two of the UK’s best loved personalities will be entertaining listeners on the two May Bank Holidays, Monday 6 and Monday 27 May.
Tony Blackburn, who was awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting and charity in the King’s New Year Honours list, will be treating listeners to a Sounds of Soul special from 12pm-2pm.
Tony Blackburn:
“I’ve been a soul music fan all my life, so what a joy it will be to present these shows, playing the best new and classic soul tracks to millions of fellow music fans. So if you like soul music, sweet soul music, do join me on the May Bank Holiday Mondays.”
Following her Christmas Day special, Jane McDonald is back in the Radio 2 presenter seat to sparkle showbiz glitter across the UK from 4-7pm. Listeners can expect to hear more of Jane’s hilarious stories from her years as one of the UK’s leading entertainers. She will also be sharing her views on what makes a good barbecue, her gardening tips, memories from her travels, her (often failed) attempts at cooking… Jane has a story for everything.
