Mark Goodier switches GHR for Radio 2

After five years Mark is departing Greatest Hits Radio to return to the Beeb…

Mark Goodier, one of UK radio’s most familiar voices, is to return to BBC Radio 2 as the new host of Pick of the Pops, following the passing of Steve Wright, who previously presented the show. From July each Saturday lunchtime (1-3pm), Mark will continue to count down two charts from two different weeks from the past seven decades. Pick of the Pops will continue to be produced by 7digital.

Mark Goodier:

“It’s an honour to host the iconic Pick of the Pops, although I wish it were in happier circumstances as I was friends with Steve for almost 40 years. I can’t wait to reminisce with Radio 2 listeners as we revisit two years in their lives, playing some of the best records ever made.”

Gary Davies had been covering on Pick of the Pops since Steve Wright’s death in February this year.

Steve Wright: Rejuvenated Pick of the Pops

Mark began his broadcasting career as a mobile DJ in Edinburgh in the late 1970s, kicking off his illustrious radio career shortly after at his local station Radio Forth. Mark has since worked extensively across the BBC and commercial radio, presenting the celebrated UK Top 40 on BBC Radio 1 from 1990–1992 and 1995-2002. On Radio 2, Mark has presented various programmes and specials from 2001, including deputising on The Radio 2 Breakfast Show.

For the past five years, as BBC Radio sought ever younger ears, Mark Goodier has presented weekend programming on Greatest Hits Radio. However, since the success of Boom Radio and GHR the Beeb have started to slightly backtrack on Radio 2’s search for a younger sound. There are even plans to launch a Radio 2 Extra.

Earlier this month, it was announced that from June, Michael Ball – already a stalwart of Radio 2 – will present Love Songs with Michael Ball (9-11am), a show originated by Steve Wright in the 1990s.