Huge Radio 2 shake-up as Steve Wright’s replacement is revealed and Top Gear star bags Sunday show
STEVE Wright’s replacement has been announced two months after the radio legend passed away.
It’s been revealed that Michael Ball will be the new voice for Love Songs on Radio 2 every Sunday.
The singer said that he’s “nervous” to continue Steve’s legacy but is excited to get started.
“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,” he said.
“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,” he added.
There have been other big changes at Radio 2, including a popular presenter becoming a permanent fixture on the team.
Paddy McGuinness will be behind the mic for a new Sunday show from 11-1pm from June, which will see Micheal’s slot move to an earlier spot.
The Top Gear star first presented on the station last year when he was covering pop quiz Ten To The Top while Vernon Kay was doing a marathon for Children In Need.
He’s also been sitting in for Rylan Clark on Saturday afternoons and presented shows across the Easter Weekend.
Talking about his new gig, Paddy said: “I’ve loved keeping Rylan’s seat warm on Saturday afternoons and returning to the airwaves over Easter. To be given my very own regular show on the legendary Radio 2 is a dream come true.”
The comedian’s arrival will see a reshuffling of the Sunday programmes, resulting in Michael Ball’s show moving to an earlier time.
Steve’s death was announced in February after he was found in his London flat.
His death was not treated as suspicious, but friends said the beloved presenter “died from a broken heart”.
He was axed from his Radio 2 afternoon show in 2022 after 24 years behind the microphone.
His friend of 40 years Gary Farrow said Steve was “devastated” to lose his massively popular slot two years ago.
Gary blasted BBC bosses who deemed Steve “too old”, saying there was no one more “current”.
He added: “Steve lived for that show, he absolutely loved it – and the listeners loved him. My view is that he died from a broken heart.”