Emma Willis to host new BBC Radio 2 programme as Zoe Ball steps down
Emma Willis will replace Zoe Ball's BBC Radio 2 Saturday lunchtime programme, as the presenter today announced she will step down later this month. Willis will be on the airwaves from January 2026 each Saturday lunchtime between 1pm and 3pm. The BBC has teased her programme will be jam-packed with special guests. Emma said of the announcement: "I'm a huge fan of Radio 2, so I'm absolutely chuffed to be joining the family - and it's a real honour to follow in the huge footsteps Zoe leaves behind, who's someone I admire and adore. I'm very much looking forward to spending my Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 audience and I’ll happily be the filling to a Romesh and Rylan sandwich!" Willis has spent six years co-presenting Sunday mornings on Heart Radio alongside Stephen Mulhern. And since 2019, she has been a regular voice on Radio 2, often deputising for Sara Cox, and Claudia Winkleman and Romesh Ranganathan. Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, commented: "Emma is one of the UK’s most popular broadcasters, so I’m thrilled that she’s joining the all-star Radio 2 family of presenters. I’m certain that our loyal listeners will welcome her with open arms. "I can’t wait to hear Emma’s new show as a part of our Superstar Saturday weekend schedule, which features Tony Blackburn, Dermot O’Leary, Romesh Ranganathan, Rylan, Liza Tarbuck, Gary Davies and Fearne Cotton." Read more: Rum Punch's Travis Jay: "I've got a right to grab the attention of someone who's like me" BBC Radio Christmas 2025 line-up confirmed – with Hollywood legend set as guest editor for the Today programme Zoe Ball will present her last programme on Saturday 20th December, though she will continue to host specials on the station, which she has done throughout the year. Zoe said: "Spending Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 gang has been an absolute hoot, the listeners, the stories, and of course my weekly giggles with Romesh and Rylan. I’m over the moon for the fabulous Emma to take the reins, she’s pure sunshine and is going to bring all the joy (and tunes!) to your Saturdays." Helen added: "Huge thanks to Zoe for keeping Saturday lunchtimes cheerful and warm. She’s much loved by our audience and amazing team of presenters. Zoe will always be a highly valued member of the Radio 2 family." Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BBC Radio Christmas 2025 line-up confirmed – with Hollywood legend set as guest editor for the Today programme
Six festive guest editors for BBC Radio 4's Today programme have been announced.
The BBC has unveiled its Christmas 2025 radio line-up, with Cate Blanchett, Baroness Theresa May and acclaimed historian Tom Holland among the celebrities set to guest edit BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this festive season. They will be joined by broadcaster Melvyn Bragg, inventor Sir James Dyson and AI entrepreneur Mustafa Suleyman, and each be curating an episode between 24th December and 31st December. The festive takeover kicks off on Christmas Eve, with a special guest edit from Bragg, where he will be exploring the origins of the nativity story. Dyson will use his episode on Boxing Day to explore how Britain can get its inventive streak back, while Blanchett’s guest edit, which will broadcast on 27th December, will examine a range of topics including the impact of AI technology on women in the film industry and beyond. Suleyman’s guest edit on 29th December will ask how we can navigate the realities of a post-superintelligence world. Holland will edit the programme on 30th December, hosting an early celebration for England’s 1100th birthday and examining the impact of AI on academic research. Finally, May will explore the themes of domestic violence, trust in politics and modern slavery in her guest edit on 31st December. Owenna Griffiths, Editor of the Today programme, said: "Every Christmas on Today, a new set of guest editors take up residence and bring with them a wonderful range of new stories, fresh ideas and, hopefully, a sprinkling of joy." She continued: "This year is no exception. In a rapidly changing world, this year's guest editors will help bring illumination and understanding and I'm enormously grateful to all of them for giving up the time to take part." Elsewhere on the BBC radio Christmas line-up, TV presenter Lorraine Kelly is set to make her Radio 2 debut. Kelly is set to take over Jeremy Vine’s slot during the festive period, while the station will also host a Jane McDonald special and a celebration of the music of Stevie Wonder presented by Trevor Nelson. Over on Radio 4, fans can expect a festive edition of Desert Island Discs with Kate Winslet, as well as a celebration of 75 years of The Archers, a new adaptation of P.G. Wodehouse’s Joy in the Morning, and a new performance of T.S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral. Radio 1 will present the exclusive reveal of the official Christmas No. 1, while the return of the Presenter Takeover will give brand new DJs an opportunity to front some of the network’s most recognised programmes. Meanwhile, Radio 3 will aim to "blend tradition, reflection and celebration" with Carols Across The Country, live broadcasts from dawn to dusk, and a landmark Advent service from St John’s College, Cambridge. Read more: 'Lust is a great creative force': David Bowie reveals what drove him in exclusive interview Silent Witness star Emilia Fox on new true crime series: 'It's left up to the listener to decide' The BBC’s Orchestras and Choirs will also be presenting concerts on the stations throughout the Christmas period. Over on Radio 5 Live, fans can look forward to a packed schedule of live sport and special shows, including Elis James and John Robins celebrating their 500th episode, Roman Kemp and Tom Grennan’s festive You About?, and The Wayne Rooney Show. On Radio 6 Music, Jarvis Cocker and Bill Nighy sit in for Iggy Pop, Beth Ditto will curate indie disco hits, Nick Grimshaw will look back on the year, and Craig Charles will deliver funk and soul. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BBC Radio 2 hits listeners low after big changes – but one rival soars
The station has made some big changes to its line-up over the past year.
BBC Radio 2 has dropped to its lowest recorded ratings in 22 years, new figures show. According to ratings released by Radio Joint Audience Research (Rajar), the long-running station has lost more than a million listeners within the last financial quarter. Despite 12.6 million still tuning in, the quarter period – which spanned 31st March to 22nd June 2025 – is still the lowest the station has drawn since 2003. The major drop coincides with the loss of Zoe Ball from the Breakfast show, which she left after six years in December 2024. She was replaced by former Radio 1 favourite Scott Mills, and was later announced to be taking over the Saturday afternoon slot instead. In contrast, while numbers have dwindled for Radio 2, a rival station has been enjoying a boom – which seems fitting considering the channel name. Boom Radio, which is aimed at the "boomer" generation of ages 55+, launched in 2021 and has achieved record highs for the station to date. Airing from the homes of the DJs, Boom Radio has proven to be a formidable rival for the attention of the older demographic – with former BBC DJs including David Hamilton and Simon Bates joining their ranks. The station now has 711,000 weekly listeners, up a massive 14 per cent compared to last year’s numbers. Bauer Media’s music stations Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio are also seeing improvements, reaching a combined 12.9 mllion. While numbers for BBC Radio 2 may be down, it still holds the title for the most listened to shows in the UK – with Vernon Kay’s weekday show raking in 6.6 million people. Scott Mills’s Breakfast show, which airs weekdays from 6:30am, is not far behind, with 6.2 million people listening. But Heart Radio, according to owner Global, has 415,000 more listeners than BBC Radio 2. On the announcement of the figures, the BBC said in a statement: "Radio 2 firmly remains the UK’s most listened to single radio station with an audience of 12.6 million listeners each week." Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BBC Radio 2 in the Park line-up confirmed – from Bryan Adams to Def Leppard
Stars including Jessie J, Belinda Carlisle and Ronan Keating are also on the line-up.
The line-up for the BBC Radio 2 in the Park 2025 music festival has been confirmed, with Bryan Adams and Def Leppard announced as the headline acts. The event will take place between Friday 5th and Sunday 7th September in Chelmsford, Essex, this year. As revealed on today’s Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams will headline Saturday night and rock and roll band Def Leppard will headline Sunday night at this year’s event. Adams, who has topped charts in over 40 countries over the course of his career and is known for hits such as Everything I Do (I Do It for you) and Summer of '69, said: "This will be my first time performing in Chelmsford, and I’m genuinely looking forward to bringing the show there." He continued: "There’s something exciting about playing in a new place, especially somewhere that’s filled with a Radio 2 crowd ready to rock. I’m thrilled to be part of this event... brace yourselves, we’re gonna roll with the punches!” Def Leppard, who have sold more than 110 million albums worldwide and produced numerous hit singles such as Rock of Ages and Pour Some Sugar on Me, said: "Def Leppard have never had the privilege of performing in Chelmsford before, but this will all change on 7th September! "We are very much looking forward to headlining on the Sunday and also having our good friend Bryan Adams on the festival the night before. It’ll be a fantastic weekend… thanks to the BBC and Radio 2… we’ll see you 'In The Park'!" Other stars set to perform include Jessie J, Belinda Carlisle and Ronan Keating. In addition, following its debut at Radio 2 in the Park in Preston last year, there will also be a Friday night DJ party to start the festival, which will feature sets from Radio 2 presenters Vernon Kay, Scott Mills, Rylan, DJ Spoony and Michelle Visage. The full line-up is below: Saturday 6th September Bryan Adams Belinda Carlisle Ronan Keating Jessie J Kid Creole & The Coconuts Marti Pellow Ella Henderson Stereophonics Sunday 7th September Def Leppard Anastacia Soul II Soul Suede Louise David Gray Sophie Ellis-Bextor Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
How to watch Eurovision 2025 on TV and radio: All of the BBC's coverage
The biggest night in European music has arrived, with the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 kicking off tonight! Iceland will be getting things going at tonight's show as its entry VÆB prepare to impress audiences with their "electro-pop sea shanty". For those in the UK, there is a wealth of content to get excited for, with the BBC recently unveiling all the exciting programming it has lined up for the week. Across TV, radio and online, the BBC is pulling out all the stops to bring the nation together for a month of Euro-love and to cheer on this year's representatives, Remember Monday. Keen to get your Eurovision fix? Scroll down to find out where you can watch this year's competition and more. Semi-final 1 Airing: Tuesday 13th May at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer The semi-finals will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer, featuring commentary from Rylan and Scott Mills, live from Basel. In the first semi-final, Iceland, Poland, Slovenia, Estonia, Ukraine, Sweden, Portugal, Norway, Belgium, Azerbaijan, San Marino, Albania, Netherlands, Croatia and Cyprus will all compete for a spot in the final. The 'Big Five' countries performing and voting in the first semi-final are Italy and Spain, and last year's winners, Switzerland. Semi-final 2 Airing: Thursday 15th May at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer The second semi-final will see Australia, Montenegro, Ireland, Latvia, Armenia, Austria, Greece, Lithuania, Malta, Georgia, Denmark, Czechia, Luxembourg, Israel, Serbia and Finland take centre stage. France, Germany and the United Kingdom are the remaining 'Big Five' countries who will perform. During this semi-final, viewers in the UK will be able to vote for their favourites and 10 acts from each semi-final will be picked to go through to Saturday night's final. Grand final Airing: Saturday 17th May at 8pm on BBC One iPlayer Graham Norton will be providing commentary on the night of the grand final, offering his unique insights on the countries performing. Hazel Brugger, Michelle Hunziker and Sandra Studer will be presenting. When Graham Met Remember Monday Airing: Friday 9th May at 10:40pm on BBC One and iPlayer The one-off special will see Graham Norton in conversation with the UK's Eurovision 2025 entry, Remember Monday. In the candid chat, Graham gets all the gossip from the talented trio as they share their excitement before they head to Basel. Doctor Who - The Interstellar Song Contest Airing: Saturday 17th May The sixth episode of the new season of Doctor Who will be a Eurovision-themed one, as the Doctor and Belinda Chandra travel to the 803rd Interstellar Song Contest, co-hosted by Rylan. Along for the ride is Graham Norton, with stars of stage and screen Freddie Fox, Kadiff Kirwan, Charlie Condou and Miriam-Teak Lee also in the episode. BBC Radio 2 Monday 12th - Friday 16th May The Scott Mills Breakfast Show From 6:30am to 9:30am, Scott is broadcasting his show live from Basel, where he'll be catching up with Graham Norton, Rylan, Remember Monday and some of this year's other entries. Tuesday 13th and Thursday 15th May Eurovision semi-finals Sara Cox makes her Eurovision commentary booth return as she co-hosts alongside Richie Anderson on both semi-finals from 8pm to 11pm. Wednesday 14th May Sara Cox From 4pm to 7pm, Sara will be presenting her Teatime show live from the centre of Basel. Friday 16th May Sophie Ellis Bextor's Eurovision Kitchen Disco Sophie Ellis-Bextor is throwing the ultimate Eurovision party with music from Loreen, Verka, Gina G and plenty of other Eurodance hits from 9pm to 11pm. Saturday 17th May Sounds of the '60s In the early hours, Tony Blackburn brings two hours of jam-packed hits from the '60s. And from 6am to 8am, he'll play every UK Eurovision entry from 1960 to 1969. Dermot O'Leary Dermot will be playing some classic Eurovision vinyl and chatting to Rylan from 8am to 10am as Super Saturday on BBC Radio 2 commences. Romesh Ranganathan Back again for more Eurovision is Romesh and from 10am to 1pm, he'll be joined by Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins to get excited for the finale. Zoe Ball From 1pm to 3pm, Zoe Ball will be playing her favourite Eurovision tracks from previous years and crossing live to Scott Mills and Rylan to get a taste of the build-up in Basel. Your Ultimate 21st Century Eurovision Song Michelle Visage will be presenting Your Ultimate 21st Century Eurovision Song from 3pm to 5pm. The show is a top 40 countdown cavalcade of songs from the Eurovision Song Contests from 2000 to 2024. All Request Eurovision with Owain Wyn Evans As the grand final draws closer, from 5pm to 8pm, Owain Wyn Evans will be hearing Eurovision parties across the country and playing three hours of requests from listeners. Scott & Rylan's commentary live from stadium It's time for the show! From 8pm to 11:30pm, Rylan and Scott Mills will be hosting Radio 2 and BBC Sounds' live coverage of the 2025 Eurovision grand final. Eurovision After Party with Richie Anderson From 11:30pm to 2am, Richie Anderson presents Radio 2's Eurovision After Party, discussing what happened in the final and hearing from listeners about what they thought. BBC Sounds Scott Mills Remember Monday Your Ultimate 21st Century Eurovision Song – The Extras Pop Top 10 – Icons of Eurovision Your Ultimate ABBA Song In The Studio Podcast and Radio Show with Luke Black BBC iPlayer When ABBA Came To Britain ABBA at the BBC Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final 1974 Top of the Pops: Eurovision Special The Big Eurovision Party The Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals take place on Tuesday 13th May and Thursday 15th May. The final will take place on Saturday 17th May 2025. You can also check out the full list of Eurovision winners and how many times the UK has won Eurovision here. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Eurovision 2025 presenters: Who are the confirmed BBC hosts?
The BBC will be providing non-stop coverage of the event.
Europe's biggest party is back, as the 69th annual Eurovision Song Contest returns this week! This year, some of the UK's most loved presenters will be headed to Switzerland as they provide all the commentary and gossip for the week ahead as Eurovision gets underway. From BBC One to BBC Radio 2, there is something for everyone to enjoy as Scott Mills, Rylan Clark and plenty others assume their positions for another year. In the run-up to the competition, the BBC will be providing non-stop coverage for fans up until the Grand Final on Saturday 17th May. So, who else is on the UK presenting line-up this year? Scroll down for everything you need to know about this year's Eurovision presenters. Who are the UK Eurovision 2025 presenters? Graham Norton The King of Eurovision is back once more, providing his witty commentary during the Grand Final on Saturday 17th May at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. As ever, Graham will be sharing his unique insights on the 26 countries who will all be performing in the hopes of being the Eurovision champion. Rylan Clark Along with Scott Mills, Rylan will be providing commentary during the semi-finals on Tuesday 13th and Thursday 15th May at 8pm. Rylan will also be making a special appearance in Doctor Who episode, The Interstellar Song Contest, which is co-hosted by the main man himself! "Basel, I'm coming for you! It's my favourite time of year and I can't wait to be reunited with my Eurovision husband, Scott Mills, in the commentary booth," Rylan said in a statement. "We'll be cheering loudly for our girls Remember Monday! I know they've been told to avoid a night out with me, but I think I can persuade Richie [Anderson] and Sara Cox to join me at EuroClub instead..." Scott Mills Back in the commentary booth is Scott Mills, who alongside Rylan will be providing commentary on the airwaves during the grand final. They will be broadcasting live on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds from the centre of the action in Switzerland. The Scott Mills Breakfast Show will also be broadcasting live from Basel from Monday to Friday in the mornings leading up the grand final. Scott said: "I cannot wait to be back in the commentary booth with Rylan, who will no doubt have perfected every dance routine for all 37 countries. We’ll be cheering on Remember Monday… who I’ve already agreed to get matching tattoos with if they get into the Top 5! "And I'm so excited to be taking my Breakfast Show international as we broadcast from the heart of the contest in Basel for the whole week. Eurovision is a true celebration of diversity and I love sharing that with everyone -–to do that for the first time on the UK’s biggest Breakfast Show is a dream!" Richie Anderson Richie Anderson will be out and about Basel, getting a taste of what Switzerland has to offer and meeting Eurovision fans who have travelled far and wide to be at the heart of all the action. He and Sara Cox will be in the commentary booth for BBC Radio 2 and Sounds during the semi-finals. And the party doesn't stop there, as Richie hosts the Eurovision After Party from 11:30pm to 2am on BBC Radio 2. He'll be chatting about the night and the big talking points and will be keeping the Eurovision party going for those not quite ready for bed. Richie said: "I am delighted to be commentating on the Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals on Radio 2 again this year, and so happy I'll be joined by Semi-Final commentating royalty, Sara Cox. "This is my second year in the booth and, before my debut in Malmö last year, I actually listened back to Sara’s previous commentary from the archives, so it’s wild I’m now commentating alongside her! "This is my fourth time at Eurovision, but I’ve loved it my whole life. After watching Gina G perform at my Auntie Jackie’s house back in 1996, I was hooked. For me, it’s the perfect mix of escapism and fun and I can’t wait to share that with our Radio 2 listeners." Sara Cox Sara Cox returns to the Eurovision commentary box this year during the semi-finals which will be broadcast live once again on BBC Radio 2 and Sounds. During the Eurovision buzz on Wednesday 14th May, Sara will present her Teatime show live from the centre of Basel. "So excited to be in Basel and throw myself back into the crazy, rainbow hued feel-good fest that is Eurovision," Sara said. The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 final will take place on Saturday 17th May 2025. You can also check out the full list of Eurovision winners and how many times the UK has won Eurovision here. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Elaine Paige says advice from the late Steve Wright gave her confidence to host her own Radio 2 show
"Who could have imagined that I'd have had this life?"
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. When, in 2004, Elaine Paige was first offered the opportunity to host her own Radio 2 show celebrating musical theatre, she turned to her manager and asked: "Who shall I be?" The answer, of course, was herself. Up until that point, she had willingly immersed herself in any part she was playing. "I lacked self-confidence, which may sound strange for someone who'd been in the public eye for so long. But it was always as someone else. It’s via radio that I discovered who I really was. Until then, without a character, I’d always felt a bit lost." The First Lady of West End Musicals (a moniker first coined by Tim Rice) had found her true voice. Broadcaster Angela Rippon is a great friend. "She had a radio show when I started mine. I told her I wasn’t sure what I was meant to do. She told me not to worry: 'Just think of it', she said, 'as if you were sitting across the kitchen table having a chat with a friend over a cup of tea'. That's what I still try to do." There was advice, too, from Steve Wright – "God rest his soul" – who had a studio one down from where Paige broadcast. "We’d meet at the coffee machine and he’d say to me: 'We don't need to hear you at the back of the stalls, love!' That may sound harsh but he was right. What he was saying was that I could make it more conversational. In the theatre, and particularly musical theatre, everything’s larger than life – big, broad strokes. Radio, on the other hand, is a much more intimate medium." After 21 years on air, there’s no doubting her hard-won confidence and its effect on the devoted audience of her popular show. Paige’s success lies in her warmth, her anecdotes, that distinctive laugh – somewhere between a giggle and a gurgle – endearing her to her listeners. But it also has something to do with the show’s content. Why does she think musicals are enjoying such a golden hour? "Escapism. Look at the world we’re living in. I think people want to be transported into another time and place." She has been transported herself, since the show has given her the chance to interview some of her idols. "Who would have thought I’d get to meet Burt Bacharach and Liza Minnelli, Bette Midler and Elton and Sting? Incredible." It was her manager who pointed out last year that the two of them had been together for 30 years and that Paige’s career had lasted twice as long. "I was 16 in September 1964 when I was cast in the chorus for the tour of the musical Roar of the Greasepaint, Smell of the Crowd. So, we came up with the idea of a celebration of six decades in the business that will run from September 2024 to September 2025." But it was Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, who came up with the idea of a concert at the London Palladium in Paige's honour. So it was, that on 25th April, she found herself sitting in the theatre’s royal box while a succession of West End stars sang numbers from her hit musicals. The concert, hosted by Zoe Ball, is broadcast on Radio 2 this Sunday. Among others, Samantha Barks, Clive Rowe, Charlie Stemp and Julian Ovenden sang a selection of songs from – deep breath – Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease, Billy, Evita, Cats, Chess, Anything Goes, Piaf, Sunset Boulevard, The King and I, Sweeney Todd and Follies. "Who could have imagined that I’d have had this life?" she says. "I still stop and pinch myself." She shakes her head in wonder. "Not bad for a suburban girl from Barnet." Not bad indeed. The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Radio 2 Celebrates Elaine with a concert, Elaine Paige: 60 Years in Showbusiness, and Zoe Ball Meets Elaine Paige – both available now on BBC Sounds. Elaine Paige: 60 Years on Stage is on BBC Four and iPlayer on Sunday 11th May as part of a night of programmes celebrating her incredible career. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BBC Radio 2 legend and Eurovision favourite Colin Berry dies, aged 79
The newsreader and presenter began his career on 'pirate radio' back in the 1960s.
BBC Radio 2 DJ Colin Berry has died at the age of 79. The presenter’s passing was confirmed by the radio station, where he had worked since 1973 – covering for a host of faces including Sir Terry Wogan and Sir Jimmy Young. He also spent 25 years as the spokesperson for the Eurovision Song Contest – delivering the UK public's voting results between 1977 and 2002. Paying tribute to Berry, Tony Blackburn wrote on X: "I'm so sad my friend Colin Berry passed away yesterday, Phil Swern, Colin and I used to have great times in the 60's as Colin was a part of Radio Caroline and then a newsreader and DJ on the BBC. "I saw him last week and was due to see him today but sadly he passed away yesterday afternoon. He was a great friend and I send his family my love at this sad time. RIP Colin xx" Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, added: "All of us at Radio 2 were saddened to hear of the passing of Colin Berry, who was part of our on air family for many years. We send our condolences to his family and friends." Berry first started his radio career in 1965 as part of the team of Radio Caroline – one of the iconic ‘pirate radio’ stations. View oEmbed on the source website He later went on to work at Yorkshire Television on its launch, before becoming a record promoter and hosting BBC Radio Medway’s team as the Saturday afternoon presenter. Berry joined the BBC Radio 2 team as a presenter and newsreader in 1973, and appeared on some of its biggest late night shows including The Late Show, Night Ride, Band Parade and Music Through Midnight, as well as covering daytime presenters. He remained one of the station's most familiar voices until September 2012, at which point he continued to host the BBC's local radio stations. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BBC confirm Pulp will perform world exclusive concert for few lucky fans
The shows will see the group play both new and old material.
Pulp are set to perform two world exclusive live shows for BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Radio 2 In Concert, the BBC has confirmed. Both shows will take place in May and will be recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre in London’s Broadcasting House. It comes in the wake of the Sheffield-formed band, which is fronted by Jarvis Cocker, announcing their new album More, and will see the group play some of their most loved hits, as well as new material. For the intimate session for 6 Music and BBC Sounds, the group will perform as part of a show called 6 Music Session: Pulp Live, which will be broadcast on Nick Grimshaw’s show on Thursday, 29th May, alongside an interview with the band. For the other show, titled Pulp: Radio 2 In Concert, the band will perform in front of a small audience of fans at the BBC Radio Theatre on 7th May. The performance will then be broadcast on Jo Whiley’s Radio 2 show and on BBC Sounds on Thursday, 29th May. On Friday 30th May, some exclusive tracks from the recording will be broadcast on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show at 9am. "We are really looking forward to this," said Cocker of Pulp. "From my time at 6 Music, I remember that the BBC Radio Theatre is a very intimate venue. As long as we can fit all our equipment in there it’s going to be great to play some songs for Radio 2 and 6 Music." Both performances will also be available to watch on demand. Pulp’s 6 Music performance will be available on BBC iPlayer for 30 days from 29th May, while the band’s Radio 2 in Concert will be broadcast on BBC Two in June and then be available on BBC iPlayer. Nick Grimshaw said: "It was amazing to hear Pulp’s new music exclusively on Lauren’s show last week. I’m so excited to hear more from their new album as part of their 6 Music session and to speak to the band about the process of writing and recording their first album in almost 24 years." Jo Whiley said: "I have been a fan of Pulp for as long as I have been presenting on the radio, and it’s a joy to still be following their hugely successful career all these years later. I’m so looking forward to hearing all those songs that have such personal significance to me – and to our Radio 2 listeners – as they play to a small audience of lucky fans in the BBC Radio Theatre next month." Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2 and 6 Music, added: "Pulp are one of the UK’s most loved bands, with a steady stream of hits and songs that have grown in popularity and status over the years. I’m delighted that the band have agreed to give the BBC two contrasting sets, one for Radio 2 appealing to musical mainstream audiences and another for 6 Music whose listeners’ tastes lie beyond the mainstream." Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Scott Mills on replacing Zoe Ball on BBC Radio 2: "I'm not finding it daunting at all"
Zoe Ball's last show was back in December.
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. In what might not be the best augur for someone about to start presenting Britain’s biggest breakfast radio show, Scott Mills is late. When he does appear for our interview, he’s a fizzing ball of energy. Unable to sit still, fidgeting in his chair, Mills is like a toddler on a sugar rush. Perhaps he’s nervous at the prospect of relieving Zoe Ball of her Radio 2 duties? “I’m not finding it daunting at all,” he says, blithely. “I’m ready for the challenge.” Today’s tardiness notwithstanding, Mills certainly seems ready. “It’s a military operation – I’ve written up exactly what time I’ll be doing whatever each day, right down to putting outfits out for the morning.” He runs me through his preparation. “You absolutely must be awake by this time. You absolutely must have left the house by this time. And you absolutely must prioritise sleep, otherwise you become a person that no one’s going to be around.” Early mornings – he’ll be up by 4am every weekday – demand early nights. Is Mills worried about the toll this might take on his social life and relationship with his husband Sam Vaughan, with whom he won Celebrity Race across the World last year? “I’m at the exact point in my life where I should be doing a breakfast show. It definitely wasn’t 15 years ago, because I really enjoyed going out and those two don’t necessarily go together. But I have a very lovely life now, I’m very settled. If I was in my 20s, I’d have mad FOMO – ‘Oh, my God, I’m missing out on the latest album launch’ – but I don’t feel that now.” Mills’s mind may be on 15 years ago because there was a time when he looked like a shoo-in to take the reins of the Radio 1 breakfast show – only to be passed over for someone younger and, well, cooler. “After Chris Moyles and before Nick Grimshaw, they pretty much offered me the breakfast show,” he reveals. “And then they decided against it. They just decided, as they do, to go in a different direction.” It sounds humiliating, a bit ‘always the bridesmaid’ for someone who, for a long time, was Mr Stand-In. But in retrospect, Mills considers himself lucky. “They would have probably put Nick Grimshaw on eventually anyway, so what would my tenure have been on the Radio 1 breakfast show? A year? Two years?” I get the sense that this wouldn’t have been enough to satisfy Mills’s ambition. “I’m glad that it’s taken until now because this is the big one.” The Radio 2 revamp that Mills represents – including Trevor Nelson taking over early afternoons, DJ Spoony doing 10pm Monday to Thursday, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor getting a two-hour show on Friday nights – has not been without controversy, with no female presenters on air until 4pm on weekdays. Does Mills think the lack of female voices is an issue? He looks at me with what we’ll generously describe as disdain. “We have two women on my breakfast show in the morning,” he says. “Tina Daheley, who will be doing the news, as she did on Zoe’s show, and Ellie Brennan, who is amazing and has done quite a lot on radio, too… “And also, half of the breakfast show team – who sometimes you’ll hear on air and sometimes not – are also women. So no, I’m not worried about that in the slightest.” What plans does Mills have for the 6.3m listeners to Radio 2’s flagship show – other than to stop them switching over to one of the 50-plus alternatives available on digital radio? “I won’t be frantically worrying about the audience figures,” he says, firmly. “I will be applying the same formula that’s worked for me for the last quarter of a century on BBC Radio. It will be energetic, it will be fun, and it will be listener-inclusive. When you’re listening, I want you to feel that the listeners are running the conversation, and they’re kind of running the show. The music is key and it will be hand-picked for a morning mood. Breakfast radio is a mood, and if you get that mood right, and it’s quite a skill, then you’re going to do well.” Will Mills do well at breakfast? He certainly loves radio and he’s a good broadcaster. “To me, it’s like breathing. I find it so easy.” The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Check out more of our Radio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Ringo Starr on picking songs for country album: "I didn't know who had written them"
"I just said yes because I loved it, I didn't know it was different writers."
Ringo Starr has opened up about picking songs for his new country album, Look Up, saying he "only listened" to the tracks and "didn’t know who had written them". The album, which is set for release on 10th January 2025, is a collection of 11 songs – many of them co-written T Bone Burnett, while other contributors include Billy Swan and Bruce Sugar. It also features guest appearances from Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Alison Krauss and more. Speaking about how the record was an organic partnership with T Bone, Starr said during an appearance on BBC Radio 2’s The Country Show with Bob Harris on Thursday (9th January): "That’s how we got together, because he came in and we were just chatting, and the last thing on my mind was 'let’s make an album', but… the conversation and songs and that… 'Let’s do it, will you do it?' and he said 'yes' and here we are. "It wasn't, like, the big plan, he's coming over, we’re gonna talk about this. No, he's coming over, just gonna chat and say hi, and it ended up with an album called Look Up…. Very organic, that's what I love." Talking about choosing which songs should go on the album, he said: "I only listened to the song[s], I didn't know who had written them. Billy's [Strings] came on and I said, 'Oh yeah.' But I just said yes because I loved it, I didn't know it was different writers." Asked about the brilliant guest appearances on the album, Starr said: "We have – some of them I haven't met yet! Billy I haven’t met… I've heard about him and, you know, he's like the guy of the moment." The album marks Starr’s first full album in country style in over 50 years. Speaking about country music being an "emotional genre", he added: "It’s all about the story, where it goes and where it, you know… We’re just lovers of country music." BBC Radio 2's The Country Show with Bob Harris airs on BBC Radio 2 on Thursdays at 9pm. Check out more of our Radio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Zoe Ball delivers emotional sign-off as she exits BBC Radio 2 breakfast show: 'I'm in tears'
Ball will be replaced by Scott Mills on the breakfast show in the new year.
Zoe Ball has officially signed off from her Radio 2 breakfast show after hosting it for six years, in what was an emotional final show. Ball admitted right at the top of the show that she and the team had "had some tears already", and that they didn't "quite know what to do with ourselves this morning". "We’re all pretending we’re going to be OK and that the emotion isn’t getting to us - but it’s definitely getting to us," she continued. "So hold tight!" Ball said she had "already had a little cry on Patrick [Thomas, producer]", but added that they were going to "have lots of fun today" with the listeners, even if "everything’s going to go wrong because I can’t see the buttons through my giddy tears". As she signed off at the end of the programme, Ball said: "It's been such a gift to do this show, to follow wonderful Terry [Wogan] and, of course, Chris [Evans], tough acts to follow. "Pretty cool to be the first lass to host and I won't be the last. Remember, girls, you can do anything." Read more: Ofcom confirms most complained about TV moments of 2024 – with TalkTV top Gavin & Stacey's James Corden reveals what fans can expect from BTS documentary Ball added that she'll be back in the spring, "popping up here on Radio 2 for new adventures", before finally saying: "It’s been very special, take care of yourselves. Love you my peeps, my top cats." Earlier in the show, a package had been played of some of BBC Radio's biggest names dedicating their well-wishes to her, to which she said, "Right, that’s it, I’ve gone," as she broke down in tears. Ball announced her departure from the show on Tuesday 19th November, revealing that Scott Mills would be taking charge of the breakfast show in her stead. In a statement, Mills said: "Zoe and I have been such good friends now for over 25 years and have spent much of that time as part of the same radio family here at Radio 2 and also on Radio 1. "She's done an incredible job on this show over the past six years, and I am beyond excited to be handed the baton.” Check out more of our Radio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Zoe Ball quits BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show as replacement revealed: "It's time to step away"
Ball's last show will be on Friday 20th December.
Zoe Ball has revealed that she will be leaving her role presenting the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, with Scott Mills set to step in as her replacement. Ball – who has been in the role for the past six years – made the announcement live on air this morning (Tuesday 19th November), explaining that it was "time for [her] to step away from the very early mornings and focus on family". She said that it had been a "privilege" to host the show and added: "I think the world of you, listeners, and I’m grateful to my bosses here for their support, especially this year. "Huge thanks go to my awesome team on the show, Tina, Mike and Richie, and of course our listeners, with whom I’ve shared some of life’s highs and lows, the good, the bad and the daft times." Ball will remain as the presenter until just before Christmas, with her final show being on Friday 20th December, and has revealed that she's "not disappearing entirely" – with further details on her new role as part of the Radio 2 family to follow in the New Year. She concluded: "I'm excited to embrace my next chapter, including being a mum in the mornings, and I can’t wait to tune in on the school run!" Soon after Ball's on-air announcement it was revealed that long-time BBC radio presenter Scott Mills would be taking on the job, moving from his current weekday afternoon programme (2-4pm). In a statement, he said: "Zoe and I have been such good friends now for over 25 years and have spent much of that time as part of the same radio family here at Radio 2 and also on Radio 1. She's done an incredible job on this show over the past six years, and I am beyond excited to be handed the baton.” Meanwhile, Ball said of Mills that he's "not only a blooming brilliant producer but one of the best in radio". Helen Thomas, the head of Radio 2, praised the "incredible warmth, wit and so much joy" that Ball has brought to the show since she started presenting it in January 2019, and thanked her for "approaching each show with as much vim and vigour as if it were her first". And speaking of Mills, she said: "It's a privilege to welcome Scott to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show. He’s a multi-award winning broadcaster who has been working in radio since the age of 16 and I know he can’t wait to get started on the biggest breakfast show in the land!" Check out more of our Radio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
When is Johnnie Walker leaving BBC Radio 2 and who is taking over?
After a radio career spanning 58 years, the presenter has announced he's hanging up his headphones.
BBC Radio 2 DJ Johnnie Walker has announced that he is retiring from radio after 58 years on the air. Walker, who has worked at the BBC since 1969, confirmed his retirement while speaking on the latest Sounds of the 70s show on Sunday (6th October). Walker began his radio career in 1966 at offshore pirate station Swinging Radio England, before switching over to Radio Caroline, where he hosted the night-time show. He then joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969, before moving to San Francisco in 1976 to record a weekly show which was broadcast on Radio Luxembourg. He returned to the BBC in the 1980s, where he currently hosts The Radio 2 Rock Show and Sounds of the 70s. Wondering when Walker is leaving and who is taking over as host of his shows? Read on for everything you need to know. Why is Johnnie Walker leaving BBC Radio 2? Walker is retiring due to his declining health. The longtime BBC Radio broadcaster has been suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPS) for the past four years. He revealed in June on a special episode of the show that his IPS is “terminal” and getting "progressively worse". In a message live on air on the latest Sounds of the 70s show on Sunday (6th October), Walker read out a letter from a listener whose father had enjoyed the show, but had passed away in 2022 due to the same condition. Walker told listeners: "Now, that leads me to be making a very sad announcement.” He continued: "The struggles I’ve had with doing the show and trying to sort of keep up a professional standard suitable for Radio 2 has been getting more and more difficult, hence my little jokes about Puffing Billy. “So I’ve had to make the decision that I need to bring my career to an end after 58 years.” When is Johnnie Walker leaving BBC Radio 2? Walker’s final episode of Sounds of the 70s will air on 27th October. His last episode of The Rock Show will air on 25th October. He continued to his listeners: "I’ll be doing my last Sounds of the 70s on October 27, so I’ll make the last three shows as good as I possibly can. "Now this week in 1978, the Rolling Stones were special guests on America’s Saturday Night Live TV show and they appeared in a couple of sketches and performed three tracks from their latest album, Some Girls. "Well, one of the tracks on the album seems quite suitable at the moment." Walker then played the Rolling Stones’ 1978 single Miss You. Read more: Zoe Ball returns to BBC Radio 2 and addresses extended absence David Morrissey on Hard Times and Dickens: "He would be surprised how little has changed" Who is replacing Johnnie Walker? Former Old Grey Whistle Test presenter Bob Harris will be stepping into the role as the host of Sounds of The 70s. "And by the way, I can also reveal not only my last Sounds of the 70s, but the person taking over the show will be the one and only Bob Harris, so Bob Harris will be in charge of Sounds of the 70s from 3rd November,” Walker revealed. Meanwhile, Shaun Keaveny will take over as host of The Rock Show from 1st November. Check out more of our Radio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Zoe Ball returns to BBC Radio 2 and addresses extended absence
"It's me, Zo! You may remember me from the '90s, yeah? I'm back."
Following her absence since 8th August, Zoe Ball has returned to her Radio 2 Breakfast Show this morning, and addressed her weeks off the air. Speaking upon her return at the start of the show, Ball said: "Morning, gorgeous people. It's me, Zo, the happy wanderer. I've wandered back. "How was your Brat summer? Was it marvellous? We did that back in the '90s, it was called something different then. Bringing back memories. "I hope you've been enjoying some of the gorgeous sunsets over the last few weeks. It's a tad soggy our end this morning." Recently, Scott Mills had been filling in for Ball to host the Breakfast Show, and Ball also gave a shoutout to her stand-in, thanking him for taking her place. She said: "Thank you to the newly crowned champion of Race Around [sic] the World, Scott Mills, for looking after you for the last two weeks. I love you, Scott - more on that later." Read more: Jason Watkins, David Morrissey and more join BBC Radio 4's Dickensian season The Great British Bake Off 2024 first look shows bakers rushing to impress Paul and Prue Ball also responded to a message speculating on the reason for her absence, saying: "Thank you for your message, Gavin, no I didn't go to Turkey for new face and teeth. What are you saying, Gavin, what are you saying?" Ball later teased with her co-presenters that "half of what we need to discuss we have to discuss off air", but added that "some we can discuss on air", saying: "There's so much gossip to catch up on!" She later went on to confirm that "it's good to be back". While a reason has not yet been given for Ball's absence, she previously took a break from her radio slot in the spring, before returning to announce that her mother had been diagnosed with cancer. On Thursday last week, Mills not only filled in for Ball, but he also covered the start of Vernon Kay's show, because the presenter was running late due to a delayed train. Check out more of our Radio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Jodie Whittaker reunites with David Tennant - jokes career is a "Doctor Who convention"
The Doctor Who actors chatted away about their time on the show.
Many former Doctor Who stars have insisted that the show never leaves you - but that's especially true for Jodie Whittaker, who joked her career has become a "Doctor Who convention". The iconic actress, who starred as the Thirteenth Doctor, reunited with her predecessor (and, technically, successor), David Tennant, who played the Tenth and Fourteenth Doctors, on BBC Radio 2. Scott Mills, who is filling in for Zoe Ball on the Breakfast Show, pointed out Whittaker previously performed in The National Theatre's Antigone alongside Ninth Doctor actor Christopher Eccleston. "I've just basically created my own little Doctor Who convention in every job I do," Whittaker joked. "You Doctors, you love working together!" Mills pointed out, with Whittaker adding: "It was an absolute joy, I loved that. Working with Chris, it was amazing." The actors also reminisced on sharing the screen together in The Power of the Doctor, Whittaker's final Doctor Who episode which saw her Doctor regenerate into Tennant's ahead of his return for the 60th anniversary specials. "It was a moment!" she declared. "It was a very well kept secret." Tennant added: "I've still got a recording of the phone call where I phoned Jodie to tell her that she was going to regenerate into me. I can't play that at this time in the morning!" "What the... fill in the blank," Whittaker teased. With Tennant returning to Doctor Who last year, Whittaker has often said she would jump at the chance to also return to the role on screen. In the meantime, though, she and Mandip Gill, who played companion Yasmin Khan, have returned to Doctor Who in audio form for a new Big Finish series. Giving us a sense of the adventures to come, Whittaker explained to RadioTimes.com: "It's kind of isolated stories - rather than it being about the Doctor and Yaz's relationship, it's the adventure of the episode. "It's these guys on their travels, what they come across, and their natural banter and rhythm between each other, but then also the protectiveness that they both have for each other. "But we haven't seen anything beyond this. So it could be that there's an episode that..." "That gives us time to explore [their feelings for each other]," Mandip finished. "But right now we've concentrated on the adventure in hand." Zoe Ball's Breakfast Show airs on BBC Radio 2 from 6:30am. Doctor Who will return at Christmas with previous episodes available to stream in full on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Scott Mills steps in on BBC Radio 2 as Vernon Kay misses start of show
The radio DJ had also been covering for Zoe Ball earlier this morning.
Scott Mills is a busy man right now, as he stepped in for Vernon Kay on BBC Radio 2 this morning after the presenter was running late after a delayed train. This morning's show opened with a voice note from the presenter telling Mills: "Hi, Scott. Well, I'll be honest with you, I never thought this would happen. I'm actually gonna wait, I'm actually gonna try and be first in. "Very difficult, I know, and regular listeners to the show will understand how difficult it is to be first on the register, but I'm still stood at the platform, miles away from central London, miles away from the studio, miles away from a microphone, and it's driving me up the wall. "And now people on the platform are staring at me because they think I've gone mad - well, I have." Asked how long he'll be on the air, Scott told listeners he was "no idea", assuring them that "Vernon is on his way, cross your fingers". As of around 10:30am on Thursday 19th September, Scott was still on air, telling listeners that Vernon would be there soon as his trained "had pulled in". Fans have shared their support for Mills, who is also covering Zoe Ball's morning show after she has been absent from the airwaves since mid-August. "Thoughts and prayers for @vernonkay whose delayed train is now moving," one user penned, before praising Mills for "bossing it". Another wrote: "@scott_mills absolutely smashing Radio 2 today! Covering Zoe Ball on the breakfast show, then filling in for Vernon Kay! Brilliant!" View oEmbed on the source website Fans of the radio DJ will have also just seen him reign triumphant in Celebrity Race Across the World, as he and husband Sam Vaughan won the season, shown in the final episode last night on BBC One. Looking back at their time in the race, Scott said: "It's been exhilarating, it's been tough, it's been so frustrating at times, but we've been there for each other - the good, the bad, the ups and downs. It just proves we're a great team – a winning team." Check out more of our Radio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Why is Zoe Ball absent from Radio 2? Scott Mills continues to stand in for DJ
Scott Mills continues to stand in for the presenter on the airwaves.
BBC Radio 2 listeners are used to waking up to Zoe Ball's familiar voice on her Breakfast Show, but the star hasn’t been on the airwaves since 8th August, with radio DJ Scott Mills stepping in for her. Mills addressed Ball's absence on 12th August, telling listeners they probably weren't expecting him, before revealing he would be filling in for Ball in the coming weeks. "If you set your alarm every morning to go off at 6:30am and normally Zoe comes on, please do not freak out. You have not overslept," he told listeners. "I'm here doing the Breakfast Show – do not panic. It's early. You aren't late for work. It's Monday 12th August." He added: "If you've just put us on this morning, it's Scott Mills in for Zoe for the next few weeks. I'm sending you all my love Zo', as are the team." So, why is the presenter absent and when will she be back in her regular presenting slot? Read on for everything you need to know. Why is Zoe Ball absent from Radio 2? In a statement to the Mirror in regards to the presenter's absence, a spokesperson said: "Zoe is taking time off and will return in September." RadioTimes.com has reached out to the BBC for further comment. While a reason has not been given for Ball's absence, she previously took a break from Radio 2 in the spring, before returning to announce that her mother Julia Peckham had been diagnosed with cancer. "Sadly, heartbreakingly, her cancer is quite advanced, but we're making loads of lovely memories and taking care of her, she has some amazing people around her," she told listeners in March. "I've had some real heartbreaking messages from people who have lost loved ones to cancer recently, you are all in my heart." One month later, Zoe shared that her mother Julia had died. When is Zoe Ball returning to Radio 2? Express has shared a statement from Radio 2 confirming when Zoe will return. "Zoe will return to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show later this month," a BBC Radio 2 spokesperson told the publication. Zoe has been confirmed to be absent from radio for the week commencing Monday 16th September 2024. It is unknown if she will return on the week commencing Monday 23rd September 2024. Who is Zoe Ball's replacement Scott Mills? Mills is a renowned DJ who has previously presented the Breakfast Show, the Chart Show and the Scott Mills show on BBC Radio 1. Mills is also an actor, and has starred in the BBC soap Casualty. He has also been a contestant in the 2014 season of Strictly Come Dancing, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Most Haunted, Mastermind, Hollyoaks, and Supermarket Sweep. Scott is continuing to stand in for Zoe from the week commencing Monday 16th September 2024. Check out more of our Radio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BBC Radio 2 offers six fans chance to win Taylor Swift tickets at Wembley
You could be in with a chance to win tickets to the tour of the year.
Swifties, it's time to assemble. If you've not yet bagged tickets to the talked-about Eras Tour and the Disney Plus release of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour movie just doesn't quite suffice, you could very well be in with a chance of winning tickets of your own to see Swift in concert. To kick off Comic Relief week in style, it was announced on BBC Radio 2’s Zoe Ball Breakfast Show this morning that to mark the occasion, Radio 2 has not one, not two but six hospitality tickets to see Taylor Swift live at Wembley on The Eras Tour on Monday 19th August 2024. The hospitality area in question will also be hosted by Radio 2's Sara Cox, meaning one listener and five of their friends could enjoy some serious Swift action, complete with travel and accommodation costs covered also. What's better is that the opportunity is all in aid of supporting Comic Relief. As you can imagine, there are likely to be plenty of questions about eligibility for the prize – but the draw is now open and will close on 29th March at 23:59 for entries via text and on 6th April for entries via post. Fancy your chances to enter the draw? Well, you could be in with a chance of winning so head over to the Red Nose Day page to find out all the details and how to enter. The winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries and notified by phone between 9am and 7pm on Tuesday 16th April and, of course, the draw and donations will be helping to tackle some of the urgent problems faced by people in the UK and around the world. It's set to be a week packed full of donation opportunities with Friday night's show set to be presented by some of the best in the business, including Sir Lenny Henry, Romesh Ranganathan, Maya Jama and David Tennant. Read more: Katherine Kelly, Torchwood's Eve Myles cast in thriller The Crow Girl Trevor Eve, Sex Education's Rakhee Thakrar join Unforgotten creator's new crime drama It'll be the final Red Nose Day that Henry will hosting, with the comedian and Comic Relief co-founder speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com previously and saying: "I'm not going anywhere, I'm just not going to host on the night. I might still make films for them and do voiceovers and things, but I think it's time for a newer generation to come and take the baton, because we've been carrying it for a long time. "We've got some people, so it's gonna be really, really good. There might be some competition, so I'm looking forward to seeing how that goes. I hope they oil up and fight in the carpark!" He added: "I think it's good, change is good." The Friday night show will be packed full of sketches from some of the UK's most beloved shows including The Traitors, W1A and more. View Green Video on the source website You can donate to Comic Relief at comicrelief.com/radiotimes. Red Nose Day 2024 airs at 7pm on Friday 15th March on BBC One and iPlayer. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Steve Wright, BBC Radio 2 presenter, dies aged 69 – BBC pays tribute
Wright presented programmes on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2.
DJ and radio personality Steve Wright has died aged 69, it has been confirmed by his family. His family confirmed his death "with deep sorrow and profound regret" in a statement on Tuesday (13th February), writing: "It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright. "In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence, and his father, Richard. "Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK's most enduring and popular radio personalities. "As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time." Wright was known for hosting radio shows on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2, as well as fronting TV shows like Top of the Pops. He took over as the host of Pick of the Pops from Paul Gambaccini in 2023, and presented BBC Radio 2's mid-morning show Sunday Love Songs. Wright was last on air this past Sunday, presenting a pre-recorded Valentine's Day edition of his Sunday Love Songs programme. Having joined the BBC in 1980 to host a Saturday evening show, his career spanned afternoon and evenings shows and a stint in commercial radio. Over the past couple of years, Wright continued to present Sunday Love Songs as well as a series of specials and podcasts, including Your Ultimate Kylie Song, and in December, Steve Wright’s Peter Kay Christmas Special. Wright recently received a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours for his services to radio. Paying tribute to Wright, Tim Davie, BBC's director general, said: "All of us at the BBC are heartbroken to hear this terribly sad news. Steve was a truly wonderful broadcaster who has been a huge part of so many of our lives over many decades. "He was the ultimate professional – passionate about the craft of radio and deeply in touch with his listeners. This was deservedly recognised in the New Year Honours list with his MBE for services to radio. "No-one had more energy to deliver shows that put a smile on audiences’ faces. They loved him deeply. We are thinking of Steve and his family and will miss him terribly." View oEmbed on the source website Head of Radio 2, Helen Thomas, also paid tribute to Wright, saying: "Steve understood the connection and companionship that radio engenders better than anyone, and we all loved him for it. "He was a consummate professional whose attention to detail was always second to none, and he made his guests laugh, he was fair, and he wanted to showcase them and their work in the best possible light, bringing brilliant stories to our listeners. "Steve’s afternoon show was an institution that began on Radio 1 and later moved over to Radio 2, where it was broadcast for 23 years. "He believed in the BBC passionately during his career that spanned for more than four decades, and he was always up for pursuing new ideas. "He brought joy to millions of listeners with his Sunday Love Songs as well as the legendary Pick of the Pops, which he took on last year and was having fun experimenting with, alongside a host of specials and new BBC Sounds formats which he loved doing. "Steve was the first presenter I ever produced more than 20 years ago, and I remember the pure amazement I felt, sitting opposite this legendary broadcaster whose shows I had listened to and marvelled at whilst growing up in Hull. "For all of us at Radio 2, he was a wonderful colleague and a friend with his excellent sense of humour, generosity with his time, and endless wise words. We were lucky to have him with us for all these decades, and we will miss his talent and his friendship terribly." Similarly, Lorna Clarke, director of BBC Music, said on the announcement of Wright's death: "Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster – someone audiences loved, and many of us looked up to. He loved radio, and he loved the BBC, but most of all… he loved his audience. "From Radio 1 to Radio 2, he was with us for more than four decades, and brought so much joy to our airwaves, whatever he was up to. We were privileged to have him with us for all these years."
Greatest Hits DJ Ken Bruce 'steals' more listeners from BBC Radio 2
Greatest Hits Radio has grown its audience by "70 per cent" over the last year.
Veteran presenter Ken Bruce is continuing to draw listeners from Radio 2, eleven months after his departure from the station for a rival company. The legendary broadcaster, who now presents on Greatest Hits Radio from Monday to Friday 10am-1pm, now has 3.8 million listeners tuning in each week, according to official data. He started at the station with 2.2 million listeners last April. Bruce spent over three decades presenting BBC Radio 2, where his long-running PopMaster music radio quiz drew in a large audience, but made the decision to leave for the rival station back in February 2023. He took his PopMaster quiz, to which he owns the rights, with him to his new home. Charlotte Moore, BBC chief content officer, said: “I’m pleased that BBC Sounds continues to grow as audiences discover on-demand programming from us whenever they want to, and are able to choose from a wide range of high-quality BBC podcasts and music content to suit their moods.” Meanwhile, Bruce’s former slot, now hosted by Vernon Kay, has lost 1.5 million listeners from the time slot since the broadcaster’s departure, according to analysis by radio consultancy Hallett Arendt, with just 6.8 million tuning in weekly over the past three weeks compared to 8.2 million in the same period last year. However, the drop in listeners at BBC Radio 2 appears to be levelling off. The station had an average weekly audience of 13.3 million people in October to December 2023, down 7% from 14.3 million in 2022, but a fall of just 1% in the previous three months, according to Rajar figures. Greatest Hits Radio has seen a large jump in its audience over the last year, up 70 per cent from 4 million to 6.8 million. Former Radio 2 presenter, host of the Greatest Hits Radio drive-time show, said he was “delighted” at the station’s success. “We’re hearing from more and more listeners who continue to find us on Greatest Hits Radio for Confessions, All-Request Friday and all the other fun stuff. What a very pleasant start to 2024,” he said. Read more: When is Rylan Clark back on BBC Radio 2? Dan Walker gets new job hosting Classic FM breakfast show The 72-year-old finished two weeks before the end of his contract last March and later revealed that he disliked some of the music he was forced to play, admitting he had started to feel “bitter and entrenched”. Speaking to Gyles Brandreth for his podcast series Rosebud, the broadcaster said: “There was a point of saying that I can’t enthuse over all the new music I’m having to play as much as I could over the old music. "And I didn’t want to get to the stage where I was badmouthing some of the music [or] pretending to like it. I certainly did think I’ve got a bit more to offer." He continued: "I didn’t want to be declining over the next three or four years and still doing the same show, but everybody around me getting younger and thinking, 'Am I the old bloke in the corner here?' "I was the youngster on the station and then almost overnight I became the veteran, and I didn’t want to become the old grump in the corner saying “things aren’t what they used to be”, or [to] any new idea say, 'No, we tried that, didn’t work', which does happen. "I just felt I would get more bitter and entrenched." Visit our TV Guide, Radio Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now and celebrate the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who with a special issue of Radio Times. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times podcast.
When is Rylan Clark back on BBC Radio 2?
Rylan will be taking a number of weeks off to film "something very special".
It has been announced that Rylan Clark will be taking a break from his BBC Radio 2 show on Saturdays, during which time another famous presenter will be taking the reins. The break in Rylan's appearances on the station's 3-6pm show on Saturdays is due to his filming schedule, with Paddy McGuinness stepping in to host the show for four weeks. Rylan said: "I’m going to be off for a few weeks filming something very special, so the wonderful Paddy McGuinness is going to be keeping my lovely Radio 2 listeners entertained while I’m away. Over to you Paddy." The presenter previously took a break from his show in September last year, to focus on being with his mother Linda after she suffered a bad fall that required surgery. During that period, Scott Mills stepped in to take over the show. Who is filling in for Rylan Clark on BBC Radio 2? Comedian and presenter Paddy McGuinness is sitting in for Rylan, having previously done so for Vernon Kay on his Radio 2 morning show in November. McGuinness said of taking over for Rylan: "I’m really excited to be taking over the reins of Rylan’s show and keeping his seat warm for four weeks. I can’t wait to bring the fun, and an endless supply of dad jokes, to Radio 2 every Saturday!" Meanwhile, head of station for BBC Radio 2 Helen Thomas said: "Paddy did a great job presenting Ten To The Top for Vernon Kay whilst he took on his Ultra Ultramarathon Challenge for BBC Children In Need last year. "He was warmly welcomed by the listeners so it's wonderful to welcome him back to Radio 2 to sit in for Rylan on Saturday afternoons for four weeks." McGuinness first became known for his work with Peter Kay in series such as Phoenix Nights and Max and Paddy's Road to Nowhere, before presenting a number of major shows including Take Me Out, Top Gear, I Can See Your Voice and Question of Sport. He is also known for his stand-up comedy shows, and for his work with Keith Lemon on series including Celebrity Juice. When is Rylan Clark back on BBC Radio 2? McGuinness will first be taking over for Rylan on Saturday 10th February, and he will be in place for four weeks. This means that Rylan will next be heard back on the airwaves for his Radio 2 show from 3pm on Saturday 9th March 2024, a month after he departs. View Green Video on the source website Visit our TV Guide, Radio Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
How to listen to The Beatles' final song Now and Then
The Beatles' highly-anticipated emotional farewell song Now and Then is being made available today (Thursday 2nd November), with the Peter Jackson-led music video set to premiere the following day. This marks Jackson’s first foray into music video production, and he has admitted he was initially "reluctant" to take on such an immense challenge. "To be honest, just thinking about the responsibility of having to make a music video worthy of the last song The Beatles will ever release produced a collection of anxieties almost too overwhelming to deal with," he said. "My lifelong love of The Beatles collided into a wall of sheer terror at the thought of letting everyone down. "This created intense insecurity in me, because I’d never made a music video before, and was not able to imagine how I could even begin to create one for a band that broke up over 50 years ago, had never actually performed the song, and had half of its members no longer with us. It was going to be far easier to do a runner." If you’re wondering how to listen to Now and Then, and how to watch the accompanying music video, read on for the latest information. How to listen to The Beatles' final song Now and Then In the UK, Now and Then will first be played on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music at 2pm on Thursday. Simultaneously, the song will become available on various streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Prime Music, while CD, vinyl and cassette releases will debut the following day. You can now listen to the official audio on YouTube. View oEmbed on the source website From 10th November, the song will be included on the newly remastered and expanded editions of The Beatles' Red and Blue greatest hits albums. Now and Then was originally written and recorded in the late 1970s by the late John Lennon, but artificial intelligence has been used to separate Lennon’s vocals from an old demo. As well as bringing the icon's vocals back to life, the track also features electric and acoustic guitar recordings from 1995 by the late George Harrison, back-up vocals from Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, drums by Starr, and bass, piano and a slide guitar solo from McCartney. How to watch the Now and Then music video The accompanying full music video will premiere worldwide on Friday, 3rd November at 2pm GMT on The Beatles’ YouTube channel. Until then, we have the official audio video above. It will also become available on 3rd November on Disney Plus. How to watch the documentary Now and Then – The Last Beatles Song A 12-minute documentary film has also been produced, telling the story behind the last Beatles song, featuring exclusive footage and commentary from Paul, Ringo, George, Sean Ono Lennon and Jackson. Written and directed by Oliver Murray, the short film first premiered on 1st November on BBC One at 7pm, and is now available to watch on Disney Plus. You can also watch it on YouTube below. View oEmbed on the source website Read more: Taylor Swift albums in order - Taylor's Versions and first albums For All the Dogs album release date speculation: What is Drake's album track list? Speaking about the short film, Oliver Murray said: "The legacy of The Beatles set one of the most important foundations for modern youth culture. "It is a great honor to be given the responsibility of telling this story, and I think it will conjure up a lot of different emotions for people as we all have a very personal relationship to the band’s work. "Now and Then is a story of musical archaeology and a brotherly bond between four guys that gave the world some of the most popular entertainment in history." Check out more of our Radio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guideto find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now and celebrate the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who with a special issue of Radio Times. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
George Harrison's son moved to tears by Now and Then
Peter Jackson has detailed the "overwhelming" task of creating the music video for Now and Then.
The music video for The Beatles' highly-anticipated emotional farewell song Now and Then will premiere worldwide on Friday (3rd November). The film, which marks filmmaker Peter Jackson’s first foray into music video production, celebrates the band's enduring love for one another as they create the last Beatles song. And now Jackson has revealed that the son of late guitarist George Harrison – who was part of the legendary band alongside Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Ringo Starr – was "immediately" moved when he saw the music video for the track. Talking about how he approached the immense task of creating the last ever video for the band, Jackson (The Beatles: Get Back) said in an interview on the official Beatles website: "Their contribution to the world is too immense, and their wondrous gift of music has become part of our DNA and now defies description. "I realised we needed the imagination of every viewer to do what we couldn’t, and have each viewer create their own personal moment of farewell to The Beatles – but we had to gently steer everyone to that place. "I had some vague ideas, but didn’t really know how to achieve this." Talking about the late Harrison's son's reaction to the music video, he continued: "Fortunately, Dhani Harrison happened to be visiting NZ at this time. I discussed the ending with him, and described one vague idea I’d been toying with. "His eyes immediately filled with tears - so that is the way we went." Reflecting further on how he was initially reluctant when Apple asked him to make the music video, Jackson added: "To be honest, just thinking about the responsibility of having to make a music video worthy of the last song The Beatles will ever release produced a collection of anxieties almost too overwhelming to deal with. "My lifelong love of The Beatles collided into a wall of sheer terror at the thought of letting everyone down. "This created intense insecurity in me because I’d never made a music video before, and was not able to imagine how I could even begin to create one for a band that broke up over 50 years ago, had never actually performed the song, and had half of its members no longer with us." Now and Then was originally written and recorded in the late 1970s by the late John Lennon after The Beatles broke up, but is being released with the help of artificial intelligence, which was used to separate Lennon’s vocals from an old demo. As well as this, Now and Then also features electric and acoustic guitar recordings from 1995 by the late Harrison, back-up vocals from Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, drums by Starr, and bass, piano and a slide guitar solo from McCartney. In the UK, Now and Then will first be played on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music at 2pm on Thursday, with the music video set to premiere 24 hours later on The Beatles' YouTube channel. Read more: Taylor Swift albums in order - Taylor's Versions and first albums For All the Dogs album release date speculation: What is Drake's album track list? Check out more of our Radio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now and celebrate the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who with a special issue of Radio Times. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who documentary with new interviews to air on radio and BBC Sounds
Doctor Who fans can look forward to new interviews from Russell T Davies, Steven Moffat and Chris Chibnall.
Fans of Doctor Who are in for yet another treat this week, as the talked-about two-part radio documentary has now been confirmed – and details are even more exciting than we could've thought. BBC Sounds will launch the first part of the documentary on Friday 21st October and, according to the synopsis, Who Are We: Doctor Who? The Classic Years will "take a trip through both times, the Doctor Whoniverse and the 2niverse to find out how the changing attitudes of Britain have been reflected through the TARDIS." It continues: "It’s a tale that features Dalekmania, Dad’s Army, Mary Whitehouse Ridley Scott, The Cybermen, Hans Zimmer, The Beatles and the JFK assassination, as the Doctor and his companions are thrown into a world of sexism, racial tensions, and the rise of fan fiction." But that's not all there is to look forward to, oh no. There's a slate of archive interviews with the likes of past Doctors Peter Capaldi, Patrick Troughton and David Tennant to get excited about, as well as brand new interviews with showrunners Russell T Davies, Steven Moffat and Chris Chibnall. Essentially, the two-part documentary will see host Jo Whiley take a trip through the Whoniverse, with the second and final parts of the documentary exploring how Doctor Who has become one of the greatest on-screen institutions. The second part will include tales from some of the team involved, including the three showrunners as well as Doctors and their companions over the years. Expect to hear from the likes of Matt Smith, David Tennant, Jodie Whittaker, Christopher Eccleston and Peter Capaldi, as well as Sophie Aldred, Bonnie Langford, Ncuti Gatwa, Sylvester McCoy, Matt Lucas, John Simm, Billie Piper and Kylie Minogue. Talk about a great line-up, right? The documentary will also air later this month on BBC Radio 2. And Doctor Who radio lovers are going to be having a stellar time this month, as not only are they being treated to the radio documentary, they also have the debut of the iconic theme tune to look ahead to. The special show, BBC Radio 2 – Doctor Who @60: A Musical Celebration, will feature the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC Singers, conducted by Alastair King. Read more: Doctor Who fans think they've been given a sneak peek at new TARDIS Doctor Who fuels UNIT spin-off rumours with new picture hint Composer Murray Gold returns and will debut the latest version of the Doctor Who theme music, as well as the theme tune of the Fifteenth Doctor (called Fifteenth) and Ruby Sunday's (the Doctor’s new companion) theme The Life of Sunday. At the time of being announced in September, Jo Whiley said: "As listeners to my Radio 2 show know I’m a huge Doctor Who fan, so presenting this concert is a dream come true. "How better to mark the incredible 60th anniversary of the show than with this wonderful celebration of the music that has featured across the decades." View Green Video on the source website Who Are We: Doctor Who? The Classic Years will be available to listen to on BBC Sounds from Friday 13th October and will air on BBC Radio 2 on Saturday 21st October at 1am, with part 2 airing on Sunday 22nd October at midnight. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Episodes of the classic series can be streamed on BritBox – you can sign up for a 7-day free trial here. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10, PLUS a £10 John Lewis and Partners voucher delivered to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BBC Radio 2 Live line-up: Full list of artists and acts
Radio 2 is bringing two days of fabulous live music to Victoria Park in Leicester this weekend.
Kylie Minogue and Tears for Fears are set to headline Radio 2 in the Park 2023, which is being held in Leicester. The concert – which is BBC Radio 2's biggest-ever live music event outside London – will take place this weekend on 16th and 17th September. The full list of artists and acts was unveiled on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on Tuesday 13th June. Tears for Fears will headline the Saturday night, while Kylie Minogue will headline the Sunday night. Other acts include Bananarama, Texas, Sam Ryder, Jessie Ware and James Blunt. Kylie Minogue said: "Over the years I've done many unique and varied performances for BBC Radio 2. I'm so excited to be headlining Radio 2 in the Park in Leicester later this year. I can't wait to celebrate with you all, see you September 17th!" Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith of Tears for Fears said: "We love playing live and can't wait to bring some of our favourite songs, old and new, to thousands of Radio 2 listeners." Zoe Ball added: "Leicester, get ready to party, we're coming for you. We've saved up a couple of years' worth of energy, so we're going big." Leicester's City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, said: "Radio 2 in the Park will be bringing some of the world's biggest artists for a weekend of live music in Leicester, and it promises to be a fantastic event for music lovers and for the city. I am really looking forward to it." Tickets for BBC Radio 2 in the Park 2023 went on sale at 08:15 BST on Wednesday 14th June but, for now, read on for everything you need to know about the line-up. BBC Radio 2 in the Park 2023 line-up: Full list of artists and acts The full lineup for BBC Radio 2 in the Park 2023 is as follows: Saturday 16 September 2023 Tears for Fears Bananarama Texas James Blunt Deacon Blue Beverley Knight Busted Soft Cell Sunday 17 September 2023 Kylie Minogue Pretenders Shalamar Rick Astley Jessie Ware Lemar Sam Ryder Simply Red Radio 2 in the Park will take place from 16th to 17th September 2023 at Victoria Park, Leicester. Looking for something on TV tonight? Find something to watch with our TV Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10, PLUS a £10 John Lewis and Partners voucher delivered to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Kylie Minogue is this week's Radio Times cover star
The pop princess opens up about her life, career and ageing gracefully in the latest edition of the magazine.
The genius of Kylie Minogue – and the key to her success over four decades – is that she has constantly reinvented herself, from soap star to pop starlet to fashion icon to serious actor to Las Vegas showgirl. The result is there for all to see: 80 million record sales and a string of hits, culminating most recently with a viral Tik Tok video that helped her break America. And throughout that time she’s held on to the title of the princess of pop. Of course, it’s only in fairytales that princesses live happily ever after and Kylie’s life has been touched by tragedy. But since 2021 she has been living surrounded by her family in her native Melbourne, from where she talked exclusively to Radio Times for this latest issue. Is there a price to be paid for being pop’s eternal princess? Read Kylie’s interview in this week's RT to find out as she looks back on her 35-year career, while remaining resolutely focused on the future. She is, apparently, as busy now as she was in the 1980s when her role as Charlene in Neighbours first catapulted her onto our screens. Listen to her on Radio 2 on Sunday night when she’s top of the bill at Radio 2 in the Park – then watch her next week in Kylie at the BBC, which airs on Saturday 23rd September on BBC Two. Plus, her new album Tension is already available to pre-order. Later this month, we celebrate a landmark of our own, as Radio Times turns 100. It’s not every magazine that reaches such an anniversary and we plan to celebrate in style. Join us for a very special issue, complete with a set of four collectors’ covers. On sale – or on your doormat – from Tuesday 19th September. Also in this week's Radio Times: Chris Packham on his guilt about the climate crisis, how he’s got to the point where he thinks breaking the law to affect change is an “ethically responsible thing to do”, and how “conservation efforts so far have been too timid” Steve Coogan on Alan Partridge's enduring success, his controversial role as Jimmy Savile in The Reckoning, a potential fifth series of The Trip and why he doesn’t watch comedy Amanda Holden talks about her show Sex: A Bonkers History and the persistent societal attitudes towards women and sex, the negative headlines she has received and why her younger self would praise her career and health. Strictly Come Dancing's professional dancers reveal the inside story of what happens before the cameras start rolling View oEmbed on the source website Kylie is on stage at 8pm on Sunday at Radio 2 in the Park. Kylie at the BBC, a compilation of her TV performances over the years, is on Saturday 23rd September on BBC Two. Kylie’s album Tension is released on 22nd September via BMG. Pre-order the album now. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10, PLUS a £10 John Lewis and Partners voucher delivered to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Rylan Clark steps back from BBC Radio 2 show due to mum's ill health
The BBC Radio 2 host has said his "priority at the moment is my mum".
Rylan Clark will be taking a step back from his BBC Radio 2 show to focus on being with his mother Linda after she suffered a bad fall that required surgery. Rylan revealed the news on his Twitter, which has recently rebranded as X, writing: "So unfortunately I took my mum away on her first holiday in a good few years and sadly she's had quite a bad fall, resulting in her having to have a surgery out here. "She's not in the best health with her other conditions and this has made it more complicated. My priority at the moment is my mum. Cheers Scott for covering me at Radio 2 and thanks to the people out here that have sent their well wishes." He added: "Praying for a successful surgery and a quick recovery. Will update you on mummy Linda as and when I can x." View oEmbed on the source website The popular television personality presents a show on BBC Radio 2 between 3pm and 6pm on Saturdays but, for now, Scott Mills will be stepping in for him. Rylan and his mother Linda have been a hilarious mainstay on Celebrity Gogglebox, with his mother also having joined him on his radio show for a round of Couch Potatoes, the film and TV quiz Rylan does on air. More recently, Rylan has been seen on our screens hosting Eurovision 2023 and also appearing on our airwaves in a special edition of The Archers to mark the Eurovision occasion. Strictly Come Dancing fans have sadly bid farewell to seeing Clark on our screens presenting Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two after a four-year stint at the helm of the companion show. He said in a statement at the time: "After four fantastic years, it's time for me to hang up my glittery jacket and say goodbye to It Takes Two. I've had the best time hosting the show alongside Janette [Manrara] and Zoe [Ball], and I can't thank the amazing team enough for always putting on a great show." Read more: Strictly It Takes Two confirms Fleur East as new host and Rylan responds to replacement Rylan Clark addresses Ken Bruce’s "gutting" Radio 2 exit The statement continued: "I've been welcomed into the Strictly family and will firmly hold that title dear to me. The time has come for me to pass on the baton to someone else and explore what else life has for me. "Thank you, Strictly. You will always have my heart... and dancing feet." View Green Video on the source website Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10, PLUS a £10 John Lewis and Partners voucher delivered to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Steve Wright to take over Pick of the Pops – Paul Gambaccini gets new show
It's an all-new line up for Radio 2 this autumn.
Radio 2 has announced a shake-up of its schedule going into autumn, with Steve Wright being appointed as the new host of Pick of the Pops, taking over from Paul Gambaccini. Wright will host the show on Saturdays from 1pm to 3pm starting on Saturday 21st October, while he will also continue to present Love Songs on Sunday mornings from 9am to 11am. He also has a number of specials coming up, including Steve Wright’s Summer Nights between Monday 21st and Thursday 24th August and Your Ultimate Kylie Song, available on BBC Sounds from Monday 21st August. However, this does not mean Gambaccini is out at Radio 2 - far from it, as he moves to a Sunday evening slot to present a brand new show, which will see him rediscover and resurface long-forgotten tracks from across the past eight decades. He will be playing some of his favourite lesser-known records from the 1950s onwards, and will share his encyclopaedic knowledge of the artists and bands. In October, the station will also celebrate Paul’s 50th anniversary as a national broadcaster with a special show. Wright said of the change-up: "Pick of the Pops is such a legendary show. Gambo brilliantly made it his own over the last seven-and-a-half years, and now it’s my chance to give it a go! "It’s a great privilege to present such an iconic show on Radio 2, and Pick of the Pops fans, don’t worry – it’s going be the same and different at the same time. Read more: The Archers celebrates 20,000th episode: 'It's just the beginning!' Ken Bruce gets new Greatest Hits station as Radio 2 loses 1 million listeners "I’ve got lots of other exciting upcoming Radio 2 shows, too, and am particularly looking forward to Your Ultimate Kylie Song when I’ll be counting down her top songs, as voted for by listeners. "Like most people around the world, I’m a huge Kylie fan, and can’t wait to hear which song takes that number one spot!" Meanwhile, Gambaccini said: "This year marks the 25th anniversary of my happy relationship with Radio 2, which began with America’s Greatest Hits. When I accepted the Pick of the Pops assignment in 2016, I was told it would be for between five and ten years. "Here we are, smack dab in the middle, seven-and-a-half years later, and it is time for Chapter Three. "I am delighted that on the new show I will have the opportunity to present neglected gems from the past century, be they album tracks, 7" B-sides or missed hits. "The show will be live, because live is best. It is a happy presenter who gets to share great music of his choice with loyal long-term listeners." Along with announcing Wright and Gambaccini's new shows, Radio 2 also announced Doctor Who @ 60: A Musical Celebration, an epic concert which will take place at BBC Hoddinott Hall in the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, and will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 this autumn. View Green Video on the source website Check out more of our Radio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10, PLUS a £10 John Lewis and Partners voucher delivered to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Ken Bruce: 'It seems a shame to have to leave BBC Radio 2 early'
Bruce's final show is airing this morning (Friday 3rd March).
After 31 years in the mid-morning slot at BBC Radio 2, Ken Bruce will today leave his role at the broadcaster, having announced his decision to step down in January. While it was first thought that Bruce would be leaving when his current contract ended in March, he revealed at the end of February that the BBC had decided it wanted him to leave earlier, finishing his run on the station today (Friday 3rd March). Now, Bruce has reacted to this decision, calling it a "shame" that he has had to leave earlier than he planned. Speaking on the Today programme on Radio 4 this morning, Bruce said: "It’s entirely within the BBC’s right to ask me to step away a little early. And gardening leave is a known concept in broadcasting and in many other areas. "But for the sake of 17 days, which was all that was remaining, I would have finished on the 24th anyway. So it seems a shame, but you know, you just adapt your timetable. Instead of three weeks it's one week and that's been fine." View oEmbed on the source website When pushed about whether he would have "loved to have stayed", Bruce said: "Well, my belief is that when I’m given a contract, I work to it and complete it, and I haven't over the last 46 years had very much time off ever. And so I've tried, attempted to turn up whenever I'm required to turn up. "So my natural feeling as a broadcaster is to, you know, if I've got 17 days to do, I want to do them." When previously approached for comment by RadioTimes.com about the change of Bruce's departure date, a BBC Radio 2 spokesperson said: "Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and it’s always been known he’s leaving in March. "Returning to Wogan House for a week after a month of broadcasting the Piano Room sessions at Maida Vale provided a natural break. We wish Ken all the best for the future." Bruce will be joining Bauer’s Greatest Hits Radio in April to present a new mid-morning show from 10am to 1pm. Meanwhile, it was recently announced that Vernon Kay would be replacing Bruce in the Radio 2 slot. View Green Video on the source website Visit our TV Guide, Radio Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.