Top Gear star Richard Hammond is returning to radio to host a series of programmes over the coming Bank Holidays on BBC Radio 2, starting with a music programme this Easter. His roots can be found in local radio, including stints at BBC Radio Cumbria, Lancashire and Leeds.
Richard's first show will be on Friday 6 April at 2-4pm, and is looking forward to getting back behind the mic: "My first job was in radio, it's where my media career began. I hosted shows in BBC local radio stations all over the north of the country. I like to think that I was a rather romantic figure, a kind of wandering radio nomad — a bit like Lassie without the breath and toilet habits.
"So, to have the chance to share some time with listeners on the biggest station in the country is a huge and exciting opportunity. Live radio remains the most direct, immediate and personal medium and I love it as a listener and as a presenter.
"So really, I don't want people to think of me as a timid newcomer but more as a triumphant, garlanded hero making a magnificent return to the arena of his former glorious victories. Oh, and do I get a set of keys to Radio 2? Only there was this one time on Radio Cumbria when I got locked out and the record ended and, well it went badly."
Lesley Douglas, Controller, Radio 2 says: "Richard Hammond is a great talent and a much in demand broadcaster. He is a warm, funny and clever broadcaster, who has never lost his radio roots. These specials will give him the opportunity to get close to the audience in a way only radio can — in a live, interactive and creative environment."
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