Following speculation over the weekend, Sir Terry Wogan has confirmed Chris Evans is to replace him on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show at the end of the year.
Sir Terry made the announcement just after the 8am news bulletin, saying it was the hardest thing he has ever done. "It touches me deeply that I've played a part in your lives for, it seems, like generations," Sir Terry said.
Terry has been presenting the show on Radio 2 since 1993, and with almost eight million listeners tuning in each week, it's the biggest programme on UK radio.
Chris Evans, currently hosting the afternoon drive show on the station, previously presented breakfast on BBC Radio 1, and returned to national BBC Radio in 2005 as a weekend presenter on Radio 2.
Chris comments: "This is very much Terry's story not mine, as well it should be.
"To step down from something you have done so well and for so long, and obviously still enjoy doing, must be a tough call even for such a stoic as Sir Tel.
"That said, although I will miss the drivetime show which I have loved for the last three-and-a-bit years, I couldn't be more excited at the prospect of hosting the flagship show on one of the BBC's national networks."
Bob Shennan, Controller, Radio 2 and 6 Music, comments: "Chris is a unique broadcasting talent with a huge passion for Radio 2 and its listeners, as we read every day on his blog.
"Taking over the reins of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show is a daunting task, but I'm 100% certain that Chris will prove himself a worth successor to Terry's legacy."
Tim Davie, Director, Audio and Music, BBC, comments: "Chris has a huge personality that will shine through at Breakfast on Radio 2. I've no doubt that he will open a new chapter in the life of the network and I wish him the very best on his new show in the New Year."
Sir Terry will continue on Radio 2 with a brand new weekend radio programme launching early next year, details of which will be announced at a later date.
