Michael Ball is to take over BBC Radio 2’s Love Songs show on Sundays 9am – 11am following the passing of Steve Wright.
Michael, who has been at Radio 2 since 2005, has hosted his 11am – 1pm Sunday show since 2016. He’ll be replaced on the show by Paddy McGuinness from June. Paddy will present the show from Salford as part of the BBC’s Across the UK plans.
Michael says: “Steve made Love Songs ‘appointment to listen’ radio. I’m beyond excited and more than a little nervous to be tasked with the chance to continue with his extraordinary legacy.
“Beautiful, moving, relaxing and uplifting music to lift the soul on a Sunday morning, coupled with the stories, suggestions, requests and precious memories from you, the listener, will ensure that this won’t be just MY show, but OUR show. I hope you will join us as we continue to share the love.”
Paddy says: “I’ve loved keeping Rylan’s seat warm on Saturday afternoons and returning to the airwaves over Easter. To be given my very own regular show on the legendary Radio 2 is a dream come true.”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 says: “Although these are changes that we’d rather not be making, given the circumstances, I’m delighted to welcome Paddy and Michael to their new Sunday slots on Radio 2.
“I’m looking forward to Michael’s new earlier show, where he’ll entertain his ‘lovelies’ as he’s always done, and Paddy made a huge impression on our listeners when he sat in for Rylan as well as with his Easter specials.
“I’d also like to thank Nicki Chapman for presenting brilliant editions of Sunday Love Songs for the past few weeks.”
Elsewhere, the new presenter for Pick of the Pops will be announced in due course, with Gary Davies continuing as the show’s interim host in the meantime.
Radio 2 is also launching an open tender process, seeking proposals from suppliers to produce the two Sunday titles in London and Salford.
On the two May Bank Holidays, Monday 6th and Monday 27th May Tony Blackburn will be hosting Sounds of Soul specials from 12pm – 2pm and Jane McDonald returns to present a show from 4 – 7pm.