Michael Ball announced as Steve Wright’s replacement on BBC Radio 2’s Love Songs show

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Singer and West End star Michael Ball will take over a brand new Sunday Love Songs show on BBC Radio 2, it has been announced, following the loss of life of standard presenter Steve Wright earlier this yr.

Ball, who presently presents for Radio 2 on Sundays between 11am to 1pm, will start his new gradual from 9-11am in June.

“Steve made Love Songs ‘appointment to listen’ radio,” Ball, 61, stated in an announcement.

“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.”

Wright was considered one of Radio 2’s hottest long-serving hosts, and offered Love Songs even after he stepped down from the channel in September 2022.

He died in February, aged 69. Nicki Chapman has been filling within the Love Songs slot.

Meanwhile, Top Gear star Paddy McGuinness will host a brand new Sunday show from 11am to 1pm when Ball strikes to the sooner time, broadcasting his show from Salford as a part of the BBC’s bid to higher signify audiences across the UK.

McGuinness made his Radio 2 debut final yr whereas protecting the pop quiz Ten to the Top, filling in for Vernon Kay who was fundraising for Children in Need.

He has additionally been sitting in for Rylan Clark on Saturday afternoons, and offered two exhibits over the Easter Weekend.

“I’ve loved keeping Rylan’s seat warm on Saturday afternoons and returning to the airwaves over Easter,” McGuinness stated.

“To be given my very own regular show on the legendary Radio 2 is a dream come true.”

Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, stated: “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.”

Additional reporting by companies