BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds have finally revealed who will take over Pick of the Pops following the loss of broadcaster Steve Wright.
Starting in July, radio great Mark Goodier will host the show on Saturday afternoons, starting up where Wright left off and counting down two charts from two distinct weeks over the last seven decades.
Mark said of his new role: ‘It’s an honour to host the iconic Pick of the Pops, although I wish it were in happier circumstances as I was friends with Steve for almost 40 years.
‘I can’t wait to reminisce with Radio 2 listeners as we revisit two years in their lives, playing some of the best records ever made.’
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 said: ‘Mark is a brilliant broadcaster with a particular passion for chart countdowns, so I’m delighted he’s making a welcome return to Radio 2 in the prestigious Pick of the Pops slot, to complete our new weekend presenting line-up following the loss of our friend and colleague, Steve.
‘I would also like to thank Gary Davies for presenting Pick of the Pops across these past weeks, in addition to hosting the weekly, must-listen edition of his Sounds of the 80s show each Saturday night.’
Mark has been broadcasting since the 1970s, first as a mobile DJ before gaining a position as a presenter at a small radio station in Edinburgh.
Since then, he has become a regular on BBC radio, hosting the UK Top 40 on BBC Radio 1 from 1990 to 1992 and 1995 to 2002. Mark has also been on Radio 2 since 2001.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Michael Ball will host Love Songs with Michael Ball beginning in June, taking over for Wright.
Paddy McGuinness will present a new Sunday show from 11am-1pm on BBC Radio 2 starting in June, as Ball transitions to Wright’s old time slot.
Steve Wright, 69, passed away on February 12 due to a ‘incident’ at his Marylebone home.
Although his coworkers were aware of his illness, his death nonetheless came as a shock.