BBC Radio 2 has officially revealed who will succeed renowned broadcaster Steve Wright after his death.
On Monday, February 12, the iconic DJ passed away at the age of 69 due to a ‘incident’ at his Marylebone home.
Following Wright’s death, Nicki Chapman temporarily took up his Sunday Love Songs spot. However, the station has since confirmed who will take over the job.
Beginning in June, singer Michael Ball will host Love Songs with Michael Ball from 9 to 11 a.m., replacing his current Sunday show from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ball said in a statement released by the station: ‘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.’
The 61-year-old Coming Home To You singer continued: ‘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.’
Ball originally rose to prominence as a musical theatre performer, making his West End debut in 1985 as Marius in Les Misérables’ original production. He went on to become a major West End star. He received an OBE for his cultural contributions to musical theatre.
He’s also had a successful career as a music artist and television performer, with four number-one albums in the UK to date and appearances on series such as Coronation Street.
Ball has been hosting programming for the BBC since 2005, and he has headed his current show since 2016.
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.
The Top Gear star has lately filled in for Rylan Clark on Saturday afternoons and hosted two episodes over the Easter weekend, as he prepares to host his own show.
He said: ‘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.’
Head of BBC Radio 2 Helen Thomas said of the changes: ‘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.’
In the aftermath of Wright’s death, outpourings of affection and sadness have persisted, with many blaming his removal from his long-running Radio 2 afternoon programme for his health decline.
Celebrity publicist Gary Farrow, who had been friends with Wright for 40 years, believed Wright died of a ‘broken heart’ after Scott Mills replaced him after 23 years on broadcast.
He said: ‘Steve lived for that show, he absolutely loved it — and the listeners loved him.
‘My view is that he died from a broken heart. I’ll never understand the decision to let him go.’
Although his coworkers were aware of his illness, his death nonetheless came as a shock.
Several Radio 2 co-workers, including Nicki Chapman, shed tears live on air as they recalled Wright.
