BBC Radio 2 listeners have vowed to ‘boycott’ the station after Steve Wright’s replacement was announced earlier today.
The radio legend died suddenly in February at the age of 69. It is thought his cause of death was heart related as a friend revealed Steve had undergone secret bypass surgery 15 months before he was found dead at his London home, though it has yet to be confirmed.
In a shake-up to the radio schedule, BBC Radio 2 announced that Michael Ball will present a new series of the weekend show. Ball, who currently presents on Sundays from 11am-1pm, will now host Love Songs with Michael Ball from 9-11am from June.
The station also announced that will host a new Sunday show from 11am-1pm June, as Michael Ball moves to an earlier time. It comes after Top Gear host Paddy impressed radio bosses when he recently stepped in to cover Vernon Kay’s pop quiz Ten To The Top while Vernon was off fundraising for Children In Need. Paddy has also sat in for Rylan Clark on Saturday afternoons and presented two shows over the Easter weekend.
Fans didn't have too much of a problem with Michael Ball hosting Sunday Love Songs (Getty Images)
But a lot of people said they've give poor Paddy a swerve (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)While Michael and Paddy can’t wait to get started with their new shows, it seems not everyone is impressed with the new line-up. One fan fumed: “Oh FFS, I’m off to Greatest Hits and Planet Rock then.” Another commented: “Michael Ball... possibly... Paddy McGuinness... the man with the most annoying voice on TV/radio... no wonder people are going to be switching off.”
Radio 2 listening figures plunge as fans snub station after veteran DJs dumped
A third chimed in: “Seriously @BBCRadio2 can you not find fresh talent from local radio instead of awful ‘celebrities’. No wonder folk are turning off.” “Paddy bloody McGuiness, Jesus? What’s he got on the BBC. That bloody grating voice! I listen to Heart,” said a fourth. A fifth pointed out: “You gave Paddy Top Gear. You’ve cancelled it. You gave Paddy A Question of Sport. You’ve cancelled it. Some might say he’s not as popular as he thinks he is...” While a sixth joked: “April Fools Day was yesterday.”
However, other fans seemed pleased with the announcement with one sticking up for poor Paddy and saying: “I’ve loved listening to Paddy recently – very happy to read this.” A second said: “I think it’s a wonderful choice, I’m sure Steve would approve.” While a third suggested: “I think Paddy should pick up the Sunday teatime slot instead of Rob Beckett. He has a good mix of humour and energy that would suit that slot really well.”
Following the announcement, Michael spoke of being “beyond excited and more than a little nervous” to be taking over where Steve left off. He said: “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.” Speaking about his new show, Paddy added: “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.”
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