BREAKING Steve Wright announces he is leaving his BBC Radio 2 show after 23 years

Steve Wright is leaving his afternoon show on BBC Radio 2 after 23 years

Steve Wright is leaving his afternoon show on BBC Radio 2 after 23 years.

The 67-year-old broadcaster announced the news live on air on Steve Wright in the Afternoon on Friday.

He said: "Let me just break off for a moment to make an announcement. I'll try not to become emotional or self indulgent, this is going to be a little bit difficult.

"At the end of September, I'll be taking a break from daytime radio. In other words, stepping down from this programme."

Steve Wright is leaving his afternoon show on BBC Radio 2 after 23 years

Image:

( BBC)

He added: "The great news is onwards and upwards. I'm staying at the BBC and radio to to do some very exciting brand new digital projects and developing new podcasts, some of which actually will feature elements of this programme Steve Wright In The Afternoon.

"Anyway, all will become clear in the next few months, because we're staying on this programme until the autumn."

Wright will continue to present the weekday show until September 2022. He has presented Steve Wright In The Afternoon on the Radio 2 slot since 1999 and also presents Steve Wright's Sunday Love Songs on the network.

Scott Mills will host a brand new show each weekday afternoon on Radio 2 from 2-4pm, launching in the autumn.

Scott is a familiar voice to listeners as he’s covered for Ken Bruce and Steve Wright, as well as presented specials such as last year’s Neighbours celebration and recent Dynasty and Eurovision specials.

On Radio 2, Sara Cox’s current 5-7pm show will be extended by one hour, starting from 4pm, giving listeners three hours of brilliant music, and an extended All Request Friday each week.

Sara says: "It’s been an absolute honour following Steve Wright’s Big Show and I’d like to thank him for all his support and kindness since I started Teatime. I look forward to continuing my Sunday mornings with him and the iconic Love Songs.

“I’m beyond chuffed to have three whole hours to hang out and have a laugh with the listeners whilst playing some of the best tunes in the world.

"Whether you’re up to your eyes with work, enjoying the delights of the school run, taking the pooch for a pootle or rustling up something spectacular in the kitchen, I will be by your side with the usual lols and good times.

"I’m super excited for my old Radio 1 mucker Scott to officially become part of the Radio 2 daytime family - he’s a brilliant broadcaster and a good friend so I look forward to listening to his new show whilst doing my pre-Teatime warm up squats & burpees."

After an amazing 24 years, Scott Mills has decided to leave Radio 1.

Scott first joined the station in 1998 as host of the Early Breakfast Show and went on to host many different shows across the network before launching the infamous Scott Mills Show in 2004 and The Official Chart Show in 2018.

He has been an integral part of the Radio 1 family and has been behind some of the most memorable and biggest moments on the station, accumulating a hugely loyal fan base over the years.

Scott says: “Time actually does fly when you’re having fun, and that’s certainly been the case over the past 24 years at my beloved Radio 1. The station I pretended to be on in my bedroom from the age of 6. The station I told my mum I wanted to work at, but never in a million years thought I would.

“There are too many people to thank from my Radio 1 journey. So to the immensely talented people I’ve worked with along the way, to our incredible listeners that have made us part of their everyday lives for so long and of course to Chris - not just my co host, but one of my best friends in the world, which of course he will be forever. THANK YOU.

“It’s also been an honour to start the weekend on BBC Radio 5 Live for the past three years. I’m so proud with what we have managed to achieve.

“I really cannot believe I’m going to be calling Radio 2 my new home! I’m beyond excited to be joining the team and working alongside my radio idols and friends at the legendary Wogan House.

"I would like to wish all the best to Steve, who is one of the finest broadcasters in the world and someone whom I look up to so much.

“Over the past few years the Radio 2 listeners have made me feel so welcome and I can’t wait to build new memories with them!”

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