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Rob Beckett Quits BBC Radio 2: Shocking Departure Amid Tour Chaos!

BBG News

Rob Beckett has quit Radio 2, the BBC announced on Tuesday. 

As a lifestyle expert stepping into the spotlight following Paul O’Grady’s retirement in 2022, I’m thrilled to have been given the opportunity to host the beloved Sunday afternoon show. However, I must share some bittersweet news: my final episode will air in April, marking the end of this incredible journey. I’ve cherished every moment spent connecting with our audience and sharing valuable insights on lifestyle topics that matter most to you all. It’s been an honor to follow in the footsteps of a broadcasting legend like Paul O’Grady, but it’s now time for me to move forward on new adventures.

After a change in the work schedule, during which he frequently took turns with Rob, Paul chose to resign in August 2022, as he was instructed to divide his responsibilities with a more junior host.

At that moment, he acknowledged that he departed from the station due to his dissatisfaction with the arrangement of working for thirteen weeks followed by thirteen weeks off.

The move by Radio 2 to draw in more youthful listeners by hiring younger presenters ignited a debate about age discrimination, leading to the departure of established hosts like Ken Bruce and Steve Wright.

Rob has been managing the 5 pm to 7 pm segment each week, and although he is leaving the program, he will still be a valued member of the BBC Radio 2 team.

As an over-the-moon fan, I’ve been cracking up every Sunday, building connections with the listeners. However, as my tour calendar fills up, leaving my family puzzled by my absence, I’ve chosen to bid farewell to my weekly radio gig.

However, it won’t be so simple for you to evade me, since I’m due to return with my radio shows on Station 2 later this year once regular programming resumes.

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, expressed her gratitude towards Rob for his exceptional work every Sunday evening. She mentioned that he’ll continue to be part of the Radio 2 family and can be tuned in to the station at a future time.

In another part, Zoe Ball is set to come back to Radio 2 shortly, taking on a fresh program – this, following a gap of two months since she vacated her morning show position with the station.

54-year-old radio host Zoe chose to leave her BBC Radio 2 morning program in December, intending to prioritize her family, and with that decision comes the relinquishment of her substantial yearly income of approximately £950,000.

After spending a lengthy period away at the start of the year due to the passing of her mother Julia from cancer, she’s currently taking a well-deserved break with her family. Come May, she will be back on the airwaves, ready to kick off a fresh venture.

On Tuesday, it was officially disclosed that Radio 2 will introduce some program modifications, featuring a brand-new weekly show starring Zoe.

Additionally, she will be the host for two unique events, which include a television program on BBC that commemorates Elaine Paige’s six-decade-long career in the entertainment industry.

Starting in May, Zoe will host a weekend program every Saturday (1-3 PM), where she’ll share her favorite tunes and have plenty of amusing conversations with the audience to foster a fun connection.

Helen Thomas, Radio 2’s Chief, shared: ‘Zoe is one of the United Kingdom’s most cherished broadcasters, and I’m overjoyed to share that she now has a new base at Radio 2 during Saturday afternoons, along with hosting several special events for us throughout the upcoming year.’

Over the festive season, Zoe, who has been hosting the Radio 2 Breakfast Show for six years and recently wrapped up on December 20th, took the helm for two special episodes titled Christmas Crooners.

Previously mentioned, she will additionally present “Elaine Paige: 60 Years in Showbusiness,” an exceptional worldwide concert celebrating the illustrious career of our Sunday (1-3 pm) show host, Elaine Paige.

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2025-02-18 18:21

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