Margherita Taylor moves to host Classic FM’s More Music Drive

Classic FM is refreshing its weekday schedule with Margherita Taylor as the new host of the station’s More Music Drive.

This follows John Brunning’s decision to step down from the programme, although he is staying with the station.

The refresh to the schedule from 17 April will also see Ritula Shah joining from BBC Radio 4 to host Calm Classics, Monday to Friday, 10pm to 1am as Margherita moves to Drive.

Margherita joined the station 15 years ago and has hosted several events in the station’s history, including co-presenting Classic FM Live at the Royal Albert Hall for more than a decade. She celebrates 30 years in broadcasting later this year, and in January was honoured with an MBE by King Charles III for services to broadcasting and diversity.

Margherita Taylor said: “It is a privilege to be the new presenter of Classic FM’s More Music Drive, made all the more special because my good friend and colleague John Brunning is the one handing over the More Music Drive conductor’s baton to me.

“I am thrilled that we will continue working together at Classic FM. Sharing a love of classical music with millions of people across the UK is the best job and I can’t wait to get acquainted with the listeners at this special time of the day, whether they’re on the school run, on the journey from work or relaxing at home.”

Ritula Shah previously hosted a number of programmes on Radio 4, including as the main presenter of The World Tonight, she said: “I’m delighted to be joining the fabulous team at Classic FM and I’m looking forward to getting to know our listeners. And as a confirmed night owl, I’ll be playing music I love at my favourite time of the day.”

Philip Noyce, Classic FM’s Managing Editor, said: “I’m delighted that Margherita Taylor, a popular and long-standing member of the Classic FM family, is the new host of Classic FM’s More Music Drive. It’s also exciting to welcome Ritula Shah, a hugely respected broadcaster who shares our passion for classical music, to Classic FM.

“Together with our weekday daytime line-up including Alexander Armstrong, Anne-Marie Minhall, Tim Lihoreau and Zeb Soanes, we look forward to continuing to present the very best classical music – in our welcoming, engaging and everyday style – to our listeners across the UK.”