Zoe Ball’s new Radio 2 show revealed and a change for Pick of the Pops

Zoe Ball will launch a new Saturday show, 1-3pm on BBC Radio 2 from this May and Pick of the Pops is moving to a different slot.

The spring schedule for Radio 2 includes a number of changes and a range of specials on the station.

In addition to her new Saturday show, Zoe Ball will also host Elaine Paige: 60 Years in Showbusiness, a world exclusive concert honouring the career of Elaine Paige.

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, says: “Zoe is one of the UK’s most loved presenters, so I’m thrilled to announce that she has a new home on Radio 2 on Saturday lunchtimes, plus she’ll be hosting various specials for us throughout the year.”

On Friday 25th April, a range of musical theatre stars will perform some of Elaine’s favourite songs at the London Palladium, which will be broadcast on Radio 2 on Sunday 4th May (8-10pm).

A special this April for Radio 2 and BBC TV, will see Elaine in conversation with Zoe in which Elaine tells the story of her life and career.

Also in May, there’s a change for Mark Goodier’s Pick of the Pops which moves from Saturday lunchtime to Sundays, 5-7pm.

Mark says: “I presented my first BBC Radio 1 Top 40 in 1988, so I hope bringing Pick of the Pops to the traditional Sunday afternoon chart show home is an irresistible invitation to pop fans of all generations to join me for a nostalgic look back to some of the greatest songs from across the decades.”

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, says: “Placing Pick of the Pops in the live early evening Sunday slot is a throwback to years gone by, when we’d gather around the radio to listen to the chart countdown, and we didn’t have access to programming in our pocket.

“These days, Pick of the Pops fans can listen to the programme on demand, at any time and anywhere that suits them, on BBC Sounds.”

Rob Beckett has decided to step down from his Sunday afternoon show in April, just before Easter, but will continue to appear on Radio 2 as a cover presenter.

Rob says: “I’ve had such a laugh each Sunday getting to know the listeners, but as my tour schedule hots up and my family forget what I look like, I’ve decided to step away from a weekly show. But you won’t get away from me that easily as I’ll be back presenting shows on Radio 2 later in the year when normal service is resumed!”

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, says: “I’d like to thank Rob for his brilliant work every Sunday evening. He’ll stay within the Radio 2 family and will be heard on the station at a later date.”

Richie Anderson will launch a new Sunday night into Monday morning show, midnight-3am) in April, broadcasting live from BBC MediaCity in Salford.

Richie says: “It’s always been a dream of mine to have my own show on Radio 2 and I’m delighted that dream has come true! I’m raring to go and can’t wait to get to know the night owls around the UK as the weekend comes to a close and we head into a brand new week.”

Phil Williams will continue as a cover presenter on Radio 2, including deputising for OJ Borg.

Other specials on the station include Country music festival, C2C – Country to Country, Radio 2 Loves Brass, Top Brass presented by James Morrison, Remembering Johnnie Walker, Jeremy Vine presenting a documentary, The Heat is On in Saigon, marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, Michelle Visage – The Musicals That Changed My Life, Big Night of Musicals returns for a fourth year and Radio 2 is commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day – 8th May, 1945 – with a concert, BBC Radio 2 presents: VE Day 80 – A Swinging Celebration, at the Alexandra Palace Theatre in London presented by Vernon Kay. Full details here.