There are big moves being made over in the world of BBC Radio, with both Scott Mills and Steve Wright leaving their long-running shows on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2.
Both Scott and Steve are practically part of the furniture at their respective stations but announced they would both be leaving their current afternoon shows in the months to come.
Scott, 49, currently helms the drivetime slot alongside Chris Stark, 35, who will also be exiting the station, as well as the Official Chart Show on Fridays.
This week, it was confirmed that Scott will be replacing Steve’s afternoon show, Steve Wright In The Afternoon, as part of a huge shake-up at the broadcaster this autumn.
Steve, 67, announced he would be departing his beloved 2pm-5pm slot in an emotional speech on Friday, as he came to the end of his programme.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 says: ‘Steve’s a legendary radio broadcaster and producer, known for his passion and commitment in keeping millions of listeners entertained each weekday afternoon.
‘I’m thrilled he’ll remain in Wogan House as a part of the Radio 2 family to present Sunday Love Songs, as well as seasonal specials and regular Serious Jokin’ specials for BBC Sounds and Radio 2.’
Here’s everything you need to know about the ongoing shake-ups at the BBC Radio stations.
Why is Scott Mills leaving BBC Radio 1?
Scott has been a Radio 1 favourite since 1998 but will be leaving after 24 years.
He will be taking on a new-look afternoon show instead of Steve from September. It will be cut by an hour and as a result, giving Sara Cox an extra hour, from 4pm-7pm.
As a result, Scott will leave Radio 1 and Radio 5 Live, where he also currently hosts a Saturday morning show with pal and Radio 1 colleague Chris.
He said: ‘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.
‘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.’
Radio 2 head Helen said: ‘It’s an honour to have Scott join the Radio 2 presenter family and I know our millions of listeners will give him a very warm welcome.
‘We’re looking forward to his fantastic new show every weekday afternoon in the autumn.’
Scott described his colleague Steve as ‘one of the finest broadcasters in the world and someone whom I look up to so much’.
He and Chris have been behind some incredible radio moments, including their hilarious series Innuendo Bingo and raising money with a LOL-a-thon, an event for Comic Relief.
Why is Steve Wright leaving BBC Radio 2?
Steve confirmed that he would be stepping down on Friday, sharing the news live on air.
He explained his shock exit to listeners: ‘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,’ he told listeners.
‘At the end of September, I’ll be taking a break from daytime radio. In other words, stepping down from this programme.
‘At the beginning of this year, my friend and boss Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said she wanted to do something different in the afternoons.
‘I’ve been doing this programme for 24 years at Radio 2, and so how can I possibly complain?
‘The support and creative freedom I’m given is fantastic at Radio 2, and really I can’t hold the slot forever. So let’s give somebody else a go.’
Lifting the lid on his upcoming projects, Steve continued: ‘The great news is onwards and upwards.
‘I’m staying at the BBC and Radio 2 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.’
It’s not known whether Steve is leaving of his own accord, or whether it’s a decision that has been taken by the station.
‘In addition, I’ll still be presenting Love Songs every Sunday on Radio 2, and I’ll be making seasonal special programmes also on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds and Serious Jokin’ no G will be heard on BBC sounds and Radio 2,’ he added.
‘So plenty for me to do and I’m a happy bunny, but I know when the time comes in the autumn to say goodbye to this show and miss you, but trust me, you’ll be in good hands.
‘I’m going to be working at Radio 2, slightly fewer days a week and that means I can do so many other new projects as well, and perhaps at some point, have some lunch.’
Steve will continue to present the daytime show until September 2022.
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