Michael Ball has opened up about being named as the new host of BBC Radio 2’s Love Songs
Former host and broadcasting legend Steve Wright died aged 69 in February this year and his final episode of his radio show was a pre-recorded Valentine’s sho, which played out on the airwaves on February 11.
Throughout the Sunday programme, the DJ exuded his usual friendly radio presence, cracking jokes between songs and singing over familiar tunes. After two hours, the radio legend signed off his what would be his final show by saying: “I’ll be back for more love songs next Sunday. Ta-ra then.”
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The unexpected news of his death came from the broadcaster’s family, just two days later. The Metropolitan Police later confirmed the presenter had been found dead at home, adding that the death was not being treated as suspicious.
(Image: BBC)
West End star and radio presenter Michael spoke to Ben Thompson and Sally Nugent on BBC Breakfast on Wednesday (April 3) morning following the news that he’s taking over Love Songs. He told the presenters: “I knew Steve very well and I loved his show so to have this opportunity is quite scary and very heartwarming and I hope he’d be pleased.
(Image: BBC)
“Steve would edit and plan his shows and he was always popping into the studio. He was such a collaborative DJ and colleague and genuinely changed the face of Radio 2 completely when he joined the station right up to the end.” Discussing Steve’s final broadcast, Michael added: “You would have never have known anything was wrong. He was the ultimate professional.
“Steve was constantly changing what he did but he worked out quite quickly what the listeners wanted so that mustn’t change. I have a different style to Steve so I want people to tune in and go ‘This isn’t Steve but this is nice to listen to’. I’m nervous about it and going to try hard. The key to it is the great music and great stories which accompany that.” Nicki Chapman has been standing in to present Sunday Love Songs for the last few weeks.
BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
