Comedian and broadcaster Rob Beckett is set to step down from his weekly slot on BBC Radio 2, 

making way for the return of Zoe Ball to the station with a brand-new weekend programme. 

Beckett, 39, has been hosting the Sunday 5pm to 7pm slot, but he will officially depart in April.

Rob Beckett Bids Farewell to His Weekly Show

Beckett, known for his sharp wit and engaging personality, has enjoyed his time on the airwaves but has decided to step away due to his increasing work commitments. 

As his touring schedule intensifies, he expressed that the demands of both his professional and personal life made it necessary for him to relinquish his weekly radio duties.

“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,” Beckett shared.

However, fans of the comedian need not worry, as he assured listeners that he would still make appearances on Radio 2 as a cover presenter later in the year.

Zoe Ball Returns to BBC Radio 2 with a New Saturday Show

Zoe Ball, who stepped down from her role as host of the Radio 2 breakfast show at the end of last year, is set to return to the station. From May, she will take on a new weekly slot, hosting a show on Saturdays from 1pm to 3pm.

Ball’s departure from the breakfast show saw Scott Mills take over in January 2025. Despite stepping away from the early morning role, she remains a beloved figure on Radio 2, and her upcoming show is expected to attract a strong following.

Changes to the Radio 2 Schedule

The introduction of Ball’s new programme will lead to some reshuffling in the Radio 2 schedule. Mark Goodier’s show, Pick of the Pops, which currently airs in the Saturday 1pm to 3pm slot, will move to Sundays from 5pm to 7pm.

In addition to her regular show, Ball will also be involved in special programming. She is set to host a BBC TV special celebrating Elaine Paige’s remarkable 60-year career in show business. The concert event will highlight Paige’s contributions to the industry and feature special guests.

BBC Radio 2 Pays Tribute to Johnnie Walker

The station has also announced plans to honor the late Johnnie Walker, a former Radio 2 presenter who passed away in December. Walker had stepped away from broadcasting due to health issues before his passing.

A tribute programme, scheduled to air on March 29, will celebrate his career and influence in the radio industry. The special will include contributions from his widow, Tiggy Walker, as well as a host of well-known personalities such as Sir Rod Stewart, Joan Armatrading, Sir Brian May, Midge Ure, Johnny Marr, Mick Fleetwood, Hugh Bonneville, Peter Kay, and Helen Walker from Carers UK.

New Late-Night Programming

BBC Radio 2 is also introducing a new late-night show to its schedule. Richie Anderson, a familiar voice as the station’s traffic presenter, will launch a new Sunday night into Monday morning show from midnight to 3am, starting in April.

This move adds another dynamic element to the station’s overnight lineup, which currently includes OJ Borg, who hosts the midnight to 3am slot on weekdays. At times, Borg’s show is covered by presenter Phil Williams.

The Legacy of Paul O’Grady and Beckett’s Time on Radio 2

Rob Beckett’s stint on Sunday afternoons was initially part of a schedule reshuffle following Paul O’Grady’s departure from the station in 2022. O’Grady, a much-loved presenter and entertainer, had shared the Sunday slot with Beckett before officially leaving after over a decade on the show. O’Grady’s passing in March 2023 marked the end of an era for Radio 2 listeners who cherished his warmth and humor.

Zoe Ball’s Breakfast Show Success

Ball originally took over the Radio 2 breakfast show in 2019 and enjoyed significant success during her tenure. Before stepping down in December, her audience figures reached impressive heights. Research from Rajar indicated that an average of 6.8 million listeners tuned in each week during the final quarter of 2024. This marked a 9% increase compared to the previous three months and represented the highest audience numbers for the show since early 2023.

Looking Ahead

As BBC Radio 2 continues to evolve, the return of Zoe Ball, along with new programming and tribute specials, ensures that the station remains a staple for loyal listeners. While Rob Beckett steps away from his weekly commitment, his future appearances as a cover presenter will keep him connected to the audience he has entertained on Sunday evenings.

With these latest changes, Radio 2 is poised to maintain its position as a leading broadcaster, delivering engaging content for a diverse audience.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.