The BBC has announced that Michael Ball will permanently host Steve Wright's Love Songs following the veteran DJ's sudden death in February. Ball, 61, currently presents a Sunday show from 11am to 1pm, but will move to the 9am-11am slot from June to take over the iconic programme.
Comedian Paddy McGuinness, 50, will take over Ball's former slot with a brand new Sunday show from 11am to 1pm. McGuinness has previously stood in for Rylan Clark's Saturday afternoon show and presented Easter specials on Radio 2.
Steve Wright, who died aged 69, had presented Love Songs since 1996. He was found dead in his London flat after paramedics were called to an incident. His death is not being treated as suspicious. Wright's friend and publicist Gary Farrow suggested he may have died from a 'broken heart' after losing his afternoon slot in 2022.
Ball expressed his excitement and nervousness about continuing Wright's legacy, saying: 'Steve made Love Songs 'appointment to listen' radio. I'm beyond excited and more than a little nervous to be tasked with the chance to continue with his extraordinary legacy.' McGuinness described the opportunity as 'a dream come true'.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, welcomed the new appointments, noting that Nicki Chapman has been covering Sunday Love Songs in the interim. The replacement for Wright's other show, Pick of the Pops, has yet to be announced, with Gary Davies continuing as interim host.
