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Scott Mills to replace Steve Wright on Radio 2 afternoon show
By Chris Cooke | Published on Monday 4 July 2022
Steve Wright’s daily show on BBC Radio 2 will come to an end in September, with Scott Mills shifting over from Radio 1 to present a new afternoon programme in the slot currently occupied by Wright.
Because, you know, while Radio 2 has long provided a home for Radio 1 DJs once they are too old to be hosting on the BBC’s youth station, only so many old Radio 1 DJs can be accommodated at any one time. And sometimes the really old former Radio 1 DJs need to make room for the newly old Radio 1 DJs.
Wright confirmed his departure on his radio show on Friday, stating: “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?”, he added. “The support and creative freedom I’m given are fantastic at Radio 2, and really I can’t hold the slot forever. So let’s give somebody else ago”.
Wright – who had shows on Radio 1 from 1981 to 1995, before joining Radio 2 in 1996 and starting his daily show on the station in 1999 – isn’t departing the BBC entirely. He will still present his ‘Sunday Love Songs’ show and some seasonal specials on Radio 2, as well as hosting podcasts on the BBC Sounds platform.
He added on Friday: “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 develop 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”.
Meanwhile, confirming that he was making the Radio 1 to Radio 2 leap after 24 years with the former station, Mills 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. The station I pretended to be on in my bedroom from the age of six. The station I told my mum I wanted to work at, but never in a million years thought I would”.
“I really cannot believe I’m going to be calling Radio 2 my new home”, he added. “I’m beyond excited to be joining the team and working alongside my radio idols and friends at the legendary Wogan House”.
Wogan House, by the way, is the building where Radio 2 is based, just in case you wondered, and it turns out said building isn’t quite as legendary as Mills reckons.
Mills’ co-host at Radio 1 Chris Stark is also departing, with various podcasting projects to focus on, including ‘That Peter Crouch Podcast’ for the BBC and ‘The Pirate Ship’, which he co-presents with chef Tom Kerridge.
And now some quotes from the BBC bigwigs…
Head Of BBC Radio 2 Helen Thomas: “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 Jockin’ specials for BBC Sounds and Radio 2″.
Head Of BBC Radio 1, Aled Haydn Jones: “Scott is a broadcasting legend who has helped define Radio 1 over the past 24 years and is loved by everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him. Chris has also been an integral part of the Radio 1 family who has brought so much entertainment and laughter to Radio 1 over the years. I’d like to thank them both for everything they have done for the station and wish them the very best in the future. Scott and Chris will go out with some very exciting shows in August starting with a week live from Newquay – more details to follow”.
