BBC replies to critics of Miranda's Radio 2 stint

Radio 2 has defended its decision to hand over the breakfast show to Miranda Hart and Jon Holmes after receiving complaints from listeners.

The pair stood in for Chris Evans for this past week, but many fans of the station were unimpressed.

Writing on the Digital Spy forum, Julie D summed up many complaints whe she wrote: 'I've never heard a worse radio show in my life,' while another listener, Hayden, complained about the 'excruciating chit chat'.

Most complaints were levelled at Hart, rather than Holmes, the more experienced broadcaster.

Amara wrote on the forums: 'Miranda is an excellent TV comic but on the radio she is nothing short of a disaster.'

While a user called Number 6 added: 'I like Miranda in her sitcom but this breakfast show is dire! I feel embarrassed for her. She is obviously not at home in this environment.'

In response to the complaints, the BBC said it was important to give new voices a chance on the station..

A statement from its complaints unit said: 'Miranda Hart is one of the UK's best-loved comedians and BBC Radio 2 felt it appropriate to bring her warmth to its audience for a week. Jon Holmes is a highly experienced presenter from 6 Music.

'Radio 2 is proud to be the home of many popular entertainers and presenters and as part of the network's scheduling, from time to time, the channel tries new presenters and styles of shows.

'Radio 2 appreciates if their presentation wasn't to everyone's liking, but feels it's important to be able to bring new talent to its output and hopes its audience understands the importance of maintaining a breadth of content on the network.'

More than 8million people listen to Chris Evans in the breakfast slot.

Published: 8 Oct 2011