So that’s why they quit Radio X

 Elis James and John Robins are joining BBC Radio 5 Live, after quitting their Radio X show at the weekend.

The pair had been on the digital indie station since 2014, but will move to the BBC from Friday 31 May.

In addition to the show, which will run from 1pm to 3pm each week, the comics will present a separate weekly podcast which launches later in the summer.

James said: ‘I can’t wait to get started with John. I’ve been a 5 Live listener for 20 years and it’s thrilling to think I’ll be working in a place where water-cooler chats about Mark Hughes’ playing career at Bayern Munich are actively encouraged rather than frowned upon.’

Robins added: ‘For too long the BBC has displayed anti-Queen bias. I, Ofcom, and two Parliamentary Select committees feel this has gone unchecked for too long. 

‘Due to the unique way the BBC is funded, it’s only right licence fee-payers (who, let’s remember, were responsible for making Queen’s Greatest Hits the UK’s best-selling album of all time) receive a balanced approach to all matters Mercury, May, Taylor and/or Deacon.

‘I’m delighted to be given this platform with Elis James, Friday 1pm to 3pm, and I’m also excited about our separate podcast where we will tackle other issues and there will be slightly less Queen.’

Jonathan Wall, controller of BBC Radio 5 Live, said: ‘Elis and John are one of the most talented pairings in radio and will bring a new audience for 5 Live. It’s a real coup they are joining us for their first BBC Radio show.

‘Elis and John fans will hear more of them than ever before with both a live show and two podcasts.’

Published: 2 Apr 2019