And Romesh Ranganathan's hip-hop show returns, too

Rob Beckett is to become a regular Radio 2 host.

The comedian will host a Sunday afternoon slot from February 20 to May 15, having previously covered for Claudia Winkleman on the channel.

He said: ‘As someone that has inhuman levels of energy, I’m incredibly grateful and excited that the BBC are letting me loose on the airwaves to try and pump up anyone feeling the end-of-weekend blues.

‘Whether your football team lost, your plans got cancelled, or you burnt your roast dinner, we will put a smile on your face – and if you’re already smiling, then expect a full Cheshire Cat grin.’

Beckett will be covering to 5pm to 7pm slot currently occupied by Paul O’Grady Savage creator will  maintain the slot in two runs of 13 weeks across the year, and will return in May after Beckett’s run covering his hiatus ends.

Helen Thomas, the head of Radio 2, said: ‘’m delighted to welcome Rob Beckett to the Radio 2 family, who will share the Sunday teatime slot with Radio 2 treasure Paul O’Grady.

‘Paul remains a Wogan House firm favourite and his fans can look forward to him returning in May for another 13 week series.’

The broadcaster has also announced that  Romesh Ranganathan will return with a new series of For The Love Of Hip Hop across four Saturday evenings from April.

His debut series aired on Radio 2 in 2021, with a follow-up available as a BBC Sounds podcast.

Ranganathan, a close friend of Beckett’s, said: ‘It felt great to be bringing hip hop to Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. And to be given the opportunity to be able to do it again is incredibly exciting.

‘I love doing this show. It's actually probably my favourite thing to do. I'm loving it, and I hope I'm bringing hip hop to more people.’

Published: 1 Feb 2022