Taking the slot Frank Skinner was booted out of

Jon Richardson is to join Absolute Radio.

The comic will be broadcasting from 8am every Saturday either from the broadcaster’s London studios or his the personal pub he built in his garden.  

Richardson’s slot was previously occupied by Frank Skinner, who was dropped by the station in March after 15 years. 

Richardson said: ‘Since I was last on the radio the only DJing I get to do is in the car with my daughter, so I’m looking forward to hearing from bands who aren’t The Wiggles or Mr Farts. 

‘I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to be part of people’s Saturday mornings and allowing my natural energy and enthusiasm for life to be shared with the Absolute Radio listeners.’

Richardson’s best friend Matt Forde also appears on Absolute Radio on Saturdays, hosting Rock ‘n’ Roll Football in the afternoon. 

The Cats Does Countdown regular added: ‘To have the opportunity to leave booby traps in the studio for Matt Forde to discover during his Rock ’n’ Roll Football show is an added bonus I intend to grasp with both hands.’ 

When Skinner revealed that the show he co-hosted with Emily Dean and Pierre Novellie was not being renewed, he said: ‘We had a good run but I realise that in recent times but I am ever more becoming Grandad from The Simpsons

‘I’m not going to pretend I took it… well I took it well in that we’ve had 15 years and Absolute have actually been very, very good to us in those 15 years but I didn’t take it well, I took it well in the way David Tennant took it well as the tenth Doctor when he started to regenerate and said, "I don’t want to go!",

Richardson takes over the slot, currently occupied by Andy Bush and Richie Firth, from September 7.

Published: 13 Aug 2024