Steve Wright

The broadcaster and DJ's longstanding midweek afternoon slot will be filled by Radio 1's Scott Mills.

"I really cannot believe I'm going to be calling Radio 2 my new home! "Now, I've been doing this programme for 24 years at Radio 2, and so how can I possibly complain? "We're not done yet.

Presenter says he 'can't hog the slot for ever' as he prepares to make way for Radio 1's Scott Mills in the autumn.

Mills, whom Wright described as “brilliant and versatile”, will leave Radio 1 to take over the slot, and will no longer present his Saturday morning show on Radio 5 live. Now, I’ve been doing this programme for 24 years at Radio 2, and so how can I possibly complain? He added: “The great news is, onwards and upwards.

He'll step down in September from the daily show but will stay at the station to host Love Songs and other shows. More follows on this breaking story.

Tim says: “ I’d like to thank Steve for giving me the opportunity in the first place of being involved in the afternoon show, it’s been a genuine pleasure, a lot of fun and an honour for the past 23 years. Thank you to Radio 2 for all the other opportunities they’ve given me during my time at the station and a huge thank you to all the producers, assistant producers and studio managers who’ve made what we do possible, couldn’t have done it without them! Janey says: “I have loved every single minute of working with Steve, Tim and Bobbie in Wogan House, and I’d like to thank them for all the laughs over the years. It wouldn’t have been The Big Show without them.” Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 says: “Steve’s a legendary radio broadcaster and producer, known for his passion and commitment in keeping millions of listeners entertained each weekday afternoon. I’d also like to thank the behind the scenes production teams, who work tirelessly to help us all deliver the best show possible.”

Scott Mills is leaving BBC Radio 1 after 24 years at the network, making the move to Radio 2 - replacing Steve Wright in the afternoon slot.

‘The station I pretended to be on in my bedroom from the age of six. ‘I really cannot believe I’m going to be calling Radio 2 my new home! So to the immensely talented people I’ve worked with along the way, to our incredible listeners that have made us part of their everyday lives for so long and of course to Chris – not just my co-host, but one of my best friends in the world, which of course he will be forever. ‘Let me just break off for a moment to make an announcement. The veteran broadcaster has presented Steve Wright In The Afternoon on Radio 2 since 1999, and has become a staple of the radio schedule. Thank you.

The 67-year-old announced the news live on air on Steve Wright in the Afternoon on Friday.

He added: “The great news is onwards and upwards. Steve said: “Let me just break off for a moment to make an announcement. Broadcaster Steve Wright has announced he will be leaving his afternoon Radio 2 show after 23 years.

Veteran DJ Steve Wright is leaving his afternoon show on BBC Radio 2 after 23 years and being replaced by Scott Mills who is leaving Radio 1 after 24 years.

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.” Wright will continue to present the weekday show until September 2022.

'Radio 2 spiralling,' one fan wrote, as Scott Mills was announced as replacement host.

He will continue to present Steve Wright’s Sunday Love Songs on the same station. Surely it's down to those that listen???” wrote another. “This really is a terrible decision,” one fan wrote on Twitter in reply to the Radio 2 announcement. Another wrote that Radio 2 was “spiralling”: “Scott Mills is fine. “This is the best daily show on @BBCRadio2. What have you done Radio 2. Why do administrators feel they are in charge and can change as they see fit.

Mills and his co-host Chris Stark roped in Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi to announce the news they were leaving the radio station on social ...

"The great news is onwards and upwards. The support and creative freedom I'm given are fantastic at Radio 2, and really I can't hold the slot forever. Towards the end of the programme, he said: "Let me just break off for a moment to make an announcement. " "I've been doing this programme for 24 years at Radio 2, and so how can I possibly complain? Mills and his co-host Chris Stark roped in Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi to announce the news that they were leaving the radio station in a heartfelt video on social media.

'I'll try not to become emotional or self-indulgent,' veteran DJ tells listeners.

The support and creative freedom I’m given is fantastic at Radio 2, and really I can’t hold the slot for ever. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. “I’ve been doing this programme for 24 years at Radio 2, and so how can I possibly complain?

BBC Radio 2 announced a schedule shake-up which will see Steve Wright's afternoon slot coming to an end after 24 years and Scott Mills taking his place.

Scott is a brilliant and versatile broadcaster, he is the man for the job! "Steve is the best presenter on Radio 2 by miles. "We’re not done yet. I get so much creative freedom at the BBC, I have no complaints. Radio 2 won’t be the same without him. It IS the best radio show anywhere, anytime." A third added: "Big mistake @BBCRadio2 huge!!!! He’s a nice guy and a complete one off." Quite something to witness." He tweeted: "Well, now. Thanks Steve!" [red heart emoji] this guy."

Donning his distinctive circular glasses, DJ Steve Wright, 67, appeared pensive as he spoke to a BBC reporter just moments after announcing he was leaving ...

'But over the last few months I've been doing a lot of thinking about my future and after 14 years, I've made the decision that it's time for me to move on - I'd like to thank the listeners as without them none of this could have been possible and the Radio 1 family, who have been such a huge part of my life. As well as presenting on the airwaves, Greg also plays a huge part in the Big Weekend event. 'So let me get this straight, we get to hang out every weekend, cause absolute CHAOS and party to all the biggest Radio 1 anthems? I looked at mine and I wanted to make that change. 'The station I pretended to be on in my bedroom from the age of 6. So to the immensely talented people I've worked with along the way, to our incredible listeners that have made us part of their everyday lives for so long and of course to Chris - not just my co host, but one of my best friends in the world, which of course he will be forever. A lot of you guys, you take stock in times like this and look at your life. 'I really cannot believe I'm going to be calling Radio 2 my new home! As he exited Wogan House on Friday, donning a purple shirt, red striped tie and suit jacket, Steve Wright told reporters it was 'nice of you to come over', adding: 'That's the way it goes... As he exited Wogan House on Friday, donning a purple shirt, red striped tie and suit jacket, he told reporters it was 'nice of you to come over', adding: 'That's the way it goes... Tune into Radio 1 next Tuesday at 2pm for a big announcement.' 'Now, I've been doing this programme for 24 years at Radio 2, and so how can I possibly complain?

'Not sure anyone loves radio more than Wrighty,' Jo Whiley tweeted.

I was a colleague for years and am proud to be a friend. He’s a Radio Genius. He was kind and supportive. He’s a nice guy and a complete one off. Steve has been such a lovely friend and mentor to me at Radio 2. I’ve seen the effort and passion he gives to the show, in-fact that show is him. Tony Blackburn wrote: “One of the funniest and nicest persons I’ve ever know, we chat complete nonsense for a long time before my Golden Hour every Friday. He’s also one of the best DJs ever.

In a major shake-up, BBC announced that Steve Wright's afternoon slot will be ending after 24 years.

Scott is a brilliant and versatile broadcaster, he is the man for the job! "Steve is the best presenter on Radio 2 by miles. I get so much creative freedom at the BBC, I have no complaints. "We’re not done yet. Radio 2 won’t be the same without him. It IS the best radio show anywhere, anytime." A third added: "Big mistake @BBCRadio2 huge!!!! He’s a nice guy and a complete one off." The title 'The Big Show' doesn’t do it justice. Quite something to witness." He tweeted: "Well, now. Thanks Steve!"