BBC favourite Steve Wright is leaving Radio 2 today after his final show.
The star, 68, announced in July that he would be leaving after 24 years at the station.
But when is the final show and what happens next? Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Steve Wright leaving BBC Radio 2?
The BBC has confirmed that Steve Wright will host his final Steve Wright in the Afternoon show on Friday 30 September.
It will air at 2pm and the guests will be Jason Statham and Guy Ritchie.
Wright first shared the news live during Steve Wright in the Afternoon, saying: “I can’t hold the slot for ever, so let’s give somebody else a go.”
Towards the end of the programme, he added: “I’ll try not to become emotional or self-indulgent, this is going to be a little bit difficult.
“At the end of September, I’ll be taking a break from daytime radio. In other words, stepping down from this programme.
“At the beginning of this year, my friend and boss Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said she wanted to do something different in the afternoons.
“I’ve been doing this programme for 24 years at Radio 2, and so how can I possibly complain? The support and creative freedom I’m given is fantastic at Radio 2, and really I can’t hold the slot for ever. So let’s give somebody else a go.”
He has presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon on the Radio 2 slot since 1999 and also presents Steve Wright’s Sunday Love Songs on the network.
Although he’s leaving his regular slot, the popular presenter will be continuing to work for the BBC on various projects.
Wright elaborated: “The great news is onwards and upwards. I’m staying at the BBC and Radio 2 to do some very exciting brand-new digital projects and develop new podcasts, some of which will actually feature elements of Steve Wright in the Afternoon.”
He said he would still be presenting Love Songs every Sunday on Radio 2, along with some more BBC seasonal special programmes.
Where will Steve Wright go next?
Steve Wright fans will pleased to learn that the popular presenter will be continuing to work for the BBC on various projects.
Wright elaborated: “The great news is onwards and upwards. I’m staying at the BBC and Radio 2 to do some very exciting brand new digital projects and develop new podcasts, some of which will actually feature elements of Steve Wright in the Afternoon.”
He said he would still be presenting Love Songs every Sunday on Radio 2, along with some more BBC seasonal special programmes.
“So plenty for me to do and I’m a happy bunny, but I know when the time comes in the autumn to say goodbye to this show and miss you, but trust me, you’ll be in good hands,” he added.
Who is replacing Steve Wright?
BBC presenter Scott Mills will be taking over Steve Wright’s afternoon slot from autumn 2022.
Mills is already a familiar voice to Radio 2 listeners. The Radio 1 stalwart has covered for Ken Bruce and Steve Wright on Radio 2 many times before, as well as presenting specials such as last year’s Neighbours celebration.
Talking of his move, he said: “Time actually does fly when you’re having fun, and that’s certainly been the case over the past 24 years at my beloved Radio 1 – 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.
“I really cannot believe I’m going to be calling Radio 2 my new home,” he added. “I’m beyond excited to be joining the team and working alongside my radio idols and friends at the legendary Wogan House”.