Entertainment
Steve Wright clarifies he is not retiring as BBC Radio 2 show comes to an end-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro
The veteran presenter has plenty more to look forward to!
Don’t panic, Steve Wright is not retiring (Picture: BBC)
Steve Wright has insisted he is not retiring from radio as his BBC Radio 2 show comes to an end.
The popular presenter has hosted Steve Wright In The Afternoon for a whopping 23 years, and has been a regular fixture on the radio for decades before that.
Friday marks the final episode of the Afternoon show, with Steve issuing a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has listened over the years.
However, the 67-year-old insists he is not retiring, amid confusion and sadness from his regular listeners.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Steve referred to the ‘last SWITA show for a while,’ and said he fully understands ‘it’s not possible to continue this programme, but… I’m grateful that this show has endured for so long.’
He added: ‘I’d like also to clear something up. I’m not retiring!!! I repeat, I am NOT retiring!!!
The presenter has been a regular fixture on the radio since the 1980s (Picture: Carol Norman/REX/Shutterstock)
‘I am taking a break from daytime radio and will continue at Radio 2. I’ll be going a tad digital with a podcast, Serious Jockin’ will still be there on BBC Sounds, and Steve Wright’s Sunday Love Songs continues on Radio 2 every weekend.’
The presenter will also host special programmes across the Christmas period, and said he had been ‘lucky enough’ to be offered other work in TV, live hosting and gigs.
He joked: ‘There is no truth in the rumour I’m planning to open my own artisan bakery, and I’ve turned down twice the chance to open my own nail bar. So it’s all good.’
Steve has plenty of work lined up and will host a series of festive features in the lead-up to Christmas (Picture: BBC)
Steve urged his loyal fans to give a listen to Scott Mills and Sara Cox as they take over his afternoon slot, and finished his statement with an ‘important piece of advice.’
‘NEVER! Cut in on dancing bears.’
It was confirmed this summer that both Steve and Scott would be leaving their current slots amid a huge shake-up at the broadcaster, with head of Radio Two Helen Thomas paying tribute to ‘legendary radio broadcaster’ Steve.
Popular presenter Scott Mills is moving from Radio One to take over Steve’s former slot (Picture: PA)
‘Steve’s a legendary radio broadcaster and producer, known for his passion and commitment in keeping millions of listeners entertained each weekday afternoon,’ she said at the time.
‘I’m thrilled he’ll remain in Wogan House as a part of the Radio 2 family to present Sunday Love Songs, as well as seasonal specials and regular Serious Jokin’ specials for BBC Sounds and Radio 2.’
As for Scott, Helen said it was ‘an honour’ that he was joining the Radio Two family.
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‘I know our millions of listeners will give him a very warm welcome.’
Scott described his colleague Steve as ‘one of the finest broadcasters in the world and someone whom I look up to so much’.
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