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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Lucy Needham

BBC Radio 2's Steve Wright addresses outcry over axed afternoon show live on air

BBC Radio 2's Steve Wright spoke to listeners about the furore surrounding the cancellation of his weekday show as he returned to the air following the shock announcement.

On Friday, fans of the station vented their anger as it was revealed that Steve's much-loved afternoon show was coming to an end this September.

After 23 years in the hotseat, Steve will be replaced by long-serving Radio 1 presenter Scott Mills, who also confirmed he would be stepping down from the beeb's youth station after 24 years.

After the shake-up caused a huge divide amongst listeners, Steve returned to the airways today for his Sunday Love Songs show where he addressed the reaction.

"Before we start the show proper, if I may, I'd just like to say thank you ever so much for all the messages that have come in, over the weekend after I announced on Friday on the afternoon that we are leaving the afternoon show," Steve began.

(TWITTER)

"This show stays," he confirmed, referring to his popular weekend programme, before assuring fans he will be doing ''other exciting projects for Radio 2 in the future.'

"So I'm not going anywhere. Not going anywhere!" he reiterated.

"Thank you very much for the kind words. It really, really means a lot and I'm back on afternoons until the Autumn from tomorrow anyway.

"So thank you very much," he ended the personal message before moving on with his usual weekend staples.

It was announced on Friday that Wright in the Afternoon, which broadcasta weekdays between 2-5pm will end at the end of September.

Scott Mills will host a brand new show on Radio 2 from 2-4pm with drivetime's Sara Cox being granted an extra hour of her show.

Radio 1 fas were equally upset to learn favourite Scott Mills was leaving the station (Getty Images)

As Steve left Wogan House house on Friday to told waiting reporters ''That's the way it goes... You know, sometimes people want you, sometimes they don't.

"Sometimes they want to make changes, give you another offer, and that's okay, I understand that, I really understand that."

Steve's exit provoked an outpouring of upset from loyal listeners and celebrity admirers alike.

Steve's Radio 2 co-star Jeremy Vine was one of the first to respond to the news as he hailed Steve 'one of the greatest radio voices of al time.

"Innovator, entertainer, complete and utter professional," he praised.

"Such a pleasure to work alongside him, such a great person to have a laugh with, bought me a pair of "radio slippers" when he caught me ogling his. [red heart emoji] this guy."

Steve was inundated with praise by his co-workers and listeners (BBC)

Piers Morgan also shared his thoughts on the DJ, saying he is a "master" of the craft on the radio.

Piers tweeted: "Congrats to Steve Wright on a dazzlingly successful 23-year run presenting his brilliant afternoon show on ⁦ @BBCRadio2 - he’s an absolute master of the broadcasting craft & such a great guy too.

"Always loved doing his show, and seeing him work his magic. Thanks Steve!"

Stalwart DJ, Tony Blackburn, was another of Radio 2's presenters to express their surprise and pay tribute to Steve.

He tweeted: "Just want to say the respect I have for Steve Wright @BBCRadio2 I love the guy and he’s dedicated to radio .I’ve seen the effort and passion he gives to the show, in-fact that show is him. I love his company. He’s a nice guy and a complete one off."

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