Simon Mayo confirmed to replace Chris Evans on R2

chris

BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Simon Mayo has confirmed he is to take over the Radio 2 drivetime slot from Chris Evans.

Mayo has previously ruled out moving to Salford with Radio 5 Live, and speculation has been mounting he would transfer to R2 since last week, when it emerged that Evans will replace Terry Wogan on the R2 breakfast show.

Mayo confirmed the move this afternoon, live on his radio show. It will take effect from January 2010.

He will continue to present an expanded version of his film programme with Mark Kermode on Friday afternoons on 5 Live, although it is unlikely this will continue in the long term when the operation moves to Salford.

Bob Shennan, controller of R2 and 6 Music, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Simon as a permanent fixture on the network. Simon’s range as an entertainment broadcaster is broad and rich, making him the perfect host of Radio 2’s Drivetime programme.”

5 Live controller Adrian Van-Klaveren hailed Mayo’s show as one of the station’s “greatest successes of the last nine years”.

“[Mayo] has established himself as one of the very best radio interviewers – a tribute to his skills at asking the right questions and his always immaculate preparation and research,” he said.

Mayo said: “It’s a fantastic thrill to be given one of the iconic Radio 2 shows.”

Mayo joined Radio 1 in 1986, progressing to the Breakfast Show in 1988 and the Radio 1 mid-morning show between 1994 and 2001. He joined Radio 5 Live in 2001, hosting the weekday 1pm to 4pm slot.


Source:broadcastnow