The comedian began presenting the weekend show back in the summer of 2022, when broadcasting legend Paul O’Grady announced he was leaving his slot of 13 years.
Rob Beckett has revealed the reason behind his shock exit from his BBC Radio 2 show following the comedian’s shock announcement on Tuesday (February 18).
The 39-year-old’s announcement arrived on a day which saw popular presenter Zoe Ball confirm her return to the station for a weekend programme.
While Rob will no longer be on the station on a permanent basis, he will serve as a cover presenter after he leaves his Sunday 5pm to 7pm slot in April.
Opening up about his decision, Rob said: “I’ve had such a laugh each Sunday getting to know the listeners, but as my tour schedule hots up and my family forget what I look like, I’ve decided to step away from a weekly show.
“But you won’t get away from me that easily as I’ll be back presenting shows on Radio 2 later in the year when normal service is resumed.”
Rob began presenting the weekend show back in the summer of 2022, when broadcasting legend Paul O’Grady announced he was leaving his slot of 13 years.
Praising Rob’s hard work over the years, Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said : ‘I’d like to thank Rob for his brilliant work every Sunday evening.
“He’ll stay within the Radio 2 family and will be heard on the station at a later date.”
Outside of Rob’s exit and Zoe’s return, it was announced that Radio 2 traffic presenter Richie Anderson will launch a new Sunday night into Monday morning show from midnight to 3am, in April.
Additionally, a special programme will be held for former Radio 2 presenter Johnnie Walker, who died in December after stepping away from his show because of ill health, on March 29.
Contributors will include his widow Tiggy, and musicians Sir Rod Stewart, Joan Armatrading, Sir Brian May, Midge Ure, Johnny Marr, Mick Fleetwood, as well as Paddington and Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville, comedian Peter Kay and Helen Walker from Carers UK.
