Radio 2 legend replaced after seven years on show in huge BBC schedule shake up

A RADIO 2 legend has been replaced after seven years on the show, in a huge BBC schedule shake up.

Paul Gambaccini’s slot on Pick Of The Pops will be taken over by Steve Wright.

Steve will be stepping down from his weekday afternoon slot after 23 years.

Paul Gambaccini, 74, has been the voice behind Pick Of The Pops since 2016, playing chart-topping music every Saturday afternoon from 1pm to 3pm.

But in a big BBC schedule shake up, Steve Wright will take over the iconic show after leaving his slot on Radio 2 in September of last year.

He shared: “Gambo brilliantly made it his own over the last seven and a half years, and now it's my chance to give it a go!

“It's a great privilege to present such an iconic show on Radio 2, and Pick Of The Pops fans don't worry it's going be the same and different at the same time."

He’ll be taking over Pick Of The Pops from Saturday, October 21, and until then Steve will continue his Sunday morning slot with Love Songs from 9am to 11am.

Discussing his Radio 2 departure, Gambaccini said: “This year marks the 25th anniversary of my happy relationship with Radio 2, which began with America's Greatest Hits.

“When I accepted the Pick Of The Pops assignment in 2016, I was told it would be for between five and 10 years."

He also announced his exciting new Sunday evening slot, where he’ll debut a new show.

Paul continued: "I am overjoyed that the new show will provide me with the platform to showcase overlooked masterpieces from the past century, whether they're hidden album tracks, 7 B-sides or underrated hits.

"The show will be live, because live is best. There's no greater joy for a presenter than sharing handpicked music with dedicated long-term listeners."