Rob Beckett quits BBC Radio 2 show after replacing Paul O’Grady

Rob Beckett has stepped back from his Radio show after taking over from Paul O’Grady (Picture: Rex)

It has been announced that Rob Beckett is quitting his BBC Radio 2 show, three years after taking over from Paul O’Grady.

Beckett, 39, first joined Radio 2 in 2022, taking over the Sunday 5pm to 7pm slot from the late presenter O’Grady.

It was announced on Tuesday that after years of hosting the show he will broadcast his last Sunday afternoon show in April.

‘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,’ a statement read.

However, the comedian had promised the fans that he would return.

‘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!’

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, added: ‘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.’

Beckett is a well-known comedian (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire)

When O’Grady announced he was stepping back from the show in Sugust 2022 he said: ‘And the reason I’m leaving because everybody’s asked me this. It’s because I wasn’t really happy with the 13 weeks on/13 weeks off business.

‘So, I did the honourable thing and I honoured my contract, gave my notice and now I’m off.’

In April 2023, the 67-year-old comedian died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully.’

He died of sudden cardiac arrhythmia after previously having three heart attacks.

RETRANSMITTED CORRECTING CREDIT For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Handout photo issued by the BBC of Romesh Ranganathan (right) with his first guest, fellow Radio 2 presenter Rob Beckett, during his morning show on BBC Radio 2. Picture date: Saturday April 20, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SHOWBIZ Ranganathan. Photo credit should read: BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption. — Beckett began working on the show in 2022 (Picture: BBC/PA Wire)

This is just one of the many changes that have been announced by BBC Radio 2.

Zoe Ball left her breakfast show at the end of 2024, and Scott Mills took over her slot earlier this year.

It was announced that Ball is set to host a whole new show on Saturdays at 1 pm until 3 pm .

Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said: ‘Zoe is one of the UK’s most loved presenters, so I’m thrilled to announce that she has a new home on Radio 2 on Saturday lunchtimes, plus she’ll be hosting various specials for us throughout the year.’

Zoe’s decision to step down from her role at BBC Radio 2 came nine months after her mum, Julia Peckham, lost her battle with cancer.

In her statement announcing she was stepping down after six years, Zoe said it was time to ‘focus on family’ and ‘start a new chapter’ away from the early morning alarm.

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