Afternoons just won't be the same after BBC Radio 2 replaced veteran radio host Steve Wright after 24 years in the role. However, while Scott Mills is said to be lined up to take over the slot, listeners have been left confused by the voice presenting the afternoon programme - it's not Mills.
Steve Wright in the Afternoon aired for the final time on Friday, September 30. The emotional last show signalled a huge reshuffle across the station. However, Wright stressed in a message circulated on Twitter via BBC Radio 2 that he was not retiring.
The 68-year-old said: "I’d also like to clear something up. I’m NOT retiring!!!" Adding that he would be "taking a break from daytime radio and will continue at Radio 2". He said that he would be "going a tad digital with a podcast" and still be there on BBC Sounds and Steve Wright's Sunday Love Songs at the weekend. He also added he'd be presenting a special programme on Radio 2 on National Album Day (October 15) and will be returning to the network to present a number of festival specials over Christmas.
READ MORE: Full list of worst energy-guzzling devices to leave on stand-by
With Scott Mills lined up to take over the afternoon slot, it was the voice of the replacement that baffled listeners on Monday, October 3. Scott Mills, who spent a similar time at the helm on BBC Radio 1 in the afternoon, was announced as Wright's successor, according to the Mirror, so it was presumed that the former Strictly Come Dancing star was going to be the voice people would hear when they turned in.
Instead, it was 43-year-old radio and TV presenter OJ Borg. Borg has previously filled in for Steve Wright In The Afternoon among other shows and currently has a weekday overnight programme on the station. One social media user said: "What’s going on at Radio Two today??? O J Borg on from 2 till 5 - no sign of Scott Mills… Whilst I have nothing against O J, he is no Steve Wright & neither is Scott Mills.. They could have carried on with Steve Wright.. Never change a winning team…"
Many listeners were positive about Borg's interim position in the hot seat, with several fans taking to Twitter to voice their opinions on whether he should be replacing Wright and not Mills. One person wrote: "You deserve a better time-slot full time. You certainly seem a more popular replacement for the afternoon slot than Scott."
Another said: "I really like listening to OJ. I enjoy his late-late show, but I also think he would do very well in the afternoon slot. But I imagine Scott is sat in Steve's studio, practicing his new show for the next month, which is why OJ has been pushed into Maida Vale."
A third added: "You are just keeping a seat warm for a few days. I wouldn’t overplay your role. Seems you are being used to accommodate Scott having a few days off between his move."
Love for Steve Wright poured out on Twitter during and after his last show. Fellow broadcaster, Ken Bruce wrote: "Steve Wright asked his colleagues not to mention his last Big Show on R2 so we didn’t. On Twitter though I can say what a giant of radio he is and how much we’ll all miss that daily presence; bright, engaged and engaging. Go well, friend!"
Another broadcaster, Anthony Davis, said: "It’s truly a sad day for us British radio anoraks, fans, professionals and everyone who idolized Steve Wright and the #SteveWrightInTheAfternoon show on @BBCRadio2. His commitment, consistency and comedy were always second to none. Gonna miss all of it. Love the show, Steve."
While fan comments included: "Your afternoon show has helped me through some dark times over the years. Good luck with your future projects; Radio 2 in the afternoon won’t be the same without you". Another simply said: "Time to find a new channel in the afternoon." While a third joined in: "Steve Wright is the best in the business. I’ve been listening to him for years from Radio 1 and for the past 20 years on Radio 2. He will be a huge miss and I know there will be a massive drop in listeners when he leaves. I will be one of them."
Scott Mills' start date on Radio 2 has not been confirmed yet.
READ NEXT:
Covid autumn booster: Who gets one, when and where, as millions invited to take up jab
Concerns over future as one of Nottingham's oldest pub remains closed
Prince Harry's 'worrying' interview, William's 'rejected' offer and concerns over leaks
Aldi cashier paid remainder of elderly customer's shop as it was more than she could afford
