Radio 2 veteran Steve Wright would be a “big star” for one of the BBC ’s commercial rivals if he decided to jump ship, according to pal John Bishop.
Wright, 67, who has fronted Steve Wright In The Afternoon on the station since 1999, announced the news on air on Friday that Beeb bosses were scrapping the show.
He will be replaced in the autumn by Radio 1’s Scott Mills, 49.
Fellow broadcaster Bishop hinted that he would be a big signing for a rival radio station.
He said: “Steve Wright is one of the greatest broadcasters we have ever produced . He has always been incredibly supportive of me and appearing on his show was always a great delight. A radio station somewhere is about to sign a big star.”
One well-placed industry source said that deep-pocketed rivals such as Virgin or Global, whose stations include Heart, Capital, LBC and Smooth, would be mulling over a potential approach.
It comes as BBC stars Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel recently announced a deal with Global. Andrew Marr has also signed up to the company. Virgin has lured former BBC Radio 2 stars Graham Norton and Chris Evans.
The source said: “Steve would be a very attractive proposition to many. He would bring a ready-made audience.”
But BBC insiders are buoyed by the fact Wright is to continue with his popular Sunday Love Songs show, as well as ‘seasonal specials’ and podcasts.
Publicly, Steve has said that he is “staying” at the BBC.
The insider added: “Yes, it’s all change but Steve is a key part of the future, and he’s committed to the station.”
Yesterday it was revealed BBC Radio 1 presenter Chris Stark was joining Global.
He is to become a presenter on Capital Breakfast with Roman Kemp, as well as a “creative executive producer.”
A BBC spokeswoman said yesterday: “We’re delighted that Steve will continue to present his hugely popular Sunday Love Songs show as well as Christmas and Easter specials for Radio 2, and Serious Jockin’ series for Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.”
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