Steve Wright has spoken out about the drama surrounding the cancellation of his BBC Radio 2 show. The legendary DJ had returned to the airwaves on Sunday following the shock announcement his show is ending after 23 years.
On Friday, listeners were up in arms at the news he was being replaced by long-serving Radio 1 presenter Scott Mills, who confirmed he would be stepping down from his own job after 24 years. It comes as a huge shake-up takes place at Radio 2. Steve returned for his Sunday Love Songs show on Sunday, where he addressed the reaction.
"Before we start the show proper, if I may, I'd just like to say thank you ever so much for all the messages that have come in, over the weekend after I announced on Friday on the afternoon that we are leaving the afternoon show," Steve began.
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"This show stays," he confirmed, referring to his popular weekend programme, before assuring fans he will be doing ''other exciting projects for Radio 2 in the future.'
"So I'm not going anywhere. Not going anywhere!" he reiterated.
"Thank you very much for the kind words. It really, really means a lot and I'm back on afternoons until the autumn from tomorrow anyway.
"So thank you very much," he ended the personal message before moving on with his usual weekend schedule.
On Friday it was announced that Wright in the Afternoon, broadcast weekdays between 2-5pm, will end at the end of September.
Scott Mills will host a brand new show on Radio 2 from 2-4pm with Drivetime's Sara Cox being granted an extra hour of her show.
As Steve left Wogan House on Friday he told to waiting reporters ''That's the way it goes... You know, sometimes people want you, sometimes they don't.
"Sometimes they want to make changes, give you another offer, and that's okay, I understand that, I really understand that."
Steve's exit provoked an outpouring of upset from loyal listeners and celebrity admirers alike.
Steve's Radio 2 co-star Jeremy Vine was one of the first to respond to the news as he hailed Steve 'one of the greatest radio voices of all time.
"Innovator, entertainer, complete and utter professional," he praised.
"Such a pleasure to work alongside him, such a great person to have a laugh with, bought me a pair of "radio slippers" when he caught me ogling his. [red heart emoji] this guy."
Piers Morgan also shared his thoughts on the DJ, saying he is a "master" of the craft on the radio.
Piers tweeted: "Congrats to Steve Wright on a dazzlingly successful 23-year run presenting his brilliant afternoon show on @BBCRadio2 - he’s an absolute master of the broadcasting craft & such a great guy too.
"Always loved doing his show, and seeing him work his magic. Thanks Steve!"
Stalwart DJ, Tony Blackburn, was another of Radio 2's presenters to express their surprise and pay tribute to Steve.
He tweeted: "Just want to say the respect I have for Steve Wright @BBCRadio2 I love the guy and he’s dedicated to radio .I’ve seen the effort and passion he gives to the show, in-fact that show is him. I love his company. He’s a nice guy and a complete one off."
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