Welcome to the Radio 2 Timeline page
this page first published by John Wright, 24 October 2005
last update 23 NOvember 2012
References and sources of jingles:
BBC Official Website, TV and Radio Bits, Transdiffusion Website, Radio Rewind website, Wikepedia Site, British Comedy Website, Memory Lane; see Links Page
Thanks to Peter Wallace for programme recordings, and to members of R2MB, R2OK and Medeabox for additions and amendments with special mentions to Justin Lewis, Ian Warburton, Simon McClean, Scott Nelson, Ian Morgan, Colin Udall, Marc B, Phil Little, Brian Reynolds and Andy Walmsley.
Radio 2 events | Year | related events of the year |
30 Sept 1967 at 5.30am, Radio 2 and Radio 1 first broadcast, on 1500M and 247M respectively. Radio 2 was first introduced by Paul Hollingdale 'This is BBC Radio 2, the Light Programme and on 1500 metres Long Wave and VHF and Radio 1 on 247metres, good morning this is Paul Hollingdale on this opening day on Radio 1 and Radio 2 welcoming you to Breakfast Special ......' The first record played was The Sound Of Music, Julie Andrews.
Robin Scott is the first controller of Radio 2 (and 1)
Radio 2's evening shows were shared with Radio 1, and included
Big Band Show 1.00 - 1.55pm was varied:
At weekends there were a lot of shows broadcast on both R1 and R2: SATURDAY PROGRAMMES included:
on the first SUNDAY, 1st October, Ed Stewart's Sunday show at 10.00am Happening Sunday which lasted 7 weeks later the regular SUNDAY PROGRAMMES included
Also in 1967,
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| pass mouse over photos to see names of Radio 2 presenters The first-day schedule on Radio 2 was: 0530 Paul Hollingdale
Listen to Jack Jackson
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January Tom Edwards replaced Simon Dee on Midday Spin 14 Feb Ed Stewart began presenting Junior Choice Mondays offered: Breakfast Special, Paul Hollingdale from 5.30am 9.00am as Radio 1 (Pete Murray's Family Choice) 10.00am as Radio 1 (Jimmy Young's show) 11.00am Morning Story followed by The Dales 11.30 Melody On The Move Jimmy Hanley presented a BBC Northern Ireland Orchestra programme 12.00 as Radio 1 Midday Spin with Barry Mason 1.00pm Grand Hotel a programme of music from Reginald Leopold & his orchestra 2.00pm Woman's Hour presented by Judith Chalmers 3.00pm as Radio 1, middle bit of Pete Brady's show 4.30pm Album Time with Brian Matthew 5.15pm Roundabout with Colin Hamilton Round The Horne with Kenneth Horne Country Style with David Allan Jun - July What About Dick Emery? Sundays 2.00pm Oct '68 - Feb '69 The Clitheroe Kid | 1968 1968 1968 | |
Peter Latham presented Breakfast Special The Organist Entertains was born, presented by Robin Richmond. Sunday Soapbox starts Derek Nimmo had a time presenting Nimmo At Noon Michael Parkinson's first radio show was Late Night Extra
| 1969 1969 1969 | Billy Cotton dies 25 March |
John Dunn presented Breakfast Special Terry Wogan moved to present his afternoon show Your Hundred Best Tunes returned to R2 after a spell on R4 Thursdays had to offer: 5.30am John Dunn 9.00am Pete Murray's Open House11.00am Edmundo Ros, latin style band 12 noon Sam Costa show 2.00pm Woman's Hour 5.00pm Semprini Serenade 6.00pm Album Time with Barry Alldis 7.00pm Big Band Sound 8.00pm Billy Ternent , big band 8.45pm Organist Entertains 9.15 Just William 10.00pm Late Night Extra with Peter Latham 12 - 2.00am Night Ride with Eugene Fraser also in 1970 'Pause For Thought' began Folk On Friday began, presented by Jim Lloyd Jazz Notes began, presented by Peter Clayton Easy To Remember, a programme of light entertainment music presented by Paul Martin 9.15pm Just William May - Sept The Clitheroe Kid
1970 1970 1970 Ashley Lawrence, an Australian conductor, fronts the BBC Concert Orchestra (until 1989) | ||
Tony Brandon starts his mid-morning show Jack Jackson records his series at his home in Tenerife Eric Robinson had to end his prentation of Melodies For You due to illness Tuesdays offered: 5.30am John Dunn 9.00am Pete Murray's Open House 11.30am Tony Brandon 2.00pm Woman's Hour with Marjorie Anderson 3.00pm Wogan 4.35pm Sam Costa 6.00pm Album Time with Brian Matthew 7.00pm After Seven presented by David Jacobs or Michael Aspel 8.00pm Does The Team Think? 9.00pm Alan Dell's Big Band Sound 10.00 Late Night Extra with Shaw Taylor Night Ride with Bruce Wyndham
| 1971 1971 1971 | |
The quiz Pop Score begins in 1972 | 1972 1972 1972 | Terry Wogan voted Top DJ (Reveille) |
Radio 2 went Stereo on FM Jimmy Young's final late morning programme simulcast on Radios 1 & 2 | 1973 1973 1973 | |
March Simon Bates starts his Early Show Wednesdays offered: 5.00am Simon Bates 7.00am Wogan 9.00am Pete Murray 11.30am Jimmy Young 2.30pm Tony Brandon 5.00pm Joe Henderson 7.00pm Bill Crozier Music All The Way 7.30pm Ring A Song a request show with Ted Taylor 8.00pm Country Club 10.00pm Late Night Extra with John Dunn 12.00 - 2.00am Night Ride with Don Durbridge also in 1974 Dance Band Days a permanent series began, presented by Alan Dell. Monday nights at 7.30pm. Radio 2 began it's marathon documentary Ragtime To Rock'n'Roll in 26 parts, narrated by Kenneth More Feb - May Hello Cheeky! Steptoe And Son series | 1974 1974 1974 |
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January David Hamilton begins his afternoon show on R2 and R1 November First airing of The News Huddlines, with Roy Hudd Late Night Extra ended Fridays offered: 6.00am Ray Moore presents Early Show 7.00am Wogan 9.00am Pete Murray's Open House 11.30am Jimmy Young 2.00 David Hamilton 5.00pm Sam Costa 7.00pm Pop Score Folk 75 followed by Folkweave with Tony Capstick 9.00pm Country Club with Wally Whyton 11.00pm Music Till Midnight with Michael Much important Radio 2 documentaries included - Wodehouse on Broadway - Hooray For Hollywood a programme of Country Club was beamed live to radio stations in USA, Canada and Europe, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Gran Ol' Opry, featured Bill Anderson et al News Huddlines started, presented by Roy Hudd. Mar - Jun Hello Cheeky! | 1975 1975 1975 | David Jacobs BBC Radio Personality of the year |
Charles McClelland became R2 controller Sarah Kennedy starts at R2 John Dunn starts drivetime show Saturdays offered: 6.00am Tom Edwards 10.00am Sam Costa Noon - Two's Best 1.00pm Gag Cracker's Ball 1.30pm Sport on 2 with Desmond Lynam 6.00pm Wally Whyton 7.00pm Listen To Les 7.30pm Radio 2 Top Tunes 8.15pm Kings Of The Keyboard pm Saturday Night with the BBC Radio Orchestra 10.00pm European Pop Jury with David Gell 11.00pm - 12.00 Alan Dell The Law Game began, presented by Shaw Taylor. First panel was Diana Dors, Pete Murray and Leslie Randall Radio 2 broadcasted from the Olympics in Montreal (10pm-2.30am) by Terry Wogan July Wit's End series chaired by Lance Percival, ran through to 1985. First panel were Bernard Cribbins, Barry Cryer, Jim Davidson and Don Maclean.
October Radio 2 starts to use jingles produced by JAM Creative Productions replacing those previously produced by PAMS. 1 October Sam Costa’s last daytime show. He went on to present the Saturday morning show (10am-12 noon) for 6 months and Sunday night’s Glamorous Nights (until July 1981) 4 October John Dunn took over the weekday slot from Sam Costa (4.50 pm to 7pm) May - Aug Hello Cheeky! | 1976 1976 1976 |
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Mondays offered: 6.00am Colin Berry 7.00am Terry Wogan 9.00am Pete Murray 11.30am Jimmy Young 2.00pm David Hamilton 4.50pm John Dunn 7.00pm Monday Music Quiz 7.30pm Alan Dell Dance Band Days and Big Band Sound 9.00pm Best Of Jazz with Humphrey Lyttelton 10.00pm Star Sound 11.00pm - 12.00 Don Durbridge Sheila Tracey starts on R2 June Radio 2's Gala Jubilee Concert, part of the BBC International Festival of Light Music, was introduced by Pete Murray July a Sarah Vaughan special, a live tribute to the music of George Gershwin, she was interviewed by Peter Clayton November David Hamilton's afternoon show is now Radio 2 only The Late Show (11pm – midnight) presented by a rota of announcer/newsreaders Mon - Don Durbridge, Tues - Sheila Tracy, Wed - Tim Gudgin, Thurs - Ruth Cubbin, Fri - Len Jackson. 21 February 2000th episode of Waggoner’s Walk 1 May new series of The Impressionists. 16/17 May Jimmy Young presented his show from Moscow 8 August Town & Country Quiz with Keith Fordyce 5 October Semprini Serenade 20th Anniversary 1 October Teddy Johnson replaced Sam Costa on Saturday mornings (10-12 noon) until December. Sam Costa started to present Sam on Sunday from the following day (until May 1981). 14 October Victor Silvester on Radio 2 Ballroom with his 40th anniversary show 27 December Bing Crosby concert – his last recording before his death in October, introduced by Alan Dell. 31 December Wally Whyton took over the Saturday morning show from Teddy Johnson with The Sunny Side of Saturday. Alan Freeman presented another series of Free Spin a telephone music quiz In 1977 a lot of holiday cover provided by Ray Moore. He covered for Jimmy Young (July), John Dunn (July), Terry Wogan (Sept) and Pete Murray (November). Ray also started his own Sunday morning show (April 1977) called Banners and Bonnets
| 1977 1977 1977 |
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January Early Show was presented by Ray Moore (January-June), Richard Vaughan (June-July) and Tony Brandon (from August). Drivetime show with Nick Page Brian Matthew took over presenting all the weekday editions of The Late Show (11pm – midnight) Benny Green presented Album Time on Sunday mornings, January until June. Sacha Distel presented a Sunday afternoon show It’s The Good Life, January until June. Benny Green presented Art Of The Songwriter On The Third Beat, a programme of orchestral music from BBC Scotland. Brain Fahey led the orchestra. Introduced by James Alexander Gordon, summer Tuesdays at 7.30pm. Three In A Row general knowledge quiz presented by Don Davis, Tuesdays 10.00pm Thanks For The Memory presented by Hubert Gregg, Wednesdays 10.30pm Listen To The Band presented by Charlie Chester, 7.30pm Semprini Serenade, BBC Radio Orchestra, Wednesdays 8.15pm 25 March Tony Brandon took over Saturday morning slot from Sam Costa (until December) 3 April Round Midnight started, presented by Brian Matthew 26 June Richard Vaughan took over the Early Show (from Ray Moore) from 2 July Album Time was presented by Peter Clayton. 2 July Brian Rix presented a Sunday afternoon music show Thursdays offered: Duggie Brown presented new series of Free Spin, telephone music quiz A series of shows from the BBC International Festival of Light Music included: Radio 2 broadcasted from the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton 23 November frequency changes. Radio 1 separates completely from Radio 2. 11 December David Jacobs started his Saturday morning show (Junior Choice is now on Radio 1 only). 12 December Alan Dell started his Sunday afternoon series Sounds Easy.
Oct - Dec Frankie Howerd's Variety Show Tuesdays 10.00pm | 1978 1978 1978 |
Jack Jackson dies 14 January |
27 January R2 becomes a 24hr station (first ever in UK) with You And The Night And The Music Benny Green presents Jazz Score | 1979 1979 1979 | Jimmy Young Sony Award |
David Hatch became R2 controller
Family Favourites with Ed Stewart David Hamilton moves to lunchtimes Folk On 2 begins Nigel Ogden presents The Organist Entertains Mondays offered: 5.00am Ray Moore
30 May Waggoners’ Walk ends after eleven years
| 1980 1980 1980 | Alan Breeze dies 15 January Ed Stewart |
David Hamilton moves to afternoons 3 October Desmond Carrington begins presentation of All Time Greats Charles Nove joins Radio 2 Thursdays offered: 5.00am Ray Moore
| 1981 1981 1981 |
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January Gloria Hunniford becomes first regular female daytime show presenter on R2 Kenny Everett presents a Saturday morning show on R2 Tuesdays offered: 5.00am Ray Moore
,B>October Music While You Work special series of 5 programmes
| 1982 1982 1982 | Barry Alldis dies |
from January Music While You Work weekdays 12.00noon - 12.30
Thursdays offered: 5.00am Paul Burnett
| 1983 1983 1983 | Alan Dell Grammy Award for production of Sinatra/Dorsey albums |
from January 1984 every weekday Music All The Way, a programme of light music, no presenter, 3.30 - 4.00pm Saturday Late Show presented by Ken Bruce Wednesdays offered: 5.00am Colin Berry
January Music While You Work lunchtime programme ended
| 1984 1984 1984 | John Dunn Variety Club Radio Personality of the year (for 1983) David Jacobs Sony Gold Award for Outstanding Contribution Benny Green awarded Sony for Popular Music show.
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Bryant Marriott becomes Controller of Radio 2 January Ken Bruce presents Breakfast Show (replacing Wogan) David Jacobs lunchtime show Martin Kelner begins his Saturday night show Roger Royle presents Good Morning Sunday A live Friday late-night comedy show called Nightcap with Peter Dickson began in the autumn. Mondays offered: 4.00am Colin Berry
| 1985 1985 1985 | |
April Derek Jameson presents the Breakfast show (till Dec '91) Ken Bruce moves to mid-mornings Paul Jones Rhythm & Blues Show began on R2 The Press Gang presented by Glyn Worsnip.
Mondays offered: 4.00am Colin Berry
| 1986 1986 1986 |
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January-March Billy Butler's first 13-week weekly show from Manchester on R2 January Alex Lester joins Radio 2 to host Early Breakfast Alan Dedicoat joins R2's presentation department. Saturdays offered:
1.00pm MW only The News Huddlines
7.00pm Beat The Record
| 1987 1987 1987 | Round Midnight awarded Pulitzer Publishing Award |
Ray Moore leaves the early show Radio 2 broadcasts completely in Stereo FM Simon Dee presented Sounds Of The Sixties for 13 weeks Anne Robinson replaced Michael Aspel Gerald Harper begins his Saturday Selection (till Dec '91) January-March Billy Butler, another 13-week weekly show from Manchester Thursdays offered: 4.00am Bill Rennells
| 1988 1988 1988 | Brian Matthew Music Media Personality Kenneth Williams dies 15 April |
Jan-Mar Billy Butler 13-week weekly show from Manchester 30 December Nightcap ends Wednesdays offered: 4.00am Alan Dedicoat
| 1989 1989 1989 | Barry Wordsworth becomes conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra, featured on Friday Night Is Music Night Ray Moore dies |
January Frances Line replaces Bryant Marriott as Controller of Radio 2 January-March Billy Butler 13-week weekly show from Manchester March end of Radio 1 using Radio 2 frequencies 29 March Final edition of Brian Matthew’s Round Midnight April Sounds of the Sixties returns, presented by Brian Matthew 2 April Ken Bruce presents his first nightly late night show Judith Chalmers, mid-morning show 6 April Sheridan Morley's Arts Programme starts on R2 Don Maclean's Good Morning Sunday Saturday 25 August The last Sport on 2 was broadcast on Radio 2 MW 27 August Radio 5 born, using the AM frequencies released by Radio 2, for sport Tuesdays offered: 4.00am Alex Lester
June 5-part series of Music While You Work to mark 50th Anniversary, featured the Phil Tate Orchestra also in 1990: Heroes, a series in which musicians talked about influences Tom Conti presented Melodies For You for three weeks Music From The Movies, played by the BBC Concert Orchestra, presented by Tim Rice. On Parade, a series on military bands, presented by Brian Johnston. Roger Royle left Good Morning Sunday and later presented Sunday Half Hour Saturday Club was briefly revived by Brian Matthew Seven Age began, presented by Pete Haigh, interviewing people over 60 and playing their choice of a record for each decade of their life. Roy Jefferies presented Roy's Recipes, a cookery series. Paxton's America, a six part series on US folk music, presented by Tom Paxton Nov - Dec Friday 7.00pm series At Home With Hinge And Bracket | 1990 1990 1990 | Roger Royle honoured with Lambeth Degree by Archbishop of Canterbury for his work in the media March Jazz FM launches in London Peter Jones, the Voice of Sport on 2, dies 1st April Joe Loss dies 6 June |
Ken Bruce moves to 6.00-7.30am David Jacobs' lunchtime show ends Mike Harding And Friends with George Melly, Maddy Prior and Ralph McTell December Giles Brandreth presents a Saturday afternoon show Wednesdays offered: 4.00am Alex Lester
also in 1991 John Dunn celebrated Steve Race's 50 years in broadcasting.
May-June following the popularity of the 50th anniv show in 1990, a special six-part series of Music While You Work was broadcast on Saturdays May - Jun Mind Your Own Business with Bernard Cribbins et al, Fridays at 7.00pm | 1991 1991 1991 | Desmond Carrington British Radio Personality Alan Keith awarded OBE |
January Brian Hayes presents the breakfast show (till Dec '92) and Ken Bruce, mid-morning show, as Judith Chalmers departs Ed Stewart begins weekday mid-afternoon slot Melodies For You now presented by David Jacobs New Country begins, presented by Nick Barraclough Fridays offered: 4.00am Alex Lester
| 1992 1992 1992 | Monday 7 September, Classic FM launches |
January Sarah Kennedy begins presenting her Early Show and Wake Up To Wogan returns. Tuesdays offered: 5.00am Sarah Kennedy
| 1993 1993 1993 | Humphrey Lyttelton Sony Gold Award for Services to Broadcasting |
Mo Dutta joins Radio 2
Tuesdays offered: 6.00am Sarah Kennedy
| 1994 1994 1994 | Sarah Kennedy publishes Terrible Twos with proceeds going to Children In Need Terry Wogan Sony Best Breakfast Show |
Debbie Thrower replaced Gloria Hunniford Malcolm Laycock takes over Dance Band Days and Big Bands with his Sunday Night at 10 show Thursdays offered: 6.00am Sarah Kennedy
June A special 'Nostalgia Weekend' featured the last ever broadcast by Victor Silvester.
| 1995 1995 1995 |
Alan Dell dies 18 August Stuart Henry dies 24 November |
Feb Jim Moir becomes controller of R2 MarchBrian Hayes' Sunday show ends Michael Parkinson's Sunday Supplement begins. Listen to the intro to Parky Michael Aspel left R2 to make room for the arrival of Sunday Love Songs | 1996 1996 1996 | Brian Matthew Sony Gold Award Jon Pertwee dies 20 May |
Richard Allinson joins Radio 2, replacing the Jamesons. April Pick Of The Pops returns with Alan Freeman 4.00 - 5.30pm April Bob Harris joins R2 with his late show from 11pm - 1am Judi Spiers ends her afternoon show Wednesdays offered: 6.00am Sarah Kennedy
| 1997 1997 1997 | Best Radio Programme (TRIC), Terry Wogan |
Stuart Maconie joins Radio 2 Paul Gambaccini joins R2, hosting America's Greatest Hits, 5.30 - 7.00pm 11 April Judi Spiers’ final Saturday afternoon show for Radio 2 18 April Johnnie Walker begins a run on Saturday afternoons Richard Baker replaces Hugh Scully on Melodies For You Alan Freeman's Their Greatest Bits replaces Hayes Over Britain on Tuesdays Mike Harding replaced Jim Lloyd (retired) on Folk on 2 Bob Harris Country replaced David Allan's Country Club Debbie Thrower leaves R2 Steve Madden leaves R2 and was replaced by Katrina Leskanich on weekday overnights Mark Lamarr joins R2 to host Reggae Show and Shake, Rattle & Roll Jools Holland joins R2 Russell Davies takes on the Sunday slot left by Benny Green who died Charles Nove leaves R2 October Drivetime with Johnnie Walker, Mon -Thurs; Des Lynam on Fridays In October Alan Keith celebrated his 90th birthday, and Richard Baker presented a special programme that Sunday evening called "Alan Keith at 90". Mar - Apr Comedy Showcase Thursdays 10.00pm Sept - Oct Monkhouse Archive a programme of BBC comedy clips, Saturdays at 1.00pm. There was also a Christmas day special at 2.00pm July - Aug Talking Comedy various presenters, Saturdays at 1.00pm. | 1998 1998 1998 | 1998 Radio Personality Of The Year, Steve Wright |
Ed Stewart replaces Pam Ayres, Sundays 5.00-7.900pm Des Lynam leaves R2, so Johnnie Walker takes on Drivetime Fridays with the rest of the week and passes his Saturday slot to Janice Long (3.30 - 5.30pm) Johnnie Walker had to leave for for several months, April-November, during which Richard Allinson took the Drivetime slot, Lyn Parsons took Richard's show (10.30pm) and Nicky Horne took the weekend overnight slot. July Steve Wright starts his regular weekday afternoon slot July Jonathon Ross starts his Saturday 10.00-1.00pm show Parkinson's Choice series Lynn Parsons resumes her weekend overnight slot replacing Nicky Horne Pam Ayres leaves R2 Hugh Scully leaves R2 Aug - Sept Comedy Showcase Thursdays 10.00pm Sept - Oct Monkhouse Archive a programme of BBC comedy clips, Saturdays at 1.00pm. Apr - Jun Talking Comedy various presenters, Saturdays at 1.00pm. | 1999 1999 1999 | Sony Awards 1999 (for 1998) Station Of The Year - BBC Radio 2 The Music Broadcaster Award (Gold) - Mark Lamarr The Feature Award – Speech (Gold) The Unknown Soldier The Special Interest Award – Music (Gold) Shake, Rattle And Roll (Mark Lamarr) The Community Award (Silver) - Cancer And You The Feature Award – Music (Silver) Frank Sinatra – The Voice Of The Century The Station Branding Award (Silver) BBC Radio 2 The Feature Award – Music (Bronze) - The Jack Jackson Story The Evening/Late Night Award – Music (Bronze) - Bob Harris The Music Broadcaster Award (Bronze) - Bob Harris Jim Moir approached Danny Baker and asked him if he wanted to replace Steve Wright on Saturday mornings (Steve was due to replace Ed Stewart on weekday afternoons). Danny, however, snubbed Moir's offer, stating "The time wasn't right".
Adrian Love dies 10th March
George Elrick dies 16 December |
Lesley Douglas appointed as Head Of Programmes Radio 2 April Dale Winton replaces Alan Freeman as host of Pick of the Pops | 2000 2000 | Michael Parkinson awarded CBE 2000 Radio Programme Of The Year, Jonathan Ross Humphrey Lyttelton British Jazz Awards - Lifetime Achievement Sony Awards 2000 (for 1999) Lifetime Achievement Award Alan Freeman Music Presentation Award (Gold) Jonathan Ross Show Music Special Award (Gold) For Your Ears Only Robin Scott dies |
Album Chart Show presented by Simon Mayo on Mondays at 7.00pm Stacey Kent takes over Big Band Special 8 November The News Huddlines ends its 51st and final series December Sing Something Simple came off the air following the death of Cliff Adams 31 Dec Boy George hosts his first ever show on Radio 2 Boy George's New Year's Party" has been a regular since then, broadcasting from 2001 - 2004. Mar - May Monkhouse Archive a programme of BBC comedy clips, Saturdays at 1.00pm. Oct - Dec Talking Comedy various presenters, Saturdays at 1.00pm. | 2001 2001 2001 | 2001 Radio Personality Of The Year, Jonathan Ross |
January Russell Davies show extended to 5pm Andy Peebles left Radio 2. Jimmy Young "retired from broadcasting" Dec'01 - Jan '02, July - Sept and Nov - Jan'03 Monkhouse Archive a programme of BBC comedy clips, Saturdays at 1.00pm. May - July Talking Comedy various presenters, Saturdays at 1.00pm. | 2002 2002 2002 | Sony Awards 2002 (for 2001) Station Of The Year (UK) Radio 2 The Breakfast Award – Music (Gold) - Wake Up To Wogan The Specialist Music Award (Silver) - A Beginner’s Guide To Reggae The Entertainment Award (Silver) - The Jonathan Ross Show The Music Programming Award (Bronze) - The Critical List The Music Broadcast Award (Bronze) - Mark Lamarr
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6 January Jeremy Vine takes on the 12-2.00pm slot (replacing Jimmy Young) March Sold On Song launched Sybil Ruscoe takes on the weekend overnight show following the departure of Lynn Parsons July - October Noel Edmonds joins Radio 2 as the interim host of Drivetime whilst Johnnie Walker is on sick leave. This was the first time Noel had been on radio in over 20 years. 10 October Lesley Douglas appointed Controller of Radio 2 and 6Music Nov'02 - Jan'03 and July - Sept Monkhouse Archive a programme of BBC comedy clips, Saturdays at 1.00pm. There was also a Christmas day special at 12.30pm |
2003 2003 2003 |
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5 January Lesley Douglas assumes position of Controller of R2 and 6Music Richard Allinson On Saturday, 4.00-6.00pm 1st March Johnnie Walker returns to Drivetime 7 June Mark Radcliffe presents his first show, from 10.30pm, for R2 July Helen Mayhew joins R2 to present Big Band Special July/AugustCharles Hazlewood present a series on music relationships featuring pop (old and new) and classical (old and new) Sybil Ruscoe leaves Radio 2 and Charlie Jordan temporarily takes on the overnight weekend show July - September Dale Winton's Pick Of The Pops ends 3 September Mariella Frostrup presents Green Room 4 September Dermot O'Leary starts his Saturday show 2.00-4.00pm and Mark Lamarr starts his Alternative Sixties 7.30-8.30pm Bob Harris late Saturday show Helen Mayhew presents overnight Sat/Sun show 1.00-4.00am 5 September Elaine Paige's musicals show on Sundays starts, 1.00-2.30pm. Also Lulu's show 3.30-5.00pm Sundays 7 September Desmond Carrington moves to Tuesdays with The Music Goes Round, 7.00-8.00pm
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2004 2004 2004 2004 | 2004 Radio Personality Of The Year, Jonathan Ross Hubert Gregg dies |
Chris Evans fronts shows on 25th and 28th March 10 September Richard Allinson's last Saturday show 17 September Chris Evans starts his Saturday show 2.00-5.00pm, and Dermot O'Leary moves to 5.00-7.00pm September Lulu's show ends September/October Charles Hazlewood's second series on R2 December 2005 Ricky Gervais made his debut on Radio 2 (Christmas Eve and again on New Year's Eve) with two special Saturday afternoon shows.
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2005 2005 2005 2005 |
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15 Jan Aled Jones replaced Don Maclean on Good Morning Sunday; Don Maclean retired after almost 16 years of hosting the programme.
31 March Johnnie Walker hosted his last Drivetime show, with Sally Boazman and special guest Neil Diamond
Stuart Maconie and John Inverdale each host 1 week of Drivetime Saturday 15 April: Stuart Maconie presented his last Critical List show
Tuesday 18 April: Chris Evans' Show replaced Johnnie Walker's Drivetime Show.
16:30 Dermot O'Leary
17 December Sheridan Morley presented his last Melodies For You During March the BBC Radio 2 'Shows & Music' messageboard was swamped with hundreds of messages from fans unhappy at the appointment of Chris Evans to the Drivetime slot, and this hit the headlines in some media press.
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2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 |
from webcast of Evans' first 5.00pm show
October Paul Walters, Terry Wogan's long-time producer, died aged 59.
November Alan Freeman, all-time favourite presenter on Radio 1&2, dies aged 79
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7, 14, 21 January Kicking the Establishment - Alan Titchmarsh presented a short series looking at the operatic careers of Gilbert and Sullivan 21 Jan the final Your 100 Best Tunes broadcast, presented by Richard Baker 21 January the final Sunday afternoon 'Art of the Songwriter Show', presented by Russell Davies, ending a traditional Sunday show going back to Benny Green's days, but see January 28. 28 January with the loss of Y100BT the Sunday schedule was re-arranged. Melodies For You returned, a longer show presented by Alan Titchmarsh, and Russell Davies' 'Art Of The Songwriter' moved to the 9.00pm slot. The Sunday p.m. changes when POTP got half an hour more became:
March April 2 December Michael Parkinson broadcast his very last Sunday Supplement with special guest Ian McKellern and a playlist including his favourites Diana Krall, Jane Monheit, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, Michael Buble, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra
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2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 | Evening schedules from April:
Monday schedule:
Sheridan Morley died, 16 February 40th Birthday schedule on Sunday 30th Sept. 2007: 0900-0955 Breakfast Special With Paul Hollingdale
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7 Jan Humphrey Lyttelton returned with a new three month series of The Best Of Jazz, Mondays 10.30pm. His last show was broadcast on 17 March 29 March Stuart Maconie presented his final Saturday show. from Sat 5th April
from Sun 6th April
from April
Simon Mayo's Music Club ended March. Trevor Nelson began his Soul Show
18 October an obscene phone-message prank against Andrew Sachs was broadcast on Russell Brand's Saturday evening show, featuring Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross. Only two complaints were received by the BBC at the time. The following week press articles appeared, drawing attention to the content of the show. By 29 October there had been 30,000 complaints. 28 October Russell Brand resigned 29 October Jonathan Ross suspended for 12 weeks 30 October R2 controller Lesley Douglas resigned 7 November R2's Dave Barber resigned 8 November R2 broadcast official BBC apologies at 10:03am and 9:10pm
16 November Radio 2 broadcast the last 'Dance Band Days' section of Malcolm Laycock's 'Sunday Night at 10' programme. The policy now is to not broadcast any pre-1940 British Dance Band Music, and ends the traditional 1/2 hour of Dance Band music begun by Alan Dell in 1972.
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2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 | Humphrey Lyttelton died 25th April
Listen to the second BBC Apology
Read the original articles that appeared in the press and on the BBC website:
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13-15 January, 6-10 April Zoe Ball sat in for Ken Bruce
7, 14 February Pirate Johnnie Walker shows
4 April - changes announced for weekend schedules and Comedy Hour moved to Thursday evenings 30 May Mo Dutta presented his last ever Radio 2 show. 31 May Pete Mitchell presented his last ever Radio 2 show. 6 June :
Weekday daytime schedule from May 2009:
Saturday schedule from June 2009:
also: 20 May BBC announced that in future Jonathan Ross's Saturday Radio 2 show would be pre-recorded 26 July Malcolm Laycock announced that he was leaving Radio 2, bringing to an end any chance of a return of a British Dance Band music programme to Radio 2.
from August Sundays 10.00pm. Clare Teal presents a programme of big band sounds The Sunday schedule from August 2009:
7 September Terry Wogan announced he was leaving Radio 2 at the end of 2009 and that in 2010 his replacement on the breakfast show will be Chris Evans. 15 September Press Office announced that Simon Mayo will present the Drivetime Show from 11 January 2010 Fridays 7.00pm, 20 Nov-18 Dec Brian Matthew presented the series The Bands That Mattered, short biographies with music and interviews, of four of the great leaders of British Dance bands in the 1930s. from December Sundays 10.00pm. Clare Teal playlists began to regularly feature records by British dance bands of the 1930s. 13 December Emma Forbes announced her Sunday Breakfast show had ended. She continues to co-host with Alan Carr on Saturdays. Lynn Parsons sat in for Emma on Sundays 20, 27 Dec and 3 January 18 December after 27 years, Terry Wogan presented his last Wake Up With Wogan show
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2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 |
Monday schedule:
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from Sunday 3 January 05.00-07.00 Lynn Parsons presenting the Sunday Breakfast show
Lynn Parsons presented her last show on Sunday 4 April. 11 January Chris Evans began presenting the 7.00am Breakfast Show Early daytime schedule from 11 January: 00:00 Janice Long
11 January Simon Mayo began presenting the 5.00pm Drivetime Show
Sunday 14 February 11.00-13.00 Sir Terry Wogan began his new Sunday show broadcasting live from the BBC Radio Theatre in front of a live audience.
Changes from April 2010
23.00-12.00am Steve Lamacq new music programme
12.00am-03.00am Bob Harris
7.00-8.00pm Jamie Cullum Jazz new regular jazz programme 10.00-11.00pm start of 4-part series of The Great American Songbook with Tony Bennett and Michael Parkinson
10.00-11.00pm A-Z of AOR Bob Harris starts 6 part series on Album Oriented Rock
10.30-11.00pm new slot for Listen To The Band Frank Renton presents the best of brass music 11.00-12.00am 50 part series Tim Rice's American Pie history of popular music across the USA, starts with Washington state, presented by Tim Rice.
7.00-8.00pm new slot for Desmond Carrington's popular show The Music Goes Round and Around 8.00-10.00pm new time for Friday Night Is Music Night
After Thursday 8 April, Radcliffe & Maconie lost their Thursday night show, replaced by Radio 2 in concert which features live sessions and other music. Early shows were presented by Jo Whiley and included live session/recordings from Paul Weller, Stevie Wonder.
7.00–8.00pm Bob Harris Country
13 May According to the RAJAR figures the Chris Evans Breakfast Show attracted 9.5m listeners a week during the first quarter of 2010. Second Quarter figures suggest loss of 1 million of those listeners. 24 May Mondays 11.00pm-midnight Big Band Special returned to Radio 2, concerts presented by Clare Teal. 13 July Tuesdays 11.00pm - 00.00am Bill Kenwright presenting Bill Kenwright's Golden Years playing the hits of the late 1950s and early 1960s 17 July Last ever Saturday show presented by Jonathon Ross. During summer the Saturday shows 10.00am - 1.00pm presented by Patrick Kielty until 25 September. August Holiday sit-ins included Zoe Ball for Ken Bruce, Chris Tarrant for Steve Wright, Liza Tarbuck for Simon Mayo. 13 August Sarah Kennedy presented her last 'Dawn Patrol' show on Radio 2. Her departure from Radio was announced 3 September while Lynn Parsons was sitting in during Sarah's holiday break from the show. Lynn Parsons continued to present 'The Early Breakfast Show' then Aled Jones, then Richard Allinson till end 2010. 2 October Saturdays 10.00am - 1.00pm Graham Norton became regular presenter. 6 November Tony Blackburn became the regular 'Pick Of The Pops' presenter on Saturdays. December Mark Lamarr announced he was leaving Radio 2 at end of 2010.
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2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 |
7 January BBC Press Office announced that Jonathan Ross will not pursue a renewal of his contract with the BBC. Ross continued Friday Night and Film 2010 on BBC TV and his BBC Radio 2 Saturday show until July 2010.
Moira Stuart began reading the news on the Chris Evans Breakfast programme from 11 January
from January Richard Madeley sat in for Zoe Ball on Saturdays during her maternity leave
15 February A review published by The BBC Trust includes "Radio 2 has a large audience who clearly love its output, but the review showed it must break out of the routine with its programming, in particular to be more distinctive during peak time".
Sir Michael Parkinson and Tony Bennett present the Great American Songbook
On Bank Holiday Monday 31st May Tony Blackburn presented a one-off live show featuring the 60 Top Selling Hits of the 1960s. On Bank Holiday Monday 30 August 2010 presented another one-off live show featuring the top 100 million-selling UK singles.
French & Saunders hosted three two-hour shows on Radio 2 over Christmas: Boxing Day, New Year's Day, and Bank Holiday Monday, 3 January 2011.
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7 January Friday/Saturdays 0.00 - 3.00am Bob Harris sitting in for the departed Mark Lamarr
from 8 January 10.00 - 10.30pm Saturday evenings comedy sketch show, with various presenters e.g. Roy Hudd and David Quantick, Barry Cryer, Jimmy Carr, Matt Lucas
17 January 05.00 - 06.30am weekday mornings Early Breakfast began, presented by Vanessa Feltz
23 March The last evening Radcliffe & Maconie show
1st/2nd April Huey Morgan began his Friday/Saturday night 0.00-03.00am show of new pop/rock mix of music
4 April Jo Whiley began her regular evenings 8.00-9.30pm Mon - Wed show of new pop/rock and album tracks. Jo also continues her Thursday R2 in Concert show
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2011 |
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