Zoe Ball defends Paddy McGuinness after BBC Radio 2 shake up backlash

Zoe Ball has spoken out in favour of Paddy McGuinness after he was named the new Radio 2 anchor.

The BBC announced yesterday that the 50-year-old TV personality will take over as host of the station’s Sunday 11am to 1pm slot beginning in June.

Following Steve Wright’s death, Michael Ball stated that he will take over his renowned Love Songs show. This airs two hours before Paddy’s new slot, which Ball presently hosts.

The format for the Take Me Out host’s stint has yet to be disclosed, but his shift to radio has stirred outrage online, with some Radio 2 listeners dissatisfied with the decision.

Zoe Ball has now resorted to social media to commemorate Paddy’s joining the team, sharing a promotional BBC shot of him with the caption: ‘Bolton Massive.’

The Top Gear star has lately filled in for Rylan Clark on Saturday afternoons and hosted two episodes over the Easter weekend, as he prepares to host his own show.

@BBCRadio2 & @BBCSounds announce new programming and specials, including Love Songs with Michael Ball and a new Sunday show for Paddy McGuinness

Plus Romesh Ranganathan, Jane McDonald, Bob Harris, Beverley Knight, Tony Blackburn, Judi Love & more!

https://t.co/c5p0XcxDiX pic.twitter.com/zJtwLAZNz1

— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) April 2, 2024

He said: ‘I’ve loved keeping Rylan’s seat warm on Saturday afternoons and returning to the airwaves over Easter.

‘To be given my very own regular show on the legendary Radio 2 is a dream come true.’

But some online weren’t so convinced this was the best move from the broadcaster, as many pointed to his previous presenting roles on shows which have since been axed, calling his involvement the ‘kiss of death’.

Paddy has presented Top Gear, A Question of Sport and music challenge I Can See Your Voice, which are all no longer.

‘That’s the kiss of death for the show then,’ commented X user @Perry4649479921 on hearing the news, while @healingcentred wrote: ‘Does Paddy McGuinness not have a home to go to? He seems to be on EVERYthing!

‘Have the BBC not learnt everything Paddy McGuinness touches gets cancelled?’ asked @Jaimi_Tyrrell, while @philtayjones said: ‘Just shows how out of touch Radio 2 management are. Good move for Michael Ball but replacing him with Paddy McGuinness! Really?’

‘Paddy McGuinness, really??’ agreed @lrigpohs, continuing: ‘Are there no great broadcasters anymore? Nobody who has a passion for music & good knowledge? I don’t feel inspired by the new gen of comedians off telly being given radio shows.’

Others were happy with Paddy’s new role, as @RyanTheSoapking said: ‘Brilliant news about @PaddyMcGuinness having his own #BBCRadio2 show from June. He was such a breath of fresh air sitting in for @sarajcox yesterday and he was brilliant sitting in for @Rylan too. Well done Paddy – can’t wait to listen.’

X user @rockiemoney said: ‘News that Paddy McGuiness is getting his own show. Very funny man. Dare I say the BBC is stopping the rot with this man. Go @PaddyMcGuinness.’

Meanwhile, @Sober_Robin said: ‘It’s @PaddyMcGuinness time on @BBCRadio2 Paddy is bloody brilliant and can’t wait to see him on his tour, later in 2024!!’

The station also revealed that Romesh Ranganathan would be joined by colleague Radio 2 presenter Rob Beckett for the Saturday morning (10-11 a.m.) slot, which is presently hosted by Anita Rani.

Romesh said: ‘Only a fool would start a new Radio 2 show, broadcasting to millions of people on Saturday 20th April, and then run the London Marathon the very next day. It turns out I am that fool so please join me for the biggest weekend of my life (not including marriage and kids etc.).’

This comes during a period of significant upheaval for BBC radio in general.

Jamie Laing, a former Made in Chelsea star and podcaster, was chosen as a Radio 1 presenter, succeeding Jordan North and generating uproar among fans who accused the broadcaster of “classism.”

Celebrity PR Gary Farrow, who had been friends with Wright for 40 years, stated that the presenter died from a ‘broken heart’ after Scott Mills replaced him after 23 years on TV.

He said: ‘Steve lived for that show, he absolutely loved it – and the listeners loved him.

‘My view is that he died from a broken heart. I’ll never understand the decision to let him go.’

Despite being aware of his terrible condition, his death came as a surprise to his colleagues, who conveyed the news on air while in tears.

Source My Celebrity Life.