BBC Radio 2 star, Rob Beckett, is stepping down from his Sunday show, the corporation has announced.

The comedian, 39, who took over the programme full-time following the tragic loss of Paul O’Grady, will continue to appear on the station as a cover presenter.

Rob joined Radio 2 in 2022, when he took over the Sunday teatime slot from Lily Savage star, Paul. One record into his first show on the programme, the stand-up star made a shout-out to his predecessor, saying: “Before we properly get going, I must say thank you to the legend that is Paul O’Grady. He’ll be back in May to keep you company throughout the summer. But until then they’ve put me in charge of Sunday evenings.”

Rob went on to present the show full-time after Paul’s death before it was announced today that he was stepping down. Revealing the news of his departure from the show full-time, the BBC unveiled a number of changes at the station, including a new weekly show with Zoe Ball.

Revealing Rob had decided decided to leave his Sunday afternoon 5-7pm show in April, just before Easter, the corporation confirmed he will continue to appear on Radio 2 as a cover presenter.

Speaking about his departure, the Mock the Week star said: “I’ve had such a laugh each Sunday getting to know the listeners, but as my tour schedule hots up and my family forget what I look like, I’ve decided to step away from a weekly show. But you won’t get away from me that easily as I’ll be back presenting shows on Radio 2 later in the year when normal service is resumed!”

Thanking Rob for his “brilliant work”, Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, added: “I’d like to thank Rob for his brilliant work every Sunday evening. He’ll stay within the Radio 2 family and will be heard on the station at a later date.”

Elsewhere at Radio 2, Zoe Ball is making a comeback after quitting her morning show last year. Announcing the return of the popular presenter, the Beeb said Zoe will launch a Saturday show (1-3pm) from May, “playing some of her favourite music and having lots of laughs reconnecting with listeners”

Praising Zoe for her efforts with Radio 2 over the years, Helen Thomas said: “Zoe is one of the UK’s most loved presenters, so I’m thrilled to announce that she has a new home on Radio 2 on Saturday lunchtimes, plus she’ll be hosting various specials for us throughout the year.”

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