Graham Norton’s BBC Radio 2 replacement has been announced

Claudia Winkleman has been announced as the next presenter of BBC Radio 2’s Saturday morning show, replacing Graham Norton, who is due to leave in December.

The Strictly Come Dancing presenter will replace Norton in the Saturday morning radio slot between 10am and 1pm every Saturday, from February 2021.

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Winkleman said in a statement, “I’m not often speechless but the chance to be with the wonderful Radio 2 listeners every Saturday has left me, quite frankly, gobsmacked.

"I hope my voice comes back in time for the first show, as I can no longer simply rely on a fake tan and a fringe."

"There's nobody I'd rather be with at the weekend, it's a privilege and an honour," Winkleman added.

The BBC confirmed that Winkleman would present her new show throughout the year next year, including during the months where she also presents Strictly on Saturday nights.

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Graham Norton leaving BBC Radio 2 after a decade

Graham Norton will leave his Saturday morning BBC Radio 2 slot next month, with his final programme due to take place on Saturday 19 December 2020.

When his departure from BBC Radio 2 was announced, Norton said, “Obviously I’m sad to be stepping away from my Radio 2 show. I’ll miss being a part of the Wogan House family, as well as the listeners and their lives.

“I’d like to thank my producer Malcolm Prince and all the teams I’ve worked with for a great decade of radio. Happily with the chat show, Eurovision and Drag Race the BBC continues to be my perfect tv home.”

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 said, “For the past decade, Graham has made Saturday mornings his own on Radio 2. His sparkling interviews, as well as his brilliant shows from the Eurovision host city each May, have kept millions of listeners entertained each week.

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“On behalf of the Radio 2 listeners, and everyone in Wogan House, we’d like to thank him and wish him the very best of luck for the future.”

It has since been announced that Norton will join Virgin Radio as the host of a new weekend show. The new programme will take place on both Saturdays and Sundays.

Addressing his new role, Norton said, “I am excited and a little surprised to be joining Virgin Radio UK in 2021.

“I was very content where I was but the opportunity to host shows across the weekend seemed too good to miss out on. Plus the energy and enthusiasm at Virgin Radio are infectious and I can’t wait to get started! Did I mention the studios are very close to my house?”

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