BBC Radio 2's Michael Ball will give special nod to Steve Wright 'every week' on his show
Michael Ball appeared on BBC Breakfast today to discuss the unique way in which he will pay tribute to the late Steve Wright in every broadcast of his BBC Radio 2 show. Michael Ball appeared on BBC Breakfast today to discuss the unique way in which he will pay tribute to the late Steve Wright in every broadcast of his BBC Radio 2 show.
Michael Ball details way he will pay tribute to Steve Wright
BBC Radio 2 presenter Michael Ball, who is taking over the slot of his late BBC colleague Steve Wright, spoke about his new show Love Songs with Michael Ball on BBC Breakfast today. Chatting to presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt, he explained the special way in which he plans to pay tribute to Steve each week.
The beloved radio presenter tragically died aged 69 back in February, leaving his co-stars shocked by the news. Michael, who had been presenting on Sundays from 11am-1pm, is taking over Steve’s 9-11am slot this month.
Paddy McGuinness will host a new Sunday show from 11am-1pm from June in order to fill Michael's old slot. Despite the major schedule shake-up, Michael has since reassured fans that he plans to keep Steve’s memory alive on his new show.
He said: “I'm going to end the show every week with a Last Dance. And this last dance that we have in ours is going to celebrate Steve.
“I want to pay tribute to Steve for the legacy he’s left me to carry on with. One of his favourite songs is Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbell.”
“Beautiful song,” Naga chimed in, as Michael continued: “He used the music as background bed for his show and that’s how I’m going to celebrate Steve and say thank you for passing on this incredible show to me.”
After being announced as the show’s new host back in April, Michael also appeared on BBC Breakfast time to speak to Sally Nugent and Ben Thompson about the appointment.
He said at the time: “My show that I currently have between 11 and 1 on Radio 2, I would follow Steve. I loved listening to it.
“I knew Steve very well, obviously, and loved his show,” Michael reflected.
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He then went on to share his feelings about “carrying on Steve’s legacy”, explaining: “It’s quite scary and very heart-warming.
“I hope he’d be pleased,” he added.
Following the BBC Press Office’s announcement on X about the recent new appointments at Radio 2, there was some backlash from fans, while others appeared excited about the changes.
BBC Breakfast airs from 6am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
