BBC Radio 2: Last News

Johnnie Walker has passed away just two months after stepping down from his presenting role on BBC Radio 2; it has been announced. Johnnie had pulmonary fibrosis, which is scarring of the lungs, a condition which makes breathing difficult. Tributes have been pouring in for the star, with his wife, Tiggy Walker, writing a heartbreaking statement.

Johnathan Joseph, who is professionally known as DJ Spoony, became emotional on his afternoon BBC Radio 2 show today (December 30) as he detailed having to undergo surgery for a bleed on the brain over the Christmas period.The 54-year-old began: "So yes, the secret is out. I was off last week because on Saturday, December 21, I got up early in the morning. I'd been having headaches for about three to four weeks, and I'd been putting it off.

Zoe Ball has been celebrating the end of her stint on BBC Radio 2 with a festive trip to New York City.The 54 year old radio presenter was joined by her rarely-seen daughter, Nellie, and son, Woody, for a day of ice skating and city exploration. Zoe, who recently stepped down from her role as the lead presenter of the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show, looked overjoyed as she held onto her daughter's hand on the ice.

After six years as the voice of travel on Breakfast, beloved BBC Radio 2 star Richie Anderson has announced an emotional departure from the show. Overcome with emotion on Thursday 19 December, Richie got teary-eyed while chatting to his close pal and colleague Zoe Ball, expressing immense gratitude for their time together: "I have had the most amazing six years on this show.

Zoe Ball was all smiles as she exited the BBC’s London HQ, feeling "great" and ready to enjoy some quality time with her kids following her last ever BBC Radio 2 breakfast show.The beloved presenter, 54, was showered with love from celebs including pop icon Kylie Minogue, England football sensation Alessia Russo, and the Time Lord himself, David Tennant, as she broke down in tears and bid a fond farewell to her morning slot on Friday, 20 December. Stepping out of Broadcasting House, Zoe, clad in a chic black puffer jacket and clutching a beautiful bouquet, shared warm embraces with the staff, penned autographs for eager fans braving the cold, and wished the press a cheery "Merry Christmas everyone." She also told the PA news agency: “I’m feeling great, I’m going to see my kids.” As she signed off, Zoe expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her loyal listeners: "It’s been a real privilege to keep your company through your morning manoeuvres." Before spinning her final track, Keeping The Dream Alive, she reflected: "I have most definitely felt that love from you listeners.

Vernon Kay was moved to tears on BBC Radio 2 as he shared a touching moment about his family life.The 50 year old host was discussing who would be the ultimate guest to invite to a dream dinner party, with names like Joanna Lumley and John Lennon being thrown into the mix. However, it was Scottish listener Melanie's call that really resonated with Vernon, who is married to Strictly host Tess Daly.

Zoe Ball is reportedly being courted by rival companies for a potential TV comeback, following her announcement that she's leaving her BBC Radio show next month.The 54 year old star revealed earlier this month that she'll be stepping down from her role on BBC Radio 2's breakfast show and will be presenting her final show next month.This news comes just months after she took an extended break over the summer, following the sad passing of her mother, Julia Peckham, in April. Zoe told her fans in a statement that she had "decided it's time to step away from the early alarm call and start a new chapter," but reassured them that she will still work with the radio station in some capacity after her exit.

After hosting the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show for six years, Zoe Ball confirmed she would be quitting her role in an on-air announcement yesterday. "After six incredible years on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, it's time for me to step away from the very early mornings and focus on family." Zoe confirmed that she will remain with Radio 2, but there's one major perk to leaving the early-morning slot for her health. On the Table Manners podcast, Zoe admitted that she wakes up around 5am to host her show, which disrupts her body clock.The 53 year old presenter confessed that like many shift workers, she struggles to maintain regular bowel movements.

Having spent the past six years presenting the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, Zoe Ball has told listeners that she is hanging up her headphones and is embarking on a “new chapter” of her life. With her last show taking place shortly before Christmas, Scott Mills, who currently presents the station’s 2pm to 4pm show, will be replacing Zoe following her departure - something which he says has been a lifelong dream.

Vernon Kay has hinted at a potential move away from the UK.The the Radio 2 host and husband of Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly revealed on the Changes with Annie MacManus podcast that he'd love another shot at making it big in America, after previously missing out on three opportunities to work there. When asked about changes he'd like to make in his life, Vernon said: "Well, flippantly, I'd like another crack at America because I think I messed up. I did three network shows for America.

Veteran DJ Johnnie Walker left his listeners in tears on Sunday 27 October as he hosted his final Sounds of the 70s show on BBC Radio 2. Johnnie had announced earlier this month he was retiring from radio after a 58 year career due to ill health, having previously been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a condition that causes the lungs to become scarred and makes breathing increasingly difficult, according to the NHS.

Rylan Clark is known as one of the nicest men in showbiz but he left fans shocked after releasing a sweary social media post while "annoyed" and struck in traffic in the capital.The beloved Radio 2 presenter then lashed out at "rude b*****ds" following a torrent of criticism over his controversial comments, and swiftly deleted the tweet that referred to a passer-by as a "rude p**ck" for not showing gratitude when he stopped to let them cross the road. In his now-removed post on X, previously known as Twitter, the former X Factor star vented: "I know it's the law and that pedestrians have right of way at zebra crossings...

Tony Blackburn signed off from his final radio show on BBC Berkshire, Oxford and Solent earlier this year after achieving an impressive 43 years on air. Now, as the long-running Radio 2 FJ approaches his 82nd birthday in January, he's reflecting on an incredible career and some personal moments that made him appreciate his life all the more. He's also set to head out on the road for his Sounds of the 60s Live Tour next year and after a serious health scare landed him in hospital recently, he's not taking anything for granted.

Zoe Ball delighted fans as she resumed hosting duties on her BBC Radio 2 show last week following a six-week absence.The presenter had taken some time away from the airwaves following the death of her mother, Julie Peckham, who was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer at the beginning of this year. And through what has been an incredibly difficult time for Zoe, a source tells OK! that the 53-year-old has found solace in her ex-husband Norman Cook, also known as Fatboy Slim.The former couple split back in 2016 after almost two decades of marriage, but have maintained a strong friendship ever since - and it seems Norman has been a shoulder for Zoe to cry on.

Following her return to the Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 on Monday, presenter and DJ Zoe Ball was spotted hitting the shops in London’s exclusive Marylebone High Street a few hours after she finished her radio duties. Zoe, who was absent from the airwaves for six weeks, hasn’t spoken about the reason she has been away, but she looked relaxed and happy as she carried a large green shoulder bag from one store, while casually dressed in jeans, green trainers and a checked shirt. The broadcaster, who is the BBC’s highest paid female star, has had a tough year following the death of her mother Julia Peckham, who passed away in April following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

BBC Radio 2 DJ Vernon Kay was forced to take a step back from his mid-morning show on Tuesday 24 September, marking another surprise change in the station's line up, hot on the heels of Zoe Ball's return to the Breakfast Show after a six-week break. Gaby Roslin stepped in for Vernon, telling listeners: "Gaby in for Vernon Kay. It's a joy to be here." She added her well-wishes, saying: "Vernon, I hope your throat is feeling better.

Jo Whiley showed off her incredible figure at 59 in a series of staggering pictures after hitting the gym.The BBC radio star as been sharing her experience on how strength training became integral to managing her menopause symptoms. Jo struck a pose for Women's Health UK magazine, explaining that regular gym sessions have become an essential fixture in her life.The Radio 2 said: "I did go through a period of time when I felt like I was just a bit weak, but I think it's probably when the menopause hit." She spoke candidly about her struggles, admitting: "When I was going through [it], I think the conversation wasn't being had that vocally, like it wasn't on social media with Davina and her campaign... I really lost myself.

Radio producer Phil Swern has passed away aged 76, with BBC Radio 2 star Tony Blackburn leading tributes on social media. Phil, who was known as The Collector on Radio 2, was best known for working on the station's Sounds of the 60s as well as Ken Bruce's PopMaster quiz. Former colleague Tony Blackburn announced the news of Phil's death on X in a heartbreaking tweet.

Gary Barlow has said that he is enjoying being in lockdown because he is “getting so much done”, while joking that it is “heaven” for him.