Chris Evans to replace Wogan at breakfast
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Chris Evans is to replace Sir Terry Wogan as presenter of the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show from next January.
Chris Evans
Evans will move from his drivetime slot, while Wogan will continue on Radio 2 as the presenter of a new weekend show.
The Irishman’s tenure at breakfast totals 27 years and “Wake up to Wogan” is the UK’s most popular radio show with a weekly reach of 7.9m listeners in the second quarter, according to Rajar listening figures.
Evans previously presented the breakfast slot on Radio 1 before being fired from the station in 1997 after his request for a four-day week was refused and he failed to show for work on a number of occasions.
The move may cause some concern among commercial radio chiefs who have recently criticised Radio 2 for having an “obsession with youth” and not serving older listeners.
Wogan’s show is known for the legion of TOGs, Terry’s Old Geezers and Gals, that loyally listen and his departure from the breakfast slot is likely to upset his army of admirers.
Readers' comments (6)
Lulu | Mon, 7 Sep 2009 12:02 pm
Chris Evans is very different today to how he was back in 1997...I think this is a brilliant move on Radio 2's part, Terry needs to hand over to what appeals to the majority. I believe if Chris is up to accepting the job, then he's more than up to fulfilling the job - let's face it, many people wouldn't dare try and replace Wogan - good for Chris.
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Clive | Mon, 7 Sep 2009 12:42 pm
On a personal note that means my drive home are potentially going to be a lot more boring! I wonder who will replace Chris?
From a professional POV, I think CE has just the right personality to poach a huge number of listeners from local radio. Add a bit of technology to allow truely local traffic reports (and news maybe?) to be broadcast on a national station and you could see a real and direct competitor for the 'Heart FM' business model.
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Alex | Mon, 7 Sep 2009 1:08 pm
I think Chris is very much the prodigal son returning and will work well as a replacement, especially as Wogan will still be on R2. They need to replace Sarah Kennendy next and as soon as possible...
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Will | Mon, 7 Sep 2009 2:32 pm
I couldn't think of anyone worse I would want to wake up to in the morning. The man would probably sit better presenting Cbeebies.
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Dan | Tue, 8 Sep 2009 4:08 pm
Evans will bring a load of nobody's to the airwaves, all screaming or shouting, he will be trying to convince us that this is real music. All TOGs know what real music is.
It's only a matter of time until he gets the boot along with his hangers on.
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Hazel | Wed, 9 Sep 2009 5:30 pm
I think Chris will be fantastic doing the breakfast show. Filling Tel's shoes will not be easy but Chris is the right choice.
Now- what about my drive home- who has BBC2 got to replace Chris Evans? That needs careful thinking about.
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