BBC Radio 2 shake-up as huge star returns to replace Rob Beckett
BBC RADIO 2 is set for a shake-up, with a well-loved presenter returning to replace Rob Beckett this weekend.
Presenter Zoe Ball revealed that Radio 6 legend Shaun Keaveny will replace Rob on BBC Radio 2 this Sunday evening.
Shaun presented the Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 6 for six years and the afternoon show for another three years.
After a 14-year career at the station, he bowed out in 2021, telling viewers it was ‘time for a change’.
The 52-year-old went on to front the podcast The Line Up, where he quizzed guests about who they would choose to appear at a festival.
Now his return to the Beeb has been confirmed as Zoe revealed that we will be hearing more from this presenter, who occasionally covers the odd slot on Radio 2.
She said: “Let me take this opportunity to welcome Shaun back to the BBC family.
“He is filling in for Rob, but tonight he has his first episode of the Rock Show.
“He knows his music so well he will be brilliant at it.
“Welcome, Shaun. I am so happy for you.”
A rep for Rob confirmed to The Sun that his absence is due to a holiday.
At the time of his BBC exit, Shaun said: “Things change, places change, people change, its time for a change…”
Red Dwarf and Coronation Street actor Ray Charles was brought in to replace him on the show.
At the time of his departure, a BBC spokesperson said: “Shaun is a much-loved presenter on 6 Music, and we respect his decision to leave the station.
“We wish him the best of luck for the future.”
Catch Shaun on The Rock Show, which airs today and every Friday at 23:00 on BBC Radio 2. Listen to BBC Sounds.
BBC departures and returns
LEAVING/LEFT
Newsnight’s Mark Urban after 35 years on air
Claudia Winkleman quitting BBC Radio 2 after 15 years
Correspondent Robin Brant after two decades
Sports presenter Garry Richardson after 50 years
BBC Radio star Jason Rosam after 16 years on air
Jordan North quitting Radio 1 and moving to Capital
RETURNING/RETURNED
Martine Croxall after launching legal action against the Beeb
Karin Giannone after a horror injury and year off air
Annita McVeigh after losing out on a chief presenter job last year
Geeta Guru-Murthy after also being off air for more than a year