Escape to the Country star Nicki Chapman lands exciting new role away from BBC series
ESCAPE to the Country star Nicki Chapman has landed a new exciting role away from her long standing BBC series.
Nicki is best known for hosting Escape to the Country – a British daytime television property programme that has been on the air since October 14, 2002.
But now Nicki has been announced as the newest member of the Magic Radio family and she is thrilled with her new role.
From January 2025, Nicki will be the host of the iconic Mellow Magic, with listeners able to hear Nicki on Magic Radio every Monday to Thursday from 8pm.
Mellow Magic is one of Magic Radio’s most loved shows, soundtracking your cab ride home, a late night stuck in the office or just helping you ease into your evening.
Listeners can expect timeless tunes from Adele to ABBA to Whitney and Westlife as they unwind from their day with Nicki.
Nicki said: “I’m honoured to be presenting Mellow Magic at the start of next year – it’s such an iconic show & brand.
“I’m really looking forward to playing some of the world’s greatest songs each night – many of which I’ve been involved in – and becoming friends with the listeners, however they’re spending their evenings.”
Paul Sylvester, Magic Radio Content Director said: “I’m thrilled to be able to announce that Nicki, one of the most experienced and accomplished radio broadcasters in the UK, is joining the Magic Radio family.
“We know that listeners love her relaxed style and tone, making her the perfect fit for radio’s most iconic evening show and we know that she’ll welcome in audiences with her immense warmth and stories of a career in music.”
As well as Mellow Magic, Nicki will also host a series of music specials and long-form interviews across the year for Magic Radio.
Current weekday Mellow Magic presenter Lynn Parsons will move to present the show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Jen Thomas will also remain part of the Mellow Magic family.
Earlier this year, Nicki opened up about her terrifying cancer diagnosis.
She recalled the terrifying moment her speech began to slur and her vision was impacted.
The 57-year-old rushed for medical treatment as she discovered the tumour – which was the size of a golf ball.
Fortunately the tumour was non-malignant and Nicki underwent emergency surgery back in 2019.
Recalling the horrific ordeal, Nicki said: “It makes me cry. I have had an amazing life. And, once the bombshell of the tumour dropped, I thought, I don’t want to give this life up.
Escape to the Country presenters
CURRENT
Nicki Chapman (2009–)
Briony May Williams (2022–)
Chris Bavin (2022-)
Sonali Shah (2014–)
Denise Nurse (2008–2015, 2022-)
Alistair Appleton (2007–)
Jules Hudson (2007–)
Steve Brown (2019–)
Ginny Buckley (2015–)
PAST
Catherine Gee (2002–2007)
Nick Page (2002)
Melissa Porter (2007)
Jonnie Irwin (2010–2023)
Aled Jones (2009–2013)
Anita Rani (2014–2015)
Nicki Shields (2013–2014)
Margherita Taylor (2016–2022)
Tim Vincent (2008–2009)
After her ordeal, Nicki released her memoir So Tell Me What You Want and is now a patron for the Brain Tumour Charity.
Nicki is married to music producer and Vice President of Sony BMG International, Dave ‘Shacky’ Shackleton.
The loved-up couple recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and Nicki posted a sweet tribute online.
Mellow Magic airs on Magic Radio every Monday to Thursday from 8pm.