After three decades on the air with his BBC Radio 2 lunchtime show, Sir Jimmy Young has announced he plans to step down this year. However, fans of the veteran broadcaster need not fret – he will remain with the station, hosting a weekend current affairs programme starting in 2003.
Famed for his lively and informative style, Sir Jimmy has been with the BBC for 50 years, and his Radio 2 programme is followed daily by over 5.3 million listeners. “Jimmy is one of Britain’s most popular and respected broadcasters,” says Radio 2 controller Jim Moir. “I’m glad that he will continue to pay an important role.”
Sir Jimmy, who was knighted in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List, says he is ready to meet the “new challenge” of his upcoming weekend slot, and is happy to be staying with Radio 2. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed 28 years of presenting ‘the Prog’ and I’m looking forward to one more year,” he says.
The departure announcement was not completely unexpected – Radio Five Live DJ Nicky Campbell sparked rumours about the 80-year-old presenter’s future last year when he revealed he’d been approached to take over the midday programme. A group of MPs, led by Liberal Democrat MP Nick Harvey, then launched an unsuccessful House of Commons campaign to keep the classic show in the lunchtime slot.
No word as of yet on who will take over the broadcast but TV presenter Jimmy Vine, who presents BBC Two's Newsnight and recently filled in for Sir Jimmy, is said to be a front runner.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
