Chris Evans to replace Wogan at breakfast

Chris Evans is to replace Sir Terry Wogan as presenter of the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show from next January.

Chris Evans
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.

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