BBC Radio 2 listeners complained, and some even switched off, as Paul O’Grady‘s replacement hosted his first show yesterday (Sunday, February 21).
Paul, who is currently on a break away from Radio 2, was replaced by comedian Rob Beckett in his usual Sunday slot.
Paul O’Grady takes a break from Radio 2
Paul announced he would be taking a break from Radio 2 during his show last Sunday (February 13).
He also announced the new status-quo at Radio 2 – he would do 13 weeks on, then take 13 weeks off from presenting the show.
The comedian announced the news in an Instagram post of himself and his dog, Sausage, last weekend.
Read more: Paul O’Grady reveals plans to leave the UK after being replaced on BBC Radio 2
“It’s my last Radio 2 Sunday show for quite sometime, our listening figures have shot up so a great big thank you to everyone who listens,” he wrote.
“There’s a new regime now, I do 13 weeks on and then 13 off which is nothing to do with me as it’s a management decision,” he revealed.
“So, all being well and providing I’m not in India or Borneo, travel restrictions permitting, I should be back some time in May. Take it easy,” he concluded.
Paul O’Grady replaced by Rob Beckett on BBC Radio 2
Paul, 66, has now been replaced by Rob as host of the 5pm-7pm slot for the next 13 weeks.
Rob, 36, took to Twitter yesterday to thank listeners for tuning in.
“My first @BBCRadio2 show done and dusted,” he tweeted to his 558.8k Twitter followers.
“Absolutely loved it. Big thank you to the callers and the lovely messages,” he continued.
“See ya next Sunday. 5pm-7pm.”
The 36-year-old comedian was inundated with supportive comments from listeners. However, not everyone was happy that he had replaced Paul as host of the 5pm-7pm Sunday slot.
How did listeners react to Rob on Radio 2?
Some listeners went so far as to say that would not be listening to the show until Paul returned in May.
“@BBCRadio2 what a load of crap you really are getting rid of Paul O’Grady bring him back. Will switch off till May,” one tweeted.
“Not the same with out Paul will miss him until May switching off is what I’ll be doing bye for now,” another said.
“No thanks. I’ll tune back in when Paul O’Grady is back,” a third wrote.
“@BBCRadio2 just to say, thank you for making my evening. NOT,” another tweeted. “Will be switching off until Paul O’Grady returns.”
Read more: Paul O’Grady reduces viewers to tears after scenes in For the Love of Dogs
However, not everyone was against Rob hosting the show. Some took to Twitter to let the comedian know they’d enjoyed his show.
“Absolutely loved you on the radio!! It was hilarious can’t wait for next week,” one listener tweeted the star.
“You smashed it Rob!! Roll on next week,” another said.
“I’ve seen a lot of really negative comments on here (especially from people who haven’t even given the new programme a try!) so I just wanna say I’ve really enjoyed the show and think Rob has done a great job,” a third wrote.
Rob Beckett is next hosting BBC Radio 2 from 5pm to 7pm on Sunday, February 27.
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