BBC Radio 5 live unveils new weekend line-up
BBC Radio 5 live has unveiled its new weekend schedule with a fresh new look to its Saturday and Sunday morning slots.
Danny Baker is set to host the Saturday 9-11am programme, with a focus on the day’s sport, which will include listener stories, comedy, fans on the road, interactive games, special guests and supporters’ issues ahead of the weekend action.
Baker said: “To be hosting a Saturday morning sports show on one of the planet’s greatest stations is a truly magnificent opportunity. I look forward tremendously to the mighty listener contributions reaching new heights of sublime absurdity and great truth.”
Christian O’Connell will also return to 5 live in September with a 15-part topical news comedy programme, which will air on Sunday mornings from September 6.
5 live plans to invite independent production companies and in-house production areas to pitch for the opportunity to produce this show and say the “best ideas and formats will win out”.
O’Connell said: “I’m really excited to be returning to 5 live. I miss doing Fighting Talk and often find myself mumbling half baked opinions to myself at the weekend and now I can find a home for these other than my park bench.
“5 live is the BBC at its very best. I’m looking to help build a show from scratch with the right team, from developing it over the next few months to getting it on air each Sunday. I’m going to create a show that like Fighting Talk is unique, smart, compelling and funny.”
Adrian Van-Klaveren, BBC Radio 5 live’s controller, said: “I’m delighted that Danny and Christian are joining 5 live’s weekend line-up. On Saturdays, Danny’s constant ability to amuse, entertain and surprise will make the perfect start to the weekend. And Christian’s lively humour and wit will be an extra Sunday morning treat for 5 live listeners.”
5 live Sport will also launch an extended programme until 10.30pm on Monday to Thursday from mid-August, with more reaction and analysis following the evening’s games, including the Champions League, international, Premier and Football League matches.