Al Murray Becomes Latest Celebrity DJ For Virgin

Comedian Al Murray will swap a barstool for a mike this Sunday, as Virgin Radio signs the Pub Landlord star to present its afternoon show.

The new host will present four star-studded shows from this weekend, covering for high profile host Tim Lovejoy, who takes a break less than four months after joining the station.

Al Murray’s irreverent and off-the-wall humour is expected to go down well with Virgin’s national listenership, with the station’s programming director, Paul Jackson, stating: “Al Murray will be brilliant on Virgin Radio, pulling listeners into his unique world. Tim Lovejoy’s been a huge hit with listeners since his Sunday afternoon show aired in August and I’m glad to have another great talent to fill his shoes while he is away. It is another high profile name on Virgin Radio which is keeping us at the forefront of the public’s consciousness.”

The latest signing builds on Virgin’s existing rosta of high-profile hosts, including ex-Madness frontman Suggs, comedian Vic Reeves and its most recent permanent signing of Christian O’Connell (see Virgin Signs O’Connell As New Breakfast Host).

Murray’s Sunday afternoon shows will follow Tim Lovejoy’s format of music and celebrity interviews, with the addition of his tried and tested “live pub atmosphere”. Pub favourites including meat raffles and a jukebox full of popular music are to be standard issue for the weekend show.

Commenting on his new role at Virgin, Murray said: “When the Great British inventor Marconi came up with radio he knew that it meant the ugly could speak to the blind and no one would be any the wiser: and what better way to celebrate this than having me broadcast direct from my pub on Virgin Radio.”

Virgin Radio: 020 7434 1215 www.virginradio.co.uk