Hammond Returns To Radio
Richard Hammond is to present a series of four music-based Bank Holiday specials for BBC Radio 2.
The star of BBC One’s Top Gear will present four music based shows for Radio 2 during the Easter, Spring, August and Christmas/New Year bank holidays.
Hammond said: “My first job was in radio, it’s where my media career began. I hosted shows in BBC local radio stations all over the north of the country. I like to think that I was a rather romantic figure, a kind of wandering radio nomad – a bit like Lassie without the breath and toilet habits.
“So, to have the chance to share some time with listeners on the biggest station in the country is a huge and exciting opportunity. Live radio remains the most direct, immediate and personal medium and I love it as a listener and as a presenter.
“So really, I don’t want people to think of me as a timid newcomer but more as a triumphant, garlanded hero making a magnificent return to the arena of his former glorious victories. Oh, and do I get a set of keys to Radio 2? Only there was this one time on Radio Cumbria when I got locked out and the record ended and, well it went badly.”
Hammond studied television production and photography before beginning his broadcasting career at BBC Radio York.
He went on to work at BBC Radio Cumbria, BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio Lancashire prior to pursuing a career in motoring broadcasting.
Hammond became presenter of Motorweek on Men & Motors satellite channel in 1998 and other television work followed with Should I Worry About?, Time Commanders, Brainiac: Science Abuse and Petrolheads.
Lesley Douglas, controller, Radio 2 said: “Richard Hammond is a great talent and a much in demand broadcaster. He is a warm, funny and clever broadcaster, who has never lost his radio roots.
“These specials will give him the opportunity to get close to the audience in a way only radio can – in a live, interactive and creative environment.”
The first of the bank holiday specials will be aired on Friday 6 April at 2-4pm.
The latest RAJARs showed that BBC Radio 2 recorded the highest weekly reach of any station, with well over 13 million listeners, and it also took a 15.8% share of listening (see BBC Stations Continue To Perform Well).
BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk