Robbie Williams, Sir Cliff Richard and Fleetwood Mac feature in what Radio 2 is billing a “Christmas With The Stars”.
The BBC station’s packed festive schedule will include Williams taking over for one week only Dermot O’Leary’s Saturday 3 to 6pm show on December 21, promising to play “three hours of my favourite records and invite some very special people into the studio”.
“Anyone who has heard Radio Rudebox will know I am a natural born DJ, and I have just been biding my time for a radio comeback,” said Williams.
Sir Cliff will front an 8 to 10pm show on Christmas Eve and featuring music that has inspired him across his long career, while Fleetwood Mac will be the subject of a Johnnie Walker Meets…. special on New Year’s Day from 5 to 7pm. The show will feature Walker interviewing Mick Fleetwood, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie.
Other Christmas highlights at the station will include Jeremy Vine looking at the Christmas music of every year from 1951 to 2000 in Sounds Of The 20th Century Christmas (December 23 from 8 to 10pm), French and Saunders with Christmas Eve and Boxing Day afternoon specials, a look at the Christmas chart battle of 1973 between Noddy Holder and Slade and Wizzard in When Noddy Stole Chruistmas (10 to 11pm Christmas Eve), Bryan Ferry hosting his own show on Christmas Day from 8 to 10pm and specials fronted by Dame Edna Everage, Barbara Windsor, Cilla Black, actor Michael Sheen, Queen drummer Roger Taylor, Spinal Tap and Simpsons star Harry Shearer and Glee’s Matthew Morrison.
Radio 2 head of programmes Lewis Carnie said: “BBC Radio 2 this Christmas features a dazzling array of some of the biggest stars you’ll find anywhere this festive season. It’s a feast of fantastic programmes presented by a star-studded line-up including Robbie Williams, Glee’s Matthew Morrison, Australian super-star Dame Edna Everage, comedy legends French & Saunders, Hollywood actor Michael Sheen and a whole host of others. They will be the perfect accompaniment to the nation’s celebrations.”
Paul Williams / Music Week (UK) / Thursday, November 21, 2013
