BBC Radio 2 have confirmed that a temporary replacement for Steve Wright has been chosen and will begin their stint this weekend.
Wright died at the age of 69 on February 12 and worked for the BBC for over 20 years, with his Sunday show being his biggest success.
After the news of his death was announced, Liza Tarbuck stepped in to take over his show the following Sunday, where she commemorated her friend in an emotional tribute.
It has recently been confirmed that Escape to the Country and Early Breakfast show presenter Nicki Chapman will take over the 9-11am slot from Sunday February 25, through to Easter.
Chapman has not been announced as a permanent host for the show, but the position will be hard to fill after Wright presented the show since 1996.
Davina McCall, Michael Ball and Graham Norton are reportedly said to have been considered the role and to step into Wright’s shoes.
Sunday Love Songs will follow the same format whilst Chapman is at the helm, which includes listeners calling in their requests for romantic tunes for loved ones.
Discussing her arrival and replacing Wright, Chapman said in a statement: “It will be a privilege to present Sunday Love Songs in the coming weeks.
“So please do tune in and keep me company as I share the listeners’ favourite songs alongside their heart-warming stories and memories of loved ones.”
Chapman also announced the news on her Instagram account, posting an image of herself in front of the radio microphone – which left many of Wright’s fans thrilled at the BBC’s choice.
Steve worked for the BBC for over 20 years
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“The perfect fit, permanent please!” one user complimented before another echoed: “Great news that fabulous Nicki is looking after Love Songs.”
A third added: “Can’t think of a better person to step in after the sadness of Steve Wright… your empathy, compassion and kindness will shine.”
“Hope you get the job full-time! Love listening to you and can't think of a better person to fill such big shoes,” one noted before a fifth said: “Agree wholeheartedly with all the previous comments @nickichappers you're the perfect fit, we'll all be listening and giving our support.”
Getting emotional in the days following Wright’s death, Chapman told her breakfast listeners: “It is so difficult to sum up what Steve meant to all of us. The devastatingly sad news has come as a complete shock.
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Steve Wright died on February 12
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“Everyone seems to have such fond memories of our Wrighty because that’s how we viewed and that’s how we listened to him. He was ours.
“He was our mate, talking to us in our kitchens as we made a brew, in our bedrooms, in the shower, in our cars, taxis, lorries, in our form rooms at school, in our gardens, at work – he was always in our hearts.”
