All about Michael Ball as he’s set to replace Steve Wright on BBC Radio 2 show

BBC Radio 2’s popular Sunday Love Songs show, which has been hosted by the late Steve Wright since 1996, will now be taken over by actor, presenter, and musician Michael Ball. The announcement came after Steve Wright’s passing at the age of 69 on February 13.

Michael Ball, a 60-year-old award-winning singer and actor, will debut as the host of Love Songs with Michael Ball in June, taking over the primetime slot from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The show has been rebranded and Ball first made his mark in the West End as Marius in the 1985 production of Les Misérables.

Michael Ball’s OBE Award in 2015

Michael Ball, who was born on June 27, 1962 in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, according to his IMDb profile, received his education at the Guildford School of Acting. He ultimately rose to prominence on the stage, portraying the character of Frederick in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance.

Michael Ball at the Investitures at Buckingham Palace (Image via Getty Images)

In addition to his roles in Aspects of Love, The Phantom of the Opera, and Passion, he has also graced the stage in a one-man show called Alone Together in 2001. Through a series of songs, this production tells the tale of a performer’s journey.

His musical success began when he placed second in the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest. Over the course of two decades, he has released more than 20 albums, with his most recent solo album, We Are More Than One, being released in 2021.

In addition, he embarked on a world tour to promote his albums and held five successful concerts in Australia in 2004. Four of these concerts, including Musicals and More, Live at the Royal Albert Hall, This Time It’s Personal, and Live in London, were later released as DVDs.

Michael Ball was awarded an OBE for his contributions to musical theaters in the 2015 Birthday Honors. He has also received Olivier awards for his performances in Hairspray and Sweeney Todd in 2008 and 2013, respectively.

In addition, he served as the host of ITV’s The Michael Ball Show in 2010, a diverse entertainment program that covered a range of subjects such as show business, music, and interviews with a variety of guests.

The musician has been a presenter on BBC Radio 2 since 2005 and will continue to host his usual 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday slot. However, he will be switching to an earlier slot for Sunday Love Songs and will be handing over his usual slot to Top Gear star Paddy McGuinness.

Michael Ball is Honored to Carry on Steve Wright’s Legacy

According to The Guardian, Michael Ball expressed both his nerves and enthusiasm for taking over Steve Wright’s role at BBC Radio 2. He credited the late presenter for making the show a must-listen radio program for audiences.

“Steve made Love Songs ‘appointment to listen’ radio. I’m beyond excited and more than a little nervous to be tasked with the chance to continue with his extraordinary legacy.”He continued.

Michael Ball emphasized his intention to carry on the strong connection that Steve Wright had built with his audience, stating that “this show will not solely belong to me, but to all of us.”The program, formerly known as Sunday Love Songs, will now be called Love Songs with Michael Ball.

On February 11, Steve Wright’s last episode, a special Valentine’s Day edition that was pre-recorded, aired as he bid farewell with the phrase, “I’ll be returning next Sunday with more love songs. Goodbye for now.”

On February 13, his family released a statement announcing his passing, which read:

“It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright. In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard.”

According to BBC News, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed that Steve Wright was found dead in his home. While the cause of death has not yet been revealed, it is not being treated as suspicious.

Nicki Chapman, a fellow BBC presenter, has been temporarily hosting Sunday Love Songs since Steve Wright’s passing, but will be handing over the responsibility to Michael Ball in June.