Listeners are used to hearing the TV and radio star’s Essex tones on the airwaves every Saturday afternoon

Rylan Clark (Image: Rylan Clark Instagram)

Rylan Clark has shared a simple but supportive message as he’s replaced on his popular BBC Radio 2 show. Listeners are used to hearing the TV and radio star’s Essex tones on the airwaves every Saturday afternoon.

Rylan took over Zoe Ball’s Saturday afternoon slot on Radio 2 when she moved to present the station’s breakfast show in 2019. But this Saturday (November 2), the 36-year-old was nowhere to be heard as he takes a break.

While it’s not clear when exactly Rylan will be back, Nick Grimshaw confirmed he’d been taking over and listeners would hear him on and off over the next couple of months.

Confirming the news, the former BBC Radio 1 star posted two colourful photos of himself at the BBC Radio 2 studio and said on Instagram: “So this is exciting, beyond thrilled to say I’ll be looking after you on Saturday afternoons on @bbcradio2 whilst @rylan is away.

“Continuing my substitute teacher role I’ll see you this weekend from 3 and then on & off for the next couple of months. How fun! (Slide 3 is me when I found out the news).”

Then ahead of his usual show starting at 3pm, Rylan took to Instagram and typed across a black backdrop in a post to his Story: “Have a great show @nicholasgrimshaw,” alongside a red heart emoji.

Nick announced he’ll be filling in for Rylan on his Radio 2 show (Image: Getty Images)

Rylan Clark (Image: Rylan Clark Instagram)

It’s not the only change happening at Radio 2 towers this weekend. Presenter Zoe Ball revealed that Radio 6 legend Shaun Keaveny will replace Rob Beckett on his BBC Radio 2 this Sunday evening (November 3).

Shaun presented the Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 6 for six years and the afternoon show for another three years. But after a 14-year career at the station, he bowed out in 2021, saying it was ‘time for a change’.

Confirming his return, Zoe said: “Let me take this opportunity to welcome Shaun back to the BBC family. He is filling in for Rob, but tonight he has his first episode of the Rock Show. He knows his music so well he will be brilliant at it. Welcome, Shaun. I am so happy for you.”