10 January 2024 , 10:45
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Vernon Kay has announced that he will hosting the latest series of Piano Room sessions in the coming weeks, after having taken over from Ken Bruce in his BBC Radio 2 slot.
The presenter, 49, took over from his predecessor Ken, 72, in May last year, not long after 2023's Piano Room Month. It's now been revealed that Vernon will front the live music performances this year, launching it later in January.
Piano Room Month, which launched in 2022, brings acts to Maida Vale Studios in London for live performances, accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Each act gets to perform "a new song, a classic, and a cover" in the studio.
Vernon Kay has announced that he will be hosting the latest Piano Room Month on BBC Radio 2 (BBC/PA Wire)Ken was the host for the first two years and the BBC has now confirmed that the month-long "celebration of live music" will return in the coming weeks, with Vernon taking on the role. Although he's previously hosted some Piano Room sessions, it's understood to be his first time fronting the month-long occasion.
He said this morning, whilst broadcasting from the recording studio: "From the end of this month through to late February, a series of world-class music acts from across the globe will be performing right here at Maida Vale [Studios]."
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This year's instalment will run from January 29 to February 23, with it set to be broadcast in Vernon's mid-morning show on BBC Radio 2. The performances will be on BBC Sounds and will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer from later that day.
The line-up is set to include Rod Stewart, Beverley Knight, the Libertines, Rick Astley, Texas, Delta Goodrem, Elbow and Paloma Faith. Lisa Stansfield is schedule to appear on the show for a Valentine's Day special on February 14.
Olivia Dean, who was named BBC Introducing Artist of the Year 2023, is also due to perform. The other acts set to take part are Anastacia, Crowded House, Bruce Hornsby, PP Arnold, Johnny Marr, Shaznay, Jalen Ngonda and Jess Glynne.
Guests for the 'celebration of live music' are set to include Rick Astley (Getty Images)Vernon said in a press release: "Playing a wide variety of songs by so many different artists, from a variety of decades and genres, on my show is one of the many joys of presenting mid mornings on Radio 2, so I can't wait to meet and welcome some of them to perform for a whole month in the Piano Room at the Maida Vale studios."
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: "Since Vernon launched his new mid-morning show on Radio 2 in May last year, he has become a firm favourite with listeners, brightening up their days with his warm and funny show, which remains the country's most listened to radio programme. Following his incredible achievement of raising over £6m for BBC Children in Need by completing his ULTRA Ultramarathon Challenge, I know he can't wait for this next amazing line-up for Piano Room month."
Vernon Kay's show airs on BBC Radio 2 weekdays from 9.30am to 12pm. You can catch up on previous episodes through BBC iPlayer.