Stars join Wogan for Radio 2 return

Sir Terry Wogan has secured a star-studded lineup for his return to the BBC Radio 2 airwaves on Valentine's Day for the debut Weekend Wogan show.

On February 14 at 11am, the broadcasting veteran, who left his long-running breakfast show last month, will debut the new programme live from the Radio Theatre in BBC Broadcasting House.

In front of a 300-strong studio audience, Wogan will present a mix of celebrity interviews and live music performances, as well as contributions from listeners.

Appearing on the first show will be actor Sir Ian McKellen, along with music from jazz stars Jamie Cullum and Norah Jones. Every show will also feature an eleven-piece house band led by musical director Elio Pace.

Produced by Alan Boyd, Weekend Wogan will be broadcast in three blocks of 12 shows over the year.

Wogan fans will also be able to watch on-demand highlights of every programme, filmed by Wise Buddah and made available the Monday after transmission on the Radio 2 website.

"Terry's new show will be the perfect accompaniment to Sunday brunch, which will be the magical combination of Terry's warmth and unique persona, with some of the entertainment world's leading lights," said Radio 2 head of programmes Lewis Carnie

"I hope that fans of Weekend Wogan enjoy listening to the show on Sunday, and watching the highlights package online from Monday morning."

Last week, it emerged that Wogan departed his Radio 2 breakfast show on a ratings high, with 8.10 million listeners tuning in every week during the final quarter of 2009.