Jamie Cullum to host BBC Radio 2 show

BBC Radio 2 has announced changes to its schedule, with Jamie Cullum hosting a new weekly jazz show and Desmond Carrington switching to Friday evenings.

Cullum, the UK's biggest-selling jazz artist of all time, will present the new programme from 7pm to 8pm every Tuesday, starting on April 6.

Pegged as a "one-stop jazz shop", the show will feature interviews, live performances and news stories from the UK and international jazz scenes.

The singer recently appeared on Radio 2's first ever Weekend Wogan show and has also contributed to various music documentaries on the station, including the story of Ronnie Scott's and a history of Blue Note Records.

"It's an extraordinary privilege to be able to present an hour of jazz and jazz-related music at such a civilised hour," said Cullum.

"We're going to present a show that will excite people's ears and bring them into a scene they may not know about."

BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music controller Bob Shennan added: "Radio 2 is proud to demonstrate a continued commitment to jazz by announcing this brand new show.

"I look forward to Jamie unearthing burgeoning jazz stars of the future, as well as shining a light on the jazz world on a weekly basis."

As part of the changes, Carrington will shift his long-running Tuesday evening slot to Fridays from 7pm to 8pm, starting on April 2.

Broadcasting live from his home in Perthshire, Carrington will continue to play a range of eclectic songs from his massive record collection of over 250,000 discs.

"When I was asked to introduce a record programme in 1981, the contract was for three months," said Carrington.

"With one or two changes, the latest being the move to Friday evenings at 7pm just after Easter - that three months will soon be 30 years! Thank you, Radio 2, for keeping me young."

Shennan added: "Desmond has been a valued part of the Radio 2 story for many years and I'm certain that his show will become one of the highlights of the Friday night schedule.

"Desmond has fantastic appeal across the ages and I hope that his listeners will continue to enjoy the programme in its new slot."