Gary Barlow replaces Lionel Richie to headline BBC Radio 2 Hyde Park show this Sunday

Gary Barlow has been announced as the headliner of BBC Radio 2 Live in London's Hyde Park this Sunday.

The Take That songwriter will replace Lionel Richie, after the 'Hello' singer was forced to cancel his planned appearance on September 11.

Barlow told BBC Radio 2: "It's a pleasure to step in last minute and cover for Mr Richie. Chris [Evans] called me and said Lionel had had to pull out because he was ill and they had a hole in the show, so I was more than happy to help out."

Evans added: "Everyone loves a hero… and ours is Gary Barlow. Gary has stepped into a void that was opened up when Lionel Richie had to cancel his appearance at this Sunday's Live in Hyde Park.

"He had a real problem with his throat, under doctors' orders, couldn't do anything about it. He was still in America, he couldn't get on a plane, he had to stop recording his new album which he was gonna do. It just wasn't gonna happen."

Nile Rodgers's Chic were also added to the bill yesterday and join a lineup which includes Lenny Kravitz, Will Young, James Blunt, Beverley Knight, Imelda May, Jools Holland with Sandie Shaw and others.

Tickets are still available at £32.50. Doors open at 2.30pm and the acts will play from 3.30pm-10pm.

Nile Rodgers: 'I am cancer-free'
>Gary Barlow will be full-on 'X Factor' mentor, says Robbie Williams

Watch Take That's video for 'The Flood' below: