West End star Beverley Knight has revealed that she will be covering for Elaine Page’s Sunday show on BBC Radio 2, days after Paddy McGuinness was confirmed for its coveted Sunday morning slot.
The soul singer and actress, 51, took to Instagram on Saturday to share the news that she would be stepping in.
Beverley will be bringing show tunes to listeners over the next few Sundays in place of Cats actress Elaine, 76.
Sharing a snap of herself at the BBC Radio 2 studios, the Olivier award-winner said: ‘My luvs I’m so honoured to be sitting in for the legendary Elaine Paige for the next few Sundays at 1pm on @bbcradio2 starting this weekend!
‘I can’t wait to share your favourite show tunes with the Radio 2 listeners – it’s going to be such a treat! xxx.’
West End star Beverley Knight revealed that she will be covering for Elaine Page’s Sunday show on BBC Radio 2 in a post on Instagram on Saturday
Her loved ones were quick to gush over her success, with her mother Deloris Smith commenting: ‘Beyond hard working, she never stops.
‘The show will be fab. Proud mum.’
Meanwhile her husband James O’Keefe said: ‘You are the hardest working person I know baby….so proud.’
Theatre actress and singer Frances Ruffelle, 56, who represented the UK in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, also said: ‘You’re gonna be amazing.’
Some BBC Radio 2 listeners reacted with fury on Tuesday after the BBC revealed Paddy, 50, will host a new Sunday show between 11am and 1pm from June amid a major shake up at the station.
The Top Gear star first presented on Radio 2 last year when covering the pop quiz Ten To The Top while Vernon Kay was fundraising for Children In Need.
His appointment prompted an outcry, with listeners blasting him as ‘irritating’ and holding him responsible for the downfall of Question of Sport after he took over Sue Barker as the show’s host in 2021.
Many took to social media to share their concerns about his appointment.
The soul singer and actress, 51, took to Instagram on Saturday to share the news that she would be stepping in (Pictured in March)
Her loved ones were quick to gush over her success, with her mother Deloris Smith commenting: ‘Beyond hard working, she never stops’
Beverley will be bringing show tunes to BBC Radio 2 listeners over the next few Sundays in place of Cats actress Elaine, 76
In December, Beverley was praised for adding a ‘bit of class’ to the Royal Variety Performance.
She received high praise from ITV viewers as she performed with her Sister Act co-stars.
Beverley reprised her role as disco diva-in-disguise Deloris Van Cartier ahead of Sister Act returning to the West End at the Dominion Theatre in 2024 – which opened in mid-March.
Beverley showcased her incredible voice as she performed with her fellow nun co-stars in front of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Fans rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to gush that the singer and actress ‘saved’ the annual show held at the Royal Albert Hall.
They wrote: ‘Sister Act saved a dreadful Royal Variety Performance;’ ‘Beverley Knight now we’ve a bit of class. Thank God, Sister;’
‘Sister Act is what I’ve been looking forward to! No way I’ll ever get to see it in the West End so delighted to have a taster;’
‘Beverley Knight can do ANYTHING;’ ‘#beverleyknight being the ICON as always GOD BLESS my IDOL #theroyalvarietyshow.’
It was a stark contrast to October, when Beverley was accused of lip-syncing during her performance on Strictly Come Dancing – to which she hit back at fans.
Beverley sang I’m On Fire with the London Community Gospel Choir, while professional dancers Gorka Marquez and Katya Jones put on a very fiery number.
Beverley received high praise from ITV viewers in December as she performed with her Sister Act co-stars on the Royal Variety Performance
The Olivier Award-winner, 50, reprise her role as disco diva-in-disguise Deloris Van Cartier as she performed with her fellow nun co-stars in front of Prince William and Kate Middleton
The iconic songstress looked regal as she performed from a blue velvet throne
But some BBC viewers were left unimpressed and took to Twitter to accuse her of miming the song.
One TV watcher said: ‘Why is she miming, badly at that and not in time!’, while another said ‘Somebody please teach Beverley Knight how to lip-sync!’.
Beverley broke her silence later in the evening, shutting down the rumours by confirming her vocals had actually been sung live.
She wrote on Twitter: ‘Hello everyone who was watching #Strictly tonight! In the entirety of my career, I’ve never EVER mimed a note. Not once. The slay is real people, note for note.’
BBC radio 2 listeners reacted with fury on Tuesday after the BBC revealed Paddy McGuinness , 50, will host a new Sunday show between 11am and 1pm from June amid a major shake up at the station
