John Humphrys to join Classic FM on Sunday afternoons

11 December 2019, 09:00 | Updated: 11 December 2019, 12:25

Classic FM’s new Sunday schedule will feature John Humphrys presenting great music by his favourite composers, and Charlotte Hawkins hosting a Sunday edition of Smooth Classics at Seven.

John Humphrys will be joining the Classic FM Sunday line-up in 2020.

One of Britain’s best-known broadcasters, Humphrys will present his own Sunday afternoon show from 3pm to 5pm, starting on 5 January 2020. In a change to the radio programmes that John is renowned for, each week he will share his own stories and reflections on his favourite composers and their music.

John becomes a permanent member of Classic FM’s weekend team – which includes Aled Jones, Moira Stuart, Alexander Armstrong, Bill Turnbull, Alan Titchmarsh and Myleene Klass – following a highly successful week presenting our More Music Breakfast show in October, while regular presenter Tim Lihoreau was on holiday.

John Humphrys said: “How could I resist a music station like Classic FM after a lifetime on the news beat! It’s proof positive that there really is a life after politics. And a rather more inspiring one at that.”

As part of the refreshed weekend schedule for 2020, Charlotte Hawkins will host a new Sunday night edition of Smooth Classics at Seven, moving from her previous afternoon timeslot. Now celebrating two years on Classic FM, Charlotte will present a selection of laidback music, specially chosen to provide a moment of calm and relaxation before the start of a new week. Her popular Young Classical Star feature, where she shines the spotlight on up-and-coming artists, will continue in her new show.

Charlotte Hawkins said: “I can’t wait to start the new year presenting a new show on Classic FM. Smooth Classics at Seven will be the perfect way to unwind and enjoy those last hours of the weekend, with some of the most relaxing classical music you will ever hear. I’m also really pleased to be continuing my Young Classical Star feature on my new programme, which I first launched when I joined Classic FM two years ago. I’m passionate about championing up-and-coming classical artists, and I’m excited to be able to bring some more fantastic young musicians to you in 2020.”

Read more: Watch ‘A Classic FM Christmas’ on Amazon Prime >

David Mellor’s Sunday evening show moves to a new timeslot of 5pm to 7pm, with familiar favourites and off-the-beaten-track discoveries. He will begin 2020 with a mini-series of music that provides the perfect antidote to the January blues. David’s show will replace The Classic FM Chart, presented by John Brunning, who will continue to host Classic FM’s popular weekday drivetime programme and Smooth Classics at Seven.

Sam Jackson, Classic FM’s Senior Managing Editor said: “As we launch our new Sunday schedule on Classic FM, it is fantastic to welcome John Humphrys to our weekend line-up. We had a hugely positive reaction from our listeners when John guest-presented Classic FM’s More Music Breakfast in October, so we are really pleased he has made the UK’s most popular classical music station his home. With Charlotte Hawkins hosting our new Sunday evening edition of Smooth Classics at Seven and a new timeslot for the ever-popular David Mellor, we look forward to welcoming more listeners to Classic FM in 2020.”

Classic FM is available across the UK on 100-102 FM, DAB digital radio and TV, at ClassicFM.com and on the Classic FM and Global Player apps.