Margherita Taylor announced as the new host of
Classic FM’s More Music Drive, weekdays from 4pm
Ritula Shah joins Classic FM to present Calm Classics,
weeknights from 10pm
New programmes launch on Monday 17th April
on Classic FM and Global Player
Classic FM, the UK’s most popular classical music station, announces an exciting refresh to its weekday programmes. From Monday 17th April, two of the nation’s most respected broadcasters will host two of Classic FM’s most popular programmes.
Margherita Taylor is the new host of Classic FM’s More Music Drive, Monday to Friday, 4pm to 7pm, with three hours of the best-loved classical music, alongside new discoveries.
A Classic FM favourite, Margherita joined the station 15 years ago and has hosted several key events in the station’s history, including co-presenting Classic FM Live at the Royal Albert Hall for more than a decade. Margherita celebrates 30 years in broadcasting later this year, and in January was honoured with an MBE by King Charles III for services to broadcasting and diversity.
Margherita is taking over the programme from John Brunning who announced last week that he has decided to step down from hosting the show, although he will continue to remain a central part of the presenting team.
“It is a privilege to be the new presenter of Classic FM’s More Music Drive, made all the more special because my good friend and colleague John Brunning is the one handing over the More Music Drive conductor’s baton to me. I am thrilled that we will continue working together at Classic FM.
Sharing a love of classical music with millions of people across the UK is the best job and I can’t wait to get acquainted with the listeners at this special time of the day, whether they’re on the school run, on the journey from work or relaxing at home.”
MARGHERITA TAYLOR
Ritula Shah joins Classic FM to present Calm Classics, Monday to Friday, 10pm to 1am, providing the perfect soothing soundtrack to help listeners wind down at the end of their day. An outstanding broadcaster and fan of classical music, Ritula moves to Classic FMfrom Radio 4, where she hosted a number of programmes, most notably, as the main presenter of The World Tonight.
“I’m delighted to be joining the fabulous team at Classic FM and I’m looking forward to getting to know our listeners. And as a confirmed night owl, I’ll be playing music I love at my favourite time of the day.”
RITULA SHAH
Margherita and Ritula’s programmes will also be available on demand at any time on Global Player, Global’s music and entertainment hub.
“I’m delighted that Margherita Taylor, a popular and long-standing member of the Classic FM family, is the new host of Classic FM’s More Music Drive. It’s also exciting to welcome Ritula Shah, a hugely respected broadcaster who shares our passion for classical music, to Classic FM.
Together with our weekday daytime line-up including Alexander Armstrong, Anne-Marie Minhall, Tim Lihoreau and Zeb Soanes, we look forward to continuing to present the very best classical music – in our welcoming, engaging and everyday style – to our listeners across the UK.”
PHILIP NOYCE, CLASSIC FM’S MANAGING EDITOR
Classic FM is available across the UK on 100-102 FM, Global Player, DAB digital radio and TV, and ClassicFM.com.
