Adil Ray joins Smooth to host brand new Saturday show
Smooth favourite Tina Hobley presents second weekend show, on Saturday afternoons
Darren Parks becomes the new host of The Smooth Sanctuary, weekdays from 7pm
Global, the Media and Entertainment group, has announced today new programmes for its hugely popular Smooth brand, launching on Monday 24th February.
The news comes hot on the heels of Smooth’s highest ever audience figures, released earlier this month, with a record-breaking 7.8 million people tuning in each week for the best music – an increase of 1.7 million listeners in the past year.
The broadcaster Adil Ray joins Smooth to host his own Saturday mid-morningprogramme, 10am to 1pm, launching on Saturday 1st March. Adil’s new show follows his success as a guest presenter on Smooth over Christmas and New Year.
Adil said: “Joining the Smooth family really feels like I am coming home. It’s no surprise that millions up and down the country are coming together to make Smooth their home too. I cannot wait to spend Saturday mornings with you, the best time of the week! Whether you’re at work, doing housework, homework or on the road, please join me for quite simply the best music in the world!”
Smooth favourite Tina Hobley, who’s proved to be a massive hit on the station, adds a second weekend show, on Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm, alongside her Sunday show (also 1pm to 4pm).
Tina said: “Having been a presenter on the station for more than 10 years, Smooth is definitely my radio home, as I know it is for millions of our listeners. I am so excited to be hosting a second weekend show, playing the best music on your Saturday and Sunday afternoons, so whatever you’re doing, I look forward to your company!”
Darren Parks, who was the host of Smooth Breakfast in the North West of England, becomes the new host of The Smooth Sanctuary, Monday to Friday from 7pm to 10pm, providing listeners with the perfect way to unwind at the end of the day. Darren takes over from Gary Vincent who remains at Smooth to host The Smooth Sanctuary on Sundays(7pm to 10pm). Smooth legend Paul Phear continues hosting The Smooth Sanctuary on Saturdays (7pm to 10pm), in addition to his smash hit weekday afternoon programme, from 1pm to 4pm.
Darren said: “The Smooth Sanctuary is the ultimate de-stress after a busy day. I am looking forward to presenting such an iconic show and helping listeners ease into their evenings with the perfect soundtrack of songs.”
Adil, Tina and Darren are part of Smooth’s stellar line-up of presenters, which includes Kate Garraway (weekdays from 10am to 1pm), Jenni Falconer, who will host a fully networked Smooth Breakfast across England and Wales from Monday (weekdays from 6am to 10am), and Myleene Klass (Saturdays from 4pm to 7pm).
“As we celebrate another record-breaking set of audience figures, with more than 7.8 million people now tuning in to Smooth each week, we’re excited to offer our listeners new shows powered by the best music.
It’s fantastic to welcome Adil Ray to our Smooth family, to announce a second weekend show for Tina Hobley, and the brilliant Darren Parks as the new host of The Smooth Sanctuary.”
SALLY ARDIS, SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR OF HEART, SMOOTH, CLASSIC FM, AND GOLD RADIO
Smooth is available across the UK on Global Player – the official Smooth app – on your smart speaker, iOS or Android device, on DAB digital radio and TV, 97-108 FM and at SmoothRadio.com.
