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AIBU?

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Original poster

To be bemused by Radio 2 today?

259 replies

HelloDenise · 31/01/2026 21:15

Romesh Ranganathan show with Sally Traffic messing around and just talking all the time and not playing music? I don't want to listen to them chattering away as if there's no audience.

OP posts:
Enigma54 · 02/02/2026 21:32

OttersMayHaveShifted · 01/02/2026 07:15

I find at least 80% of all radio presenters on any stations irritating tbh. Elaine Paige has to be one of the worst. I've never listened to Romesh Ranganathan, but he's certainly been quite annoying when I've seen him on tv. I can stand Absolute Radio for a bit sometimes, but I mostly listen to Radio 3 or 4 these days and otherwise put Spotify on.

Ditto Elaine Paige. That cringey laugh!!! Urghhh

NewGirlInTown · 02/02/2026 23:27

OttersMayHaveShifted · 01/02/2026 17:37

Of all the presenters I find annoying, Rylan is the most irritating. I thought it was Elaine Paige, but I'd forgotten about Rylan.

I have to admit, I am ridiculously easily put off by radio presenters' voices, way of speaking and general manner. I think it's that because you can't see them, it's all about the voice! I know I'm being unreasonable but I can't seem to help it!

You are not being remotely unreasonable.
Surely it should be a minimum requirement for RADIO that presenters have clear, pleasant speaking voices, with decent enunciation and knowledge of their area of music?

EleanorReally · 03/02/2026 06:05

i miss Graham Norton a saturday morning
and then richard coles radio 4
and even his replacement but now, meh

BitOutOfPractice · 03/02/2026 07:34

I’m completely homeless radio wise on a Sunday morning. Has anyone got any suggestions? Music based.

Ialwaysthoughtitwasadojo · 03/02/2026 07:40

Lobbygobbler · 31/01/2026 23:32

I really like Sally Traffic and Romesh’s chat. I find it very funny because he obviously finds her hilarious. I love it that she’s still on Radio 2 because I think back to her time with Johnny Walker.
honestly can’t stand Vernon Kay. I was listening the other day and he sounded like he was in a really bad mood. He was really unpleasant. I can’t remember in all the years listening to radio ever thinking that the presenter is in a bad mood. I don’t listen to Jeremy Vine for obvious reasons. I really like Trevor Nelson. He’s been such a great addition to the daytime. Not massively keen on Sara Cox. Like Vernon she can sometimes be a bit tetchy. Love Jo.

I also like Romesh and Sally!

I’ve never noticed vernon or Sara being techty? Like short or rude to the people that call in? Il look out for it now 👀

Nomedshere · 03/02/2026 07:40

Bob Harris is superb on Sundays. A DJ who knows his stuff, not a C list celebrity. As was JW before him.
Dermot has a pretty good music knowledge too and I like his interviews.

BringBackCatsEyes · 03/02/2026 07:42

Elaine Paige and her ridiculous giggle.
Liza Tarbuck - just an annoying voice, it doesn’t sound like a natural flow of talk.
I can’t put my finger on it, but I turn her over straight away.

BitOutOfPractice · 03/02/2026 07:54

Nomedshere · 03/02/2026 07:40

Bob Harris is superb on Sundays. A DJ who knows his stuff, not a C list celebrity. As was JW before him.
Dermot has a pretty good music knowledge too and I like his interviews.

I love both of them. It’s that mid morning to lunchtime slot I’m struggling with, you know when you’re pottering around on a Sunday. I miss Graham.

Myblueclematis · 03/02/2026 08:09

BitOutOfPractice · 03/02/2026 07:34

I’m completely homeless radio wise on a Sunday morning. Has anyone got any suggestions? Music based.

I usually put Radcliffe and Maconie on Sunday 8-10am, they do talk quite a bit but I've found music I really like on there. I do tend to mute it a bit when Carys Matthews comes on at 10 as I'm not too keen on her show.

I miss Huey Morgan on Saturday mornings, he's moved to Virgin Radio which was a big surprise when I found out. His replacement is ok but I did like him.

Original poster
HelloDenise · 03/02/2026 09:14

BringBackCatsEyes · 03/02/2026 07:42

Elaine Paige and her ridiculous giggle.
Liza Tarbuck - just an annoying voice, it doesn’t sound like a natural flow of talk.
I can’t put my finger on it, but I turn her over straight away.

Liza also has an affected laugh.

OP posts:
RaraRachael · 03/02/2026 12:12

I find Liza's whole voice affected. She sounds like a bossy head girl.

Don't get me started on EP's laugh. Surely nobody laughs like that IRL.

BringBackCatsEyes · 03/02/2026 14:40

HelloDenise · 03/02/2026 09:14

Liza also has an affected laugh.

Show quote history

She does. I just switch her off/over.
I do love the musicals so do have to grit my teeth through Elaine’s soppy giggle.

BassinBas · 03/02/2026 15:52

BitOutOfPractice · 03/02/2026 07:34

I’m completely homeless radio wise on a Sunday morning. Has anyone got any suggestions? Music based.

Radio 3? Engaging classical music on a Sunday, not too corny, not too obscure, a nice selection. Then at midday there's Private Passions which is one of the finest radio shows - it's like Desert Island Discs but with more focus on the music and what the interviewee thinks about it, in depth. Usually the guest isn't a musician themselves, but cares a lot about what they listen to.

Newyearsameme26 · 04/02/2026 09:55

To be honest, I'd forgotten how bad the Vernon cheating saga was...

Lobbygobbler · 04/02/2026 16:03

Just caught a bit of Trevor Nelson who has been at the BBC for 30 years today. I really love his show and I’m so glad he has the afternoon slot. It’s class.

Original poster
HelloDenise · 04/02/2026 18:15

Lobbygobbler · 04/02/2026 16:03

Just caught a bit of Trevor Nelson who has been at the BBC for 30 years today. I really love his show and I’m so glad he has the afternoon slot. It’s class.

Trevor is just perfect.

OP posts:
MasterBeth · 04/02/2026 22:29

NotAnotherScarf · 01/02/2026 23:20

Then why is Skinner on Saturday mornings... but I'm not surprised I've not noticed because I've avoided them like I've avoided eating from kebab vans...i did it because I was young and stupid...now I know what to avoid

And hasn't ball taken over early Saturday afternoon which used to be pick of the pops?

Edited
Show quote history

Frank Skinner isn't on Saturday mornings and hasn't been for two years. Zoe Ball no longer does a show on Radio 2.

I don't know how else to say it.

HisNotHes · 04/02/2026 23:08

Bougainsillier · 31/01/2026 21:31

Radio 2 is awful at the weekend.

It used to be good at the weekends, Graham Norton was excellent on a Saturday morning and so was Claudia when she took over. Dermot is good and Liza is great.
Micheal Ball’s previous Sunday show was good (he was much better suited to that than to Sunday love songs where he is now). I also like the musicals after Sunday lunch.

Romesh is a bad choice though, Josh Widdecombe is much better when he covers for Romesh - he’s a natural on radio.

HisNotHes · 04/02/2026 23:12

HelloDenise · 31/01/2026 21:41

I find making a traffic person a co-presenter annoying, this is what is happening, they're taking over! Richie Anderson was fine and was a DJ before doing that role and is fine on his own show but the others who are overexposed are puzzling. @Bougainsillier I like it on Sunday after Elaine Paige has finished.

Edited
Show quote history

Agree about Richie, used to like him when he was just a sidekick but he’s not good enough to be on his own. However I love the madness of Sally on a Saturday and it’s not surprising they all make use of her in their shows. Think she’s happy staying as a sidekick and she’s good at it.

OonaStubbs · 04/02/2026 23:37

I wish the BBC would have a station that was just music, no inane chatter.

Hector95 · 04/02/2026 23:43

I miss the late, great Terry Wogan and all his co-hosts. When I was stuck in traffic and could say a load of other drivers grinning and laughing at the same time, I knew that we’d all got Radio 2 on ( and there was probably a Janet and John story being read)

midwalker · 04/02/2026 23:52

I prefer the shows without audience phone ins. It’s the public I can’t stand, rather than the presenters! I’ve given up on all request Friday as I can’t bear to listen to one more cringey caller pulled over on the M6 while on their way to the Lake District for hubby’s birthday weekend with friends, looking forward to a glass of vino. As if any of us care!

Hector95 · 04/02/2026 23:59

Hotafternoon · 01/02/2026 09:52

Tony Prince, Dave Cash, the list of real DJs goes on.

And Paul Gambaccini

Lobbygobbler · 05/02/2026 07:39

midwalker · 04/02/2026 23:52

I prefer the shows without audience phone ins. It’s the public I can’t stand, rather than the presenters! I’ve given up on all request Friday as I can’t bear to listen to one more cringey caller pulled over on the M6 while on their way to the Lake District for hubby’s birthday weekend with friends, looking forward to a glass of vino. As if any of us care!

I couldn’t agree more.

Kalebstractor · 05/02/2026 07:56

midwalker · 04/02/2026 23:52

I prefer the shows without audience phone ins. It’s the public I can’t stand, rather than the presenters! I’ve given up on all request Friday as I can’t bear to listen to one more cringey caller pulled over on the M6 while on their way to the Lake District for hubby’s birthday weekend with friends, looking forward to a glass of vino. As if any of us care!

Absolutely agree with this. And the phone in people always think they're so special and hilarious.

No, Mavis from Middlesbrough stuck in traffic on your way to your caravan in Skegness, we don't want to hear you. Get off the airwaves.