Top Gear star to present BBC Radio 2 shows

Top Gear star Richard Hammond is joining BBC Radio 2, it was announced today.

Hammond will present four music shows over the Easter, Spring, August and Christmas bank holidays.

The first will be on April 6.

The presenter narrowly cheated death last September in a high speed crash while filming a stunt for BBC show Top Gear.

He has since made a remarkable recovery and is writing a book about his experience.

His career began on local radio in York before he joined Top Gear.

“My first job was in radio, so to have the chance to share some time with listeners on the biggest station in the country is a huge and exciting opportunity,” he said.

Radio 2 controller Lesley Douglas said: “Richard Hammond is a great talent and a much in-demand broadcaster.

“He is a warm, funny and clever broadcaster who has never lost his radio roots. These specials will give him the opportunity to get close to the audience in a way only radio can.”