Claudia Winkleman handed over her BBC Radio 2 show to Romesh Ranganathan, who took on the Saturday morning slot after Claudia’s departure. Claudia, who had been on air for 15 years, praised Romesh’s efforts and called him “brilliant.” Listeners of Romesh’s first show also had positive feedback, with many enjoying his humor and energy, while missing Claudia’s presence. Romesh expressed his nervousness and excitement as he introduced himself and shared his thoughts on the show.
During his first show, Romesh received a giraffe costume from his guest, Rob Beckett, to wear during the upcoming London Marathon. Rob, a fellow comedian, had recently worn an inflatable giraffe costume to promote his stand-up tour called Giraffe. Romesh was surprised by the gift and jokingly called Rob “shameless” for using the costume as a plug for his tour. The two have worked together on the Sky comedy series Rob & Romesh Vs and hosted the Bafta TV awards together last year.
Romesh’s first show also featured traffic and travel reporter Sally Boazman, known as Sally Traffic. Romesh gifted her custom-made trainers featuring a painting of her favorite motorway stop, Tebay Services in Penrith, and her favorite route, the M40. The interaction between Romesh and his guests showcased his humor and connection with his co-hosts, adding to the entertainment value of the show. Listeners appreciated the fun dynamic and engaging content of the program.
Romesh shared personal anecdotes and connected with the audience through his choice of music and stories. He expressed his love for the 1990 hit song “King Of Wishful Thinking” by Go West, attributing it to a memorable experience after a bad gig. Romesh’s ability to relate to his listeners and create a welcoming atmosphere in his show was well-received by the audience. Despite feeling nervous, Romesh displayed confidence and enthusiasm as he embarked on his new role as a BBC Radio 2 host.
Claudia Winkleman’s support for Romesh Ranganathan’s first show was evident as she offered her blessing and positive feedback on social media. Listeners who tuned in to Romesh’s debut episode praised his performance, expressing enjoyment of the show and excitement for future broadcasts. Romesh’s humorous interactions with his guests, including the giraffe costume gift and custom-made trainers, added a playful touch to the show. Overall, Romesh’s transition into the BBC Radio 2 hosting role received a warm reception from fans and colleagues alike, setting a promising tone for his future on the show.
