(L-R) Chris Buckler, Sarah Brett, Stephen Nolan, Cate Conway, Vinny Hurrell, William Crawley, Hugo Duncan, Connor Phillips and Anne-Marie Wallace
BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle is set to shake up its weekday programming from Monday, 5 May, introducing a revitalised line-up featuring fresh voices, extended shows, and a blend of entertainment, news, and music tailored to its Northern Irish audience.
The changes, announced as part of the station’s 50th anniversary celebrations, aim to reflect evolving listener tastes while retaining the trusted familiarity that has defined the station for half a century.
Vinny and Cate Take Over Mid-Mornings
Listeners can look forward to a new mid-morning programme, The Vinny and Cate Show, hosted by Vinny Hurrell and Cate Conway, airing Monday to Friday from 10.30am to 12pm. The duo, who first teamed up in spring 2023 for an early evening slot, will now bring their signature mix of lively chat, pop music, and humour to the daytime schedule.
Vinny expressed his excitement about the move:
“It feels like a dream to be asked to take on such a legendary radio slot. I’m deeply honoured to be joining you at 10.30am each day, and I know Cate feels the same. Whether you’re at work, at home, or just taking a few minutes for yourself, we want this to be a space where you feel entertained, uplifted, and part of something special.”
Cate echoed his sentiments, adding a personal touch:
“I’m really overwhelmed to be taking on the 10.30am slot with Vinny. It’s one I have a personal and professional connection with, and I’m so excited about this new chapter. I can’t wait to meet our new audience!”
The programme will slot into the weekday roster alongside established shows such as Good Morning Ulster, The Nolan Show, Talkback, Hugo Duncan, and Evening Extra.
Connor Phillips Extends Afternoon Entertainment
Meanwhile, Connor Phillips, a familiar voice since launching The Connor Phillips Show in March 2020, will move to an extended afternoon slot from 3pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Previously occupying the 10.30am slot now taken by Hurrell and Conway, Phillips promises to deliver “a unique blend of entertainment and escapism” to help listeners unwind.
“I know what it’s like sitting in the car and the traffic gives nothing but headaches,” Phillips said. “I hope my new show will be the antidote to this and eases some of that tension. If you’re at home, I hope it helps with the dinner prep! It will feature a mixture of songs to put you in a good mood, some things you might not expect in an afternoon show, and, most importantly, the listeners who tune in.”
Evening Extra Refocuses with Richard Morgan
The long-running Evening Extra will undergo a transformation, with Richard Morgan stepping up as lead presenter from 5pm to 6pm. Morgan, who joined the programme in 2022, will helm a streamlined hour dedicated to the latest news updates and breaking stories.
The shift marks a sharper focus on journalism, ensuring listeners stay informed as the day transitions into evening.
New Voices Light Up the Evenings
The evening schedule will welcome fresh talent, starting with Anne-Marie Wallace, who will present a music programme from 6pm to 7.30pm, Monday to Thursday.
Wallace, brimming with enthusiasm, said:
“This is the most exciting thing to happen to me. It’s a great opportunity to be part of the daily schedule, to be part of our listeners’ lives, and I adore the 6-7.30pm slot. I’m really looking forward to getting started and working alongside our incredible presenters and production teams, and spreading a little joy to our audience.”
Later in the evening, John Kerr takes the reins of The Late Show from 10pm to midnight, Monday to Thursday, succeeding Eve Blair. Kerr, a self-professed lover of late-night radio, shared his passion:
“I’ve always been passionate about late-night radio and the songs that are synonymous with it. There’s no greater time to truly connect with people out in ‘listening land,’ as I often say on air. I feel very privileged to be getting this platform, and from a great friend in Eve Blair too. I can’t wait to share music from a multitude of genres that comforts, connects, and distracts even from the everyday challenges of life.”
Mickey Bradley will continue presenting The Late Show on Fridays in the same 10pm to midnight slot.
Arts, Music, and Irish Language Continuity
The weekly arts and entertainment programme The Ticket, hosted by Kathy Clugston, will shift from Friday afternoons to an early evening slot of 6pm to 7pm, offering a cultural kickstart to the weekend.
Elsewhere, Ralph McLean’s popular music programmes will remain a fixture from 8pm to 10pm, Monday to Wednesday, while Stephen McCauley’s music show continues on Fridays from 7pm to 10pm.
The station’s commitment to Irish language programming remains strong, with Blas airing from 7.30pm to 8pm, Monday to Thursday, and Blas Ceoil from 8pm to 9pm on Thursdays.
A Milestone Year for BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle
Emma Dunseith, BBC Northern Ireland’s Senior Head of Content Production, framed the changes as part of a broader evolution:
“As we mark our 50th anniversary year, we want to evolve with our audience’s needs and tastes with some fresh voices and formats joining the familiar faces and programmes they know and trust. Whatever the day brings for our listeners, we want to help them along with it, bringing a fantastic selection of distinctive local programming they could only find on BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle.”
The updates follow other recent announcements, including Mike Edgar and Kathy Clugston closing the station on weekend evenings, Eve Blair taking over as presenter of Your Place and Mine, and the addition of Anna Curran and Taylor Johnston to the weekend line-up.
Looking Ahead
With its blend of new talent and cherished staples, BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle’s refreshed schedule promises to cater to a broad spectrum of listeners, from morning commuters to late-night music enthusiasts. As the station celebrates five decades on air, these changes signal a commitment to staying relevant while honouring its legacy as Northern Ireland’s premier local broadcaster.
The new schedule kicks off on Monday, 5 May, inviting listeners to tune in and experience the next chapter of BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle.