John Humphrys lands weekly Classic FM show after quitting Radio 4

John Humphrys lands weekly Classic FM show after quitting Radio 4 – but at least he’ll get a lie-in now…

  • John Humphrys is to join the Classic FM on Sundays, starting on January 5
  • He will have a slot from 3pm to 5pm instead of previous early breakfast show
  • Humphrys said it is ‘proof positive that there really is a life after politics’

After leaving Radio 4’s Today programme, John Humphrys swapped Brexit for Brahms with a guest slot on Classic FM.

Now the 76-year-old has joined the station on a permanent basis, having landed his own show on Sunday afternoons.

It comes just three months after the much-loved broadcaster retired from Today after 32 years at the helm of the BBC‘s flagship current affairs programme. 

John Humphrys, pictured in the studio at New Broadcasting house, has swapped Brexit for a slot on Classic FM. He will present a weekly Classic FM show from 3pm to 5pm starting on January 5

He will now present a weekly Classic FM show from 3pm to 5pm, starting on January 5, during which he will be sharing stories and reflections on his favourite composers. 

He will finally be able to stay in bed during weekday mornings, having initially filled in for Tim Lihoreau on the More Music Breakfast show.

Mr Humphrys, pictured, said: ‘How could I resist a music station like Classic FM after a lifetime on the news beat? It’s proof positive that there really is a life after politics. 

Humphrys, pictured on Mastermind, took up his Classic FM guest spot at the end of October, standing in for regular host Tim Lihoreau of the station’s national More Music Breakfast.

Humphrys, pictured on Mastermind, took up his Classic FM guest spot at the end of October, standing in for regular host Tim Lihoreau of the station’s national More Music Breakfast.

‘And a rather more inspiring one at that.’ 

Sam Jackson, Classic FM’s senior managing editor, said: ‘We had a hugely positive reaction from our listeners when John guest-presented.’     

He took up his Classic FM guest spot at the end of October, standing in for regular host Tim Lihoreau of the station’s national More Music Breakfast.

Speaking about his new role Humphrys said: ‘How could I resist a music station like Classic FM after a lifetime on the news beat.

The veteran BBC presenter has been working in journalism for more than 60 years. He is pictured here in 1987 before a Today programme broadcast. Mr Humphrys said: 'How could I resist a music station like Classic FM after a lifetime on the news beat? It’s proof positive that there really is a life after politics'

The veteran BBC presenter has been working in journalism for more than 60 years. He is pictured here in 1987 before a Today programme broadcast. Mr Humphrys said: ‘How could I resist a music station like Classic FM after a lifetime on the news beat? It’s proof positive that there really is a life after politics’

‘It’s proof positive that there really is a life after politics. And a rather more inspiring one at that.’

Mr Jackson added: ‘As we launch our new Sunday schedule on Classic FM, it is fantastic to welcome John Humphrys to our weekend line-up.’ 

In October, Humphrys said BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day should be axed for being ‘discriminatory’ against those without a religious belief.

Humphrys, whose successful career spanned six decades, argued that because he does not believe in any faith he would be unable to express his opinion on that segment.

Thought for the Day, which lasts three minutes, addresses issues and people in the news from a faith-based perspective. 

Other changes to Classic FM’s 2020 schedule includes Charlotte Hawkins hosting a new Sunday night edition of Smooth Classics at Seven, moving from her previous afternoon time slot of 3pm to 5pm.

And David Mellor’s Sunday evening show moves to a new time of 5pm to 7pm with familiar favourites and off-the-beaten-track discoveries.

His show will replace The Classic FM Chart, presented by John Brunning.