New Pick of the Pops to kick off with huge 80’s and 90’s hits

Radio 2’s relaunch of Pick of the Pops begins this Saturday 6 July at 1pm.

Former Radio 1 DJ Mark Goodier, one of the UK's most recognisable radio voices, returns to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds as the new host of Pick of the Pops. Each week, he will count down two charts from two different weeks spanning the past seven decades.

In the first hour of the show, Mark will bring his expertise and passion for music to present the best-selling singles from this week in 1986. Tune in for this "New Beginning" and enjoy an hour of late 80s hits, featuring tracks from Nu Shooz, Rod Stewart, and Bananarama.

In the second hour, he will revisit the best-selling hits from this week in 1998. Join in the afternoon and then "Dance The Night Away" with a chart featuring songs from Des’ree, Five, and Dario G.

Mark says: “It’s an honour to host the iconic Pick of the Pops, although I wish it were in happier circumstances as I was friends with Steve for almost 40 years. I can’t wait to reminisce with Radio 2 listeners as we revisit two years in their lives, playing some of the best records ever made.”

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 says: “Mark is a brilliant broadcaster with a particular passion for chart countdowns, so I’m delighted he’s making a welcome return to Radio 2 in the prestigious Pick of the Pops slot, to complete our new weekend presenting line-up following the loss of our friend and colleague, Steve.

“I would also like to thank Gary Davies for presenting Pick of the Pops across these past weeks, in addition to hosting the weekly, must-listen edition of his Sounds of the 80s show each Saturday night.”

Mark’s voice is synonymous with the charts. He hosted the Official Chart on BBC Radio 1 and is still the voice of NOW That’s What I Call Music.

The new Pick of the Pops is part of a revitalised Radio 2 weekend schedule which also sees Michael Ball present Sunday Love Songs and Paddy McGuinness host a new Sunday morning show.