Craig Charles opens up about ‘mixed feelings’ after Radio 2 exit

Craig Charles has revealed he has “mixed feelings” about the loss of his BBC Radio 2 show amid the broadcaster’s schedule shake-up earlier this year.

The 58-year-old DJ and actor, best known for his roles in Red Dwarf and Coronation Street, presented The Craig Charles House Party on Radio 2 from 2016 until June 18 this year.

“I have mixed feelings,” he said, but added he understood the decision: “I can see their point: I’m on 6 Music six days a week (but) the Radio 2 show was performing well.

“They couldn’t give me any reason other than they just wanted a change.

“You should never try and join a party if they don’t want you as a guest!

“You can’t do everything. And if something had to go, I’d rather it be that.”

In 2021 the BBC announced that Charles would also present a weekday afternoon slot on 6 Music from 1pm to 4pm.

He took from Shaun Keaveny, and has presented the show from Salford since October.

The recent scheduling shake-up on Radio 2 also included ending Dr Rangan Chatterjee’s show on Sundays from 10pm to midnight and Ana Matronic’s Dance Devotion Sunday slot from midnight to 2am.

He said: “I think that boat has sailed now.

“I left because my brother died. He was only 52, and I just thought, ‘Would I be happy if I popped my clogs with everything that I’ve done?’ And I came up with the answer of no.

“I did Corrie for 10 years and I felt like I was hiding there. It was very comfortable and it’s difficult to leave.

“But I wanted new adventures – and I’ve had new adventures.

“That’s what’s life’s about: moving forward, not resting on your laurels, making new memories.”

The full interview with Craig Charles is available in Radio Times.