Complaints sparked by Evens' Radio 2 debut
Chris Evans' drivetime debut on Radio 2 has sparked 30 complaints to the BBC, the broadcaster confirmed today.
Evans, 40, who is up for two prestigious Sony radio awards next month, took over from Johnnie Walker after the drivetime veteran moved to a Sunday show.
But the decision to replace Walker with Evans, who fronted a Saturday slot at the station, led to protests from listeners.
Last month Radio 2 controller Lesley Douglas took the unusual step of publishing a statement insisting the former TFI Friday star should be given a chance.
Evans`s drivetime debut last night sparked a flurry of comments on the BBC bulletin board.
Listeners` responses included "Give me strength" and "It`s gibberish and sickly, just as predicted".
One wrote: "I swallowed my pride and decided to tune in on my first evening drive home after Easter, to give the guy a go.
"It was complete and utter ****! When will the powers-that-be realise that to give such a prime slot to such a pillock is madness hit home? There are so many more talented and easier-on-the-ear presenters who could do such a better job."
Another listener complained: "Am I supposed to let it all wash over me and blindly accept it as entertainment?
"Am I supposed to laugh hilariously at his childish comments and antics? Or am I supposed to accept this as being the `future of Radio 2`?
"No. I too switched off. There are limits, after all."
Yet another added: "I am grateful as I will get to listen to some forgotten CD."
But the bulletin boards also contained several comments from fans of the DJ and his first major radio job since being sacked from the Virgin breakfast slot in 2001.
One supporter said: "I think it`s most instructive to compare him with Johnnie Walker, since he`s taken over drivetime - and Chris is the better broadcaster, hands down.
"Entertaining, interesting, uptempo, charismatic and real versus dull, insincere polished cheesy smarmy inanity."
Another wrote: "Superb radio so far. Drivetime has never sounded this good."
Today a Radio 2 spokeswoman said: "Any schedule change will generate a reaction.
"We`ve received around 30 complaints, which is a tiny amount compared to Radio 2`s audience of over 13 million.
"It`s obviously early days and we think he has made a good and confident start."
She added of the bulletin boards: "As far as the message boards are concerned, they are intended to encourage discussion amongst listeners.
"Many of these discussions take place amongst a small number of people, so are not necessarily an accurate reflection of the views of Radio 2`s audience of 13.25 million people.
"We do take complaints seriously and, as indicated on the website, we would encourage listeners to contact the BBC Complaints Site or BBC Information Office so their concerns can be dealt with in the appropriate way."
Chris Evans has been shortlisted for the coveted Music Radio Personality of the Year title and the Entertainment Award at the Sony radio industry awards ceremony next month.
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