HE has only just hung up his headphones after 35 years on the radio.

But days after the "off" switch was thrown the Daily Echo can reveal that broadcasting legend Richard Cartridge is taking to the airwaves again.

The silky-voiced Radio Solent stalwart has been snapped up by Hampshire's newest radio station, Original 106FM.

He will now take the helm of Original's Sunday morning show, from 7am to 11am, which promises a mix of quality music and great chat.

Yesterday he got his first taste of his new home as he met with station bosses as well as breakfast show presenters Simon James and Hill for a tour of the studios.

Cartridge is one of several presenters who have recently parted company with Radio Solent after a controversial shake-up by BBC bosses to win back listeners.

Despite a storm of controversy surrounding his departure, the 57-year-old, who lives just outside Southampton, gracefully insisted it was a joint decision for him to leave.

He broadcast his last show for Radio Solent last Friday.

Speaking exclusively to the Echo, Cartridge said that he was excited to be taking on a new challenge so soon after leaving the BBC.

He said: "I was interested in what Original was doing anyway because they have a great music mix.

"I'm delighted that I've been given this opportunity so quickly as it was only a few days ago that I left the BBC.

"I'm looking forward to a new challenge. Original is a new station and has a big regional presence.

"I also hope I can continue to be popular with the Hampshire audience.

"I've got lots of new ideas for Sunday morning - we're going to try several things out but it will be a mix of great tunes and a lighter look at the Sunday papers."

John Evington, programme director, said: "It's fantastic to have Richard onboard.

"At Original we have three main proposals - great music, 24-hour news and personality presenters.

"Commercial radio has become very samey - all the presenters sound the same.

"We believe in recruiting people with personality, and Richard is one of those people.

"He's been around a long time and has a large, loyal following. He is a broadcasting legend and I can't think of anyone better to take the helm of our Sunday morning show."

Cartridge will now enjoy a two-week break with family in the Dominican Republic before starting his new show on February 4.

Richard Factfile

  • Richard joined the BBC as a freelance presenter in 1972, before getting his own show in 1974.
  • He has also worked for 2CR FM and Classic FM.
  • He is known for his silky voice, which is often compared to Roger Moore's.
  • He lives in Sholing with his partner Chellan, her daughter Amber, his daughter Lucy and Chellan's 86-year-old mother.
  • He and Chellan got together after Richard's co-presenter Sylv Willoughby acted as a matchmaker.
  • Richard hit the charts last year with his single I've Found Love Again which raised money for the BBC's Children in Need Appeal.