BBC Radio 5 Live has introduced Rick Edwards as the fresh face to helm their renowned sports-centric panel show, Fighting Talk.
Rick, who presently co-hosts the 5 Live Breakfast show alongside Rachel Burden during weekday mornings, is poised to step into the role of both judge and arbiter come September. This transition will coincide with the show’s return after its customary summer hiatus.
Scheduled for the Saturday 11 am slot, the acclaimed hour-long comedic program engages an array of comedians, sports luminaries, and broadcasters in lively discourse about the most significant sporting matters of the week. Their exchanges are scored as they compete to amass points for their punditry skills. The standout pundit is the one capable of adeptly grappling with the issues and, in a single round, masterfully ‘defending the indefensible’.
Rick Edwards succeeds the former venerable host of Fighting Talk and longstanding 5 Live presenter, Colin Murray. The latter announced earlier this year his decision to relinquish his role on the show while maintaining focus on the station’s nightly program four days a week.
On joining the Fighting Talk team, Rick Edwards says: “I’ve been a huge fan of Fighting Talk since the Johnny Vaughan days which, I accept, does age me. Over the years my performance as a guest has been patchy, and I am really looking forward to bringing that inconsistency to the host’s chair. I can already feel the power going to my head. The bosses will regret giving me the keys to that sound effects box.”
Rick embarked on his professional journey within the realm of stand-up comedy subsequent to obtaining his degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge. He has since grown into the role of presenting numerous beloved television programs, co-hosting the revered science podcast Eureka!, and joining the BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast show in 2021.
Richard Maddock, Lead Commissioning Editor at BBC Radio 5 Live says: “We are delighted to be announcing Rick as the new Fighting Talk host. He’s got big shoes to fill but he is a brilliant broadcaster. Having been a guest on the show many times, we know he’ll do a fantastic job chairing one of the longest-running and most successful entertainment shows on British radio.”
Johnny Vaughan, Director at World’s End Productions says: “The Fighting Talk team are thrilled to have Rick at the helm for the next part of the journey. Over the years we have been so lucky that each host has brought with them their own unique style, passion and humour and that is what has helped make Fighting Talk Britain’s longest-running, favourite sporting entertainment show. We are delighted that Rick is now part of a glorious Saturday tradition!”
Fighting Talk returns to BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds on Saturday 2 September.
