Beth Ditto and Jarvis Cocker are shaking up weekend radio on BBC 6 Music, with both artists joining the station’s lineup this April.
Ditto, the fearless frontwoman of the seminal punk band Gossip, will host Saturday mornings from 10am-1pm, beginning April 4. Known as a voice of a generation and a muse in the worlds of fashion and art, Ditto promises a diverse playlist ranging from Bobbie Gentry to Kendrick Lamar, and from Sleater-Kinney to Faith No More.
“I really can’t wait to be with you on Saturday mornings, playing the music I love and soundtracking the weekend together. It’s gonna be a dream,” Ditto said.
Following the critically acclaimed return of Pulp, Jarvis Cocker will return to Sunday afternoons on 6 Music (4-6pm) starting April 5. Cocker originally launched his Sunday Service show in 2010, pausing it in 2017 with the statement, “It’s not goodbye, it’s just farewell.” Since then, he has presented programs for Radio 4, penned his memoir Good Pop, Bad Pop, released two solo albums, toured globally, and, with Pulp, released their first studio album in 24 years.
“Why am I returning to 6 Music? Well… I’m looking forward to working for the greatest independent radio station in the world once more. When you’re asked to look after Iggy’s show, are you really going to say no? I’m looking forward to discovering lots of great new music. But mostly: I miss you. Tune in from April 5th. That’s an order,” Cocker stated.
The changes come as Iggy Pop is taking an extended break from the station to focus on his own music projects, with a planned return in 2027. Pop began filling in for Cocker in March 2014, following two specials in December 2013 and January 2014, and later launched Iggy Confidential on Fridays (7-9pm) in 2015. He then moved to Sunday afternoons in 2021, delivering a unique music mix and sharing stories from his time with The Stooges and beyond.
“The news is true, after 12 years at 6 Music I’m going to be taking a break for a while. I’ve got some other stuff I’ve got to do but I’ll be back. I’m pleased to say Jarvis has agreed to return to the station for a year as my cover – cool, thanks Jarvis,” Pop said.
Samantha Moy, Head of 6 Music, said: “BBC Radio 6 Music is home to some incredible broadcasters, and we’ve been honoured that over the years, Iggy Pop, Jarvis Cocker and now Beth Ditto have shared their love of music with us all. We will miss Iggy – there is no doubt of that – but he will return. To keep us in the best of company it’s wonderful to welcome Jarvis back and Beth Ditto to weekends on 6 Music.”
6 Music reaches 2.4 million listeners (RAJAR, Q4 2025) and is the UK’s biggest digital-only radio station. It offers a broad range of music and culture beyond the mainstream, appealing to music lovers with a curious spirit by blending cutting-edge contemporary music with iconic sounds from the past 50 years. Other presenters include AFRODEUTSCHE, Cerys Matthews, Chris Hawkins, Craig Charles, Deb Grant, Don Letts, Emily Pilbeam, Femi Koleoso, Gideon Coe, Gilles Peterson, Guy Garvey, Huw Stephens, Jamz Supernova, Lauren Laverne, Marc Riley, Mark Radcliffe, Mary Anne Hobbs, Matt Everitt, Nathan Shepherd, Nick Grimshaw, SHERELLE, Steve Lamacq, Stuart Maconie and Zakia.
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