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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Entertainment
Sophie McLaughlin

Vinny Hurrell and Cate Conway excited to shake up evening listening on new "lighthearted" BBC radio show

Vinny Hurrell and Cate Conway are currently preparing to take over the airway on weekday evenings with their "lighthearted" and "relatable" new radio show.

From April 24, the duo will be inviting listeners to take some ‘me’ time at teatime and indulge in 90 minutes of fun and fabulosity.

Shaking off the day every Monday to Thursday from 6pm with a sparkling mix of top tunes, chat and entertaining interviews with a range of famous names, Vinny and Kate are delighted to be working together once again on an exciting new project.

Read more: Vinny Hurrell and Cate Conway to take on new evening radio show on BBC

Speaking to Belfast Live ahead of their first broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster, the pair told listeners they can expect "a nice relaxed feel".

On how their new partnership came to be, Vinny said: "We have worked together on a number of smaller things before and I've known Cate for a couple of years and from listening to her on the radio before that.

"We both got a phone call to come into the office a while ago now - they told us on the same day but not together and it was all very exciting. They were talking about the possible changes coming up for a while so we are very excited for it."

Cate added: "We are both on the same wavelength and want the same things for the show - we have the same ideas for the show and that's made things easy because we are both coming from the same place.

"Two eejits together so it has felt very easy."

The duo will be inviting listeners to take some ‘me’ time at teatime and indulge in 90 minutes of fun and fabulosity. (BBC)

Their evening show will offer listeners something lighter than a traditional news radio show to wind down their days and they hope that the public will find it enjoyable while relatable.

"We are fairly similar in a lot of things - we may not always agree but that's ok," Vinny said.

"We've been doing a bit of piloting and a few interviews together already so we are on the exact same level but our own opinions on things but I think that is part of having a normal friendship with someone and part of natural conversation so that is what we want to do."

Cate continued: "We want that nice relaxed feel for somebody who is making their dinner or driving home from work and we are keeping them company.

"Listeners can expect good music - feel good music, mostly upbeat and current stuff but there will be some nostalgia and throwback songs from the 90s to enjoy."

The new programme is part of a wider refresh of BBC Radio Ulster’s evening and weekend schedule. Listeners can also expect interesting interviews with local celebs and stand-out characters, an advice section called 'Dear Vinny & Cate' and reflecting on what is happening in the world.

Vinny explained: "Change can be uncertain and a little bit scary but at the same time, we are really excited about what we are going to be doing and neither of us underestimate how fortunate we are to get that slot. There's a real opportunity for us to make something special and I think that's what we are looking forward to."

"I was blown away to be offered something like that," Cate said.

"To get to work on a show like this, something that is lighthearted and will make people smile, is amazing."

If anyone wants to contact the programme from Monday (April 24) onwards, they can email: metime@bbc.co.uk

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