As part of the shakeup at BBC Radio, Radio 2 has one of the corporation’s longest running broadcasters switching to a late night slot, Hugh Laurie hosting a blues show, and radio stalwart Steve Lamacq shoved out the door. He’ll retain his BBC 6 Music drivetime slot, though. As far as shakeups go, this isn’t very shaky.

Hugh Laurie Hugh Laurie was the highest paid actor in the U.S for House

Lewis Carnie, Radio 2's head of programmes, said: "I wanted to expand our big band programming but, with reduced funds across the BBC, we could no longer afford to commit to regular big band recordings. However, we are aware that our listeners love this kind of music, so we are giving our Sunday night audience an extended two hour session of the tunes they love from the broadest range of Big Band music."

Hugh Laurie's six-part series on the Blues will start on 23 September. Each week, he and his Copper Bottom Band will play a song and trace the history of blues, from historical giants like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters, to more contemporary takes on the genre. Meanwhile, Sara Cox will helm a new late-night show. The DJ – fresh from covering from Fearne Cotton’s maternity leave – will host Sounds of The 80s from Obtober 5th.

Sarah CoxSarah Cox at the Pride of Britain awards

Bob Shennan, controller of Radio 2, said: "Sounds Of The 80s was a show waiting to happen and I'm happy to be welcoming Sara to Radio 2. The show will perfectly complement two of the network's best loved programmes, Sounds of the 60s, presented by Brian Matthew, and Sounds of the 70s, hosted by Johnnie Walker."