Latest news with #BronwenLewis


Wales Online
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC replace Wynne Evans and announce 'really special presenter'
BBC replace Wynne Evans and announce 'really special presenter' Singer Bronwen Lewis will taking the reigns from Wynne Evans' on BBC Radio Wales' morning show. The BBC have announced Wynne Evans' replacement for Radio Wales's morning show, after he was axed from the BBC in May of this year following his apology for using "inappropriate language" during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour. Singer Bronwen Lewis has announced she will be presenting the morning show on BBC Radio Wales from the autumn. The news was announced today, Wednesday, August 6, as she appeared on Behnaz Akhgar's Afternoon Show on BBC Radio Wales. Bronwen shared the news and spoke of her joy as she prepares for the new challenge. The singer said: "I am beyond excited and honoured to be given this incredible opportunity." For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Bronwen Lewis first came into the limelight after her stint on The Voice in 2013, a journey that eventually led her to join the judging panel of Y Llais, the Welsh version of the show. Following her time on The Voice, Bronwen featured in the BAFTA-winning film, Pride and launched a solo album. She continued: "BBC Radio Wales has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and it has been the soundtrack to many memories. "To represent a station that has given me so much not just as a presenter but as a listener too - it's honestly a dream come true." Bronwen, originally from the Dulais Valley, popped into BBC's Central Square studio in Cardiff to chat about her upcoming programme: "All I want with this new show is for people to turn on the radio and go 'That's my mate Bron.' I love knowing the listeners like family and sharing in their life moments. "Working with a brilliant team, I look forward to creating a show that makes the listeners want to tune in and turn up! As a musician, music will be the beating heart of the show - with plenty of fabulous guests, big laughs and the usual serving of silliness." Bronwen emphasised the universal appeal of radio and her excitement for her show's debut: "From the little listeners to the big listeners and everyone in between, we all have one thing in common - we love radio and it feels like home to us. Can't wait for the house warming party this Autumn. See you soon cariad!". She will also continue to host her Country Music show on Wednesday evenings. She spent three years touring with Welsh legend Max Boyce, perfecting the art of engaging audiences through storytelling and song. During the Covid pandemic, Bronwen amassed a large following by performing over 45 concerts virtually from her home studio. Her TikTok videos, where she performs popular pop songs in Welsh, also went viral, racking up hundreds of thousands of views. In April 2023, she joined Radio Wales to host her Sunday show, and later that year, she added a weekly Country Music Show to her roster. The latter celebrated its first anniversary with a congratulatory voice note from Dolly Parton aired live on the show. Carolyn Hitt, Editor of BBC Radio Wales said: "Bronwen is a really special presenter and we are thrilled to make her the new voice of mid-mornings on BBC Radio Wales. She embodies all that Radio Wales is about – warmth, connection and community – with a passionate sense of Welsh identity at the heart of everything she does. "Her musicianship ensures she has a real sense of ownership of our station sound – bringing knowledge and insight. With an appeal that spans the generations, she's a natural storyteller with a lovely cheeky humour and great comic timing. "But above all Bronwen genuinely loves our audience: she connects with them, relates to them and cares about them and we know they love her too." Bronwen Lewis has been announced as Wynne Evans' replacement on Radio Wales. (Image: BBC) Earlier this year, Wynne Evans shared a message from "the very depths of my heart" following his dismissal from the BBC. He wrote: "My beloved Wynners, From the very depths of my heart – thank you. "These past few months, your love has been the light in my darkest days. Every message, every word of encouragement, every moment you stood by me has carried me through more than you could ever know. "It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract so I won't be returning to my radio show. I'm gutted. Article continues below "That show wasn't just work – it was home. It was us. We laughed, we cried, we sang like nobody was listening. And somehow, through the airwaves, we became a family."


BBC News
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bronwen Lewis is the new BBC Radio Wales morning show host
Bronwen Lewis has been announced as the new host of BBC Radio Wales' morning who will take over the slot in the autumn, said she was "honoured to be given this incredible opportunity" and it was "a dream come true".The musician and presenter from Neath Port Talbot will also continue to present her current country music show on Wednesday evenings, while comedian Robin Morgan will have a brand new show on Sunday announcement comes after former Radio Wales presenter Wynne Evans left the BBC earlier this year, following an apology for making what he described as an "inappropriate and unacceptable" comment during the Strictly Come Dancing live tour launch. Bronwen appeared on ITV singing show The Voice in 2013, coming full circle when she was invited to join the judging panel of Y Llais, the Welsh language version, last also starred in the Bafta winning film, Pride, released a solo album, and toured with Welsh icon Max Boyce for three years, as well as gaining an online fan base through virtual concerts during the Covid pandemic and social media Welsh language covers."BBC Radio Wales has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and it has been the soundtrack to many memories," she told Behnaz Akhgar's programme."To represent a station that has given me so much not just as a presenter but as a listener too - it's honestly a dream come true."Carolyn Hitt, editor of BBC Radio Wales said Bronwen was "a really special presenter".She added: "We are thrilled to make her the new voice of mid-mornings on BBC Radio Wales... she embodies all that Radio Wales is about – warmth, connection and community – with a passionate sense of Welsh identity at the heart of everything she does."


Business News Wales
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Final Countdown Begins for Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2025 at Margam Park
Port Talbot is getting ready to welcome thousands of visitors to Margam Park for Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2025. Following the final rounds of the Urdd's Composing and Creating Competitions (homework), the organisation has announced a record-breaking 119,593 registrations to compete in this year's festival, which also includes a significant rise of 42% in the number of young Welsh learners compared to last year. The event is set to take place between May 26 and 31. Organisers have also confirmed details for the shuttle bus service running between Port Talbot (Parkway) train station to the Eisteddfod Maes throughout the week. The service is free to the public, running between 06:30 and 21:56 or 23:26 (depending on which day). Thanks to a £200,000 support package from the Welsh Government, lower income families can access the Maes for free once again this year. Llio Maddocks, Director of the Arts, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said: 'Eisteddfod yr Urdd is for all. Seeing more young people and more Welsh learners than ever choosing to take part this year proves that the Eisteddfod is meeting the needs and the interests of the young people of Wales, providing them with valuable opportunities to experience activities and opportunities to build their self-confidence through the medium of Welsh. A huge thank you in advance to the hundreds of volunteers helping us at the festival next week.' As well as competitors, local talent and celebrities be visiting the Eisteddfod, including the festival's President Jeremy Miles MS, and five Presidents of the Day: actor Steffan Rhodri, famous for his role as 'Dave Coaches' in Gavin and Stacey, presenters and sports stars Lowri Morgan and Sarra Elgan, entrepreneur Emyr Afan from Afanti and singer and TikTok star Bronwen Lewis, who also performed the Eisteddfod's Welcome Song alongside Huw Chiswell. Triban Festival continues on the maes over the weekend (30-31 May). Friday night will be a tribute to Welsh musician and performer Dewi Pws, with artists including Mei Gwynedd and band, Dadleoli, Taran, local schools and more. Saturday will be an evening with Huw Chiswell, Bronwen Lewis, Aleighcia Scott and other popular artists. S4C will be broadcasting the competitions from the Red, White and Green pavilions from 8.00am every day and they will be streamed on Clic. For the first time, it will also be possible to look back on the streams and re-watch competitions, by watching Clic on desktop devices. The streams will be available for three days after the competitions have taken place and it will be possible to 'spool' the stream by watching on a computer or laptop. This will be available from the 'Our picks' section at the top of the Clic home page. S4C's live daily programmes will be hosted by Trystan Ellis Morris and Heledd Cynwal between 10.30am and 6.30pm and a highlights programme will air every night at 8.00pm. These programmes will be available on demand on Clic and BBC iPlayer with English subtitles. BBC Radio Cymru and the Ifan Evans programme will be broadcasting daily live radio shows on the Maes between 2pm and 5pm, with Jac Northfield joining in. All winners will also be featured across the station and BBC Cymru Fyw will share the latest daily news and stories online. The main daily ceremonies will take place in the white pavilion at 2pm: Monday, Chief Artist and Art Medal; Tuesday, the Drama Medal; Wednesday, Welsh Learners Medal and the Bobi Jones Medal; Thursday, the Chairing; Friday, the Crowning; Saturday, Main Composer Medal.