Jarvis Cocker returns to BBC Radio 6 Music as Iggy Pop takes break

Beth Ditto also joins weekend line-up with new Saturday morning slot

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Jarvis Cocker is returning to BBC Radio 6 Music as part of a schedule shake-up, with Iggy Pop taking an extended break from the radio station to focus on music projects. Cocker will be on air on Sundays between 4pm and 6pm, starting on April 5. Meanwhile, Gossip frontwoman Beth Ditto is moving to the Saturday morning slot between 10am and 1pm from April 4.

Why it matters

Jarvis Cocker and Iggy Pop are both iconic figures in the music industry, and their involvement with BBC Radio 6 Music has been a major draw for the station. The schedule changes, including the addition of Beth Ditto, reflect the station's commitment to providing diverse and engaging programming for its listeners.

The details

Cocker originally joined 6 Music to launch his 'Sunday Service' show in 2010, before departing in 2017. He will now be filling in for Iggy Pop, who is taking a break from the station to focus on other music projects. Ditto, meanwhile, is moving to the Saturday morning slot, where she will be playing the music she loves and 'soundtracking the weekend together'.

  • Cocker will be on air on Sundays between 4pm and 6pm, starting on April 5.
  • Ditto will be on air on Saturdays between 10am and 1pm, starting on April 4.
  • Iggy Pop is set to return to 6 Music in 2027.

The players

Jarvis Cocker

The Pulp frontman, who is returning to BBC Radio 6 Music to host the 'Sunday Service' show.

Iggy Pop

The iconic musician who is taking an extended break from BBC Radio 6 Music to focus on other music projects.

Beth Ditto

The Gossip frontwoman, who is joining the BBC Radio 6 Music weekend line-up with a new Saturday morning slot.

Samantha Moy

The Head of BBC Radio 6 Music, who commented on the schedule changes.

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What they’re saying

“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?”

— Jarvis Cocker (NME)

“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.”

— Iggy Pop (NME)

“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.”

— Beth Ditto (NME)

“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.”

— Samantha Moy, Head of 6 Music (NME)

What’s next

Iggy Pop is set to return to BBC Radio 6 Music in 2027 after his extended break.

The takeaway

The schedule changes at BBC Radio 6 Music, including the return of Jarvis Cocker and the addition of Beth Ditto, demonstrate the station's commitment to providing diverse and engaging programming for its listeners, featuring iconic figures in the music industry.