Jarvis Cocker will return to BBC Radio 6 Music this spring as the new host of the Sunday afternoon show, stepping in while Iggy Pop takes a year-long break from broadcasting. The Pulp frontman, who previously helmed the much-loved Jarvis Cocker’s Sunday Service for several years, will once again occupy the 4pm-6pm slot on Sundays, reconnecting with listeners who remember his distinctive mix of music, stories and offbeat charm. His familiar presence is likely to appeal both to long-time fans and to newer listeners who have discovered Pulp and his solo work in recent years.
Iggy Pop, now 78, is pausing his 6 Music duties after around twelve years on the station to focus on other musical projects, with plans already in place for him to return in 2027. His final Sunday broadcast before the break is scheduled for 29 March, after which Cocker will take over from 5 April. Iggy first became part of the 6 Music schedule in the mid‑2010s and has since become a cult favourite for his gravelly delivery, deep musical knowledge and willingness to champion both classic and underground sounds. His temporary absence will leave a noticeable gap in the lineup, but the station hopes Cocker’s arrival will soften the blow.
Cocker’s comeback marks a full-circle moment for 6 Music weekends. He originally launched his Sunday show in 2010, building a reputation for carefully curated playlists, themed episodes and a warm, intimate style that made the programme feel like a private listening party. Over time, the show became a kind of weekly ritual for many listeners, who tuned in as much for his wry commentary as for the music itself.
When he signed off in 2017 with the words “it’s not goodbye, it’s just farewell”, many listeners hoped he would one day return to the station in a regular role. His new run of Sunday shows is expected to revive that spirit while introducing fresh music discoveries and new features for a changed audience. There is also speculation that he may invite special guests, collaborators and old friends to join him, adding an extra layer of anticipation around the new series.
Alongside Cocker’s arrival on Sundays, Gossip frontwoman Beth Ditto will take over Saturday mornings, bringing her own perspective and tastes to the station’s eclectic mix. For 6 Music, enlisting figures like Iggy Pop, Jarvis Cocker and Beth Ditto shows its commitment in letting musicians themselves shape the sound and character of the network. For listeners, Cocker’s return as Sunday host promises a comforting show at the heart of their weekend routine.
