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Two familiar voices with be greeting ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio Solent listeners this Christmas as Richard Cartridge and Bill Buckley return to host the station's special festive programmes.

Richard will be back to help Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight deck the halls with Christmas cheer, presenting the Early Show from Monday 21 December to Christmas Eve, plus two special shows on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

And there will be a familiar sound to late nights too as Bill Buckley stands in for Paul Miller during Christmas week and helps listeners ring in the New Year.

Richard, who left Solent in 2007 after 33 years, said it felt like he was coming home for Christmas.

He says: "I was delighted when I was offered this chance, especially as Solent is like my spiritual home. I have worked a lot of Christmases and I really love this time of year.

"That Christmas Day Breakfast Show is especially lovely as it always feels a lot more intimate than the rest of the year. You really are sharing a special time with people.

"And, of course, I really can't wait to be reunited with all of Solent's lovely listeners.

"I've had some fantastic opportunities since leaving Solent and learnt an awful lot. But doing these shows is a fabulous Christmas treat!"

Bill, who many listeners will remember from the Solent Midday Show, said: "It's great to be able to share Christmas week with the Radio Solent listeners, especially helping them ring in the New Year.

"I'm thrilled to be sitting in for Paul. I know we are going to have a lot of fun.

"Many years ago, when I was presenting the lunchtime show on Solent, a very young Paul was my very keen and efficient go-fer! Now he's a success the least he can do is clear off for Christmas and let me earn a crust!"

Richard Cartridge on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio Solent
5.00-6.30am, Monday 21 to Thursday 24 December
7.00am-12noon, Christmas Day
6.00-9.00am, Boxing Day

Bill Buckley on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio Solent
10.00pm-1.00am, Christmas Day
10.00pm-1.00am Monday 28 December to New Year's Eve

HB