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Last Updated: Thursday, 25 August 2005, 13:18 GMT 14:18 UK
Johnny Depp to host Radio 2 show
Johnny Depp
Depp is currently riding high with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Hollywood stars Johnny Depp and Val Kilmer are to follow in Brad Pitt's footsteps and present documentaries on BBC Radio 2.

Depp will look at the life of film idol James Dean on 27 September while Kilmer will present a profile of Marlon Brando on 2 October.

Pitt hosted a documentary about singer songwriter Nick Drake last year.

The station also announced Chris Evans will present his first afternoon show on Saturday 17 September.

Depp was compared to Dean early in his career and was tipped to play the Rebel Without a Cause star in a rumoured film a decade ago.

The documentary will mark the 50th anniversary of Dean's death and the BBC said Depp would "highlight the artistic passion that drove this country boy from rural Indiana to become a 20th Century icon".

'New and exciting'

It will include interviews with Morrissey, David Puttnam, Dennis Hopper, Bill Wyman and Sir Paul McCartney.

Other autumn highlights include Evans' first regular radio show for four years, on Saturdays from 1400 to 1700 BST.

He will be followed by Dermot O'Leary showcasing new music from 1700 to 1900.

A special concert by Sir Paul McCartney at Abbey Road studios will be broadcast at 2030 on 17 September.

Long-running show Pick of the Pops will return the following day in a "new and exciting format" hosted by Dale Winton.

Controller Lesley Douglas said: "Saturdays on Radio 2 will be real appointment listening with Jonathan Ross in the morning, comedy for lunch followed by Chris's new show in the afternoon - and then Dermot with a new exciting music show."




SEE ALSO:
Weaver to star in Radio 4's play
28 Jul 05 |  TV and Radio
Chris Evans makes radio comeback
06 Jul 05 |  TV and Radio
BBC Radio 2 named best UK station
10 May 05 |  TV and Radio
In pictures: James Dean exhibition
28 Apr 05 |  In Pictures


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