Rachel Burke-Davies and Nigel ‘Wingman’ Clucas left Capital Manchester Breakfast Show earlier this year
Former Capital Radio presenters Rachel Burke-Davies and Nigel “Wingman” Clucas are joining Happy Radio for a new Drivetime show(Image: Happy Radio)
Two popular Manchester radio presenters who were axed from their roles on Capital Radio earlier this year have announced a new drivetime show in the north west that will see them return to the airwaves.
Rachel Burke-Davies and Nigel “Wingman” Clucas have been signed up by Manchester’s Happy Radio to host its new Drivetime show on weekdays from 4pm to 7pm.
The new show will launch from Monday, September 1, on the radio station that broadcasts across the north west and was set up to play “all the songs that make you smile”.
Rachel and Wingman, alongside DJ Rob Ellis, became household names in the north west after spending over 11 years hosting the Capital Manchester Breakfast Show, and then a further six years presenting Capital Manchester and Lancashire’s Drive Show.
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But the team were axed in a shake-up by Global Radio in February, which saw all regional Heart, Capital and Smooth breakfast and drivetime shows in England replaced by London-based broadcasts instead as part of its “Nations Strategy”.
Rob, Rachel and Nigel went on to jointly launch their own podcast in June, called Decommissioned, after their exit from the airwaves – with new episodes continuing to drop every Tuesday.
Now fans will be delighted to hear that Wingman and Rachel will be back on the airwaves in Greater Manchester with Happy Radio, teaming up with a host of fellow Manchester music legends.
The station was first launched in 2022 by former Key 103 DJ Darren Proctor alongside Max Eden, and has grown with an impressive roster of radio talent to become what it says is the “fastest growing radio station in the North West”, now reaching over 750,000 monthly listeners.
The current presenter line-up includes former Key 103 stars Steve Penk, Chelsea Norris, Spence Macdonald, Darren Proctor and Paul Crone.
Former Key 103 DJ Darren Proctor launched Happy Radio in 2022(Image: Happy Radio)
A statement from Happy Radio announced the news of Rachel and Wingman on Tuesday morning.
It said: “Happy Radio UK is delighted to announce that two of Manchester’s best-loved presenters, Rachel Burke-Davies and Wingman (Nigel Clucas), will be joining the station to front its brand-new Drivetime show weekdays from 4-7pm, launching September 1st.
“Rachel and Wingman are household names across the North West, having spent over 11 years as part of the Capital Manchester Breakfast Show with Rob Ellis, followed by a further six years presenting Capital Manchester & Lancashire’s Drive Show.
“Their unmistakable chemistry, humour, and warmth have made them two of the region’s most recognisable radio personalities.”
Station owners Max and Darren spoke of their excitement on the new signings and said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to have Rachael and Wingman join the Happy Radio family.
The new show starts on September 1(Image: Happy Radio)
“They are two of the most talented and loved presenters in the North West, and their energy, humour and local connection make them the perfect fit for our station.
“Happy Radio has grown rapidly thanks to our amazing listeners and strong partnerships, and this new show is another big step forward for us.”
With the arrival of Rachael & Wingman on Drivetime, the station will also see some further schedule changes as Ian Roberts moves to weeknights 10pm–1am, and Faye Bamford takes over weekends 12–2pm.
Drivetime with Rachel & Wingman (sponsored by Chapelhouse Motors) launches Friday 1st September 2025 on Happy Radio, which has DAB radio coverage across the north west, is available on Freeview TV (Channel 277) and available to stream online on smart speakers.
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