Chris Evans will broadcast from the cockpit of a Spitfire as part of a day commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

He will host his Radio 2 Breakfast Show on Friday September 18 from Biggin Hill, which was a key RAF base during the aerial battle over England in 1940, before taking to the air in the famous fighter plane to fly over the White Cliffs of Dover and broadcast live into Ken Bruce’s show.

Chris, recently unveiled as the new Top Gear host, said: “It’s so important we remember and commemorate the sacrifices made by the men and women during World War II. It will be an honour for me to broadcast this special show from Biggin Hill, and it will be an incredible privilege to fly in what is surely the most iconic plane in British flying history.”

Spitfire
Chris Evans will broadcast from a Spitfire (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Jeremy Vine’s radio show will also be based at Biggin Hill before he joins Dermot O’Leary and Sophie Raworth for a concert telling the story of how the RAF saw off the Luftwaffe in the early months of the Second World War.

The performance will feature the BBC Concert Orchestra, actors, singers and current RAF personnel and will be live on Radio 2, the BBC red button and in around 300 cinemas.

Jeremy Vine
Jeremy Vine is part of the special broadcast (BBC)

Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan said: “Radio 2’s day of programming to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain will be a very special and fitting tribute to honour all those who took part, those who lost their lives and those very few veterans still alive today who were there.

“With the Friday Night is Music Night concert going out on Radio 2, BBC Red Button and cinemas around the country, we hope many people will join together to tune in and watch wherever they are.”