MAN about town and Ipswich celebrity Bob Shelley took another step to stardom yesterday.The larger-than-life character and Evening Star columnist launched his new Sunday show on Radio Suffolk.

By JON TUNNEY

jon.tunney@eveningstar.co.uk

MAN about town and Ipswich celebrity Bob Shelley took another step to stardom yesterday.

The larger-than-life character and Evening Star columnist launched his new Sunday show on Radio Suffolk.

And Bob pronounced himself delighted with the result. He said: "It was great, absolutely terrific."

The three-hour slot will run from 10am to 1pm every Sunday, featuring the laugh-a-minute personality Evening Star readers have come to love, alongside co-presenter Becky Betts.

Bob said: "It's absolutely brilliant. I'm so delighted the people at Radio Suffolk have so much confidence in me.

"Everyone here has been a great help, all the production staff and Becky have been brilliant.

"The programme's going to be about having lots of laughs, getting in anyone interesting I come across and a few games and competitions."

One colleague helping Bob settle in has returned to Radio Suffolk after a long lay-off in warmer climes.

Charles Collins was the first sports producer at the station when it launched 13 years ago.

The Australian headed back to Melbourne, but is now back at the microphone.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be back. I didn't even feel cold until yesterday at Portman Road."

The Aussie ex-pat became a devoted Town fan during his first Suffolk stint. And now he is taking the opportunity to follow them at closer quarters.

He said: "I became quite passionate about it. I was at Oxford when we got promoted, that was a great day. It was a sad year last year, but things seem to be turning around now."

He's already been back behind the mike at the radio station and is going to be involved in a number of programmes.

But his exact role at broadcasting house hasn't yet been decided – although it should involve both presenting and producing.