Disco diva Gloria Gaynor presenting BBC gospel programme.

A NEW SERIES of black gospel shows will be presented on BBC Radio 2 by singer Gloria Gaynor, best known for her pop hit "I Will Survive". The 45-minute shows will be transmitted each Thursday at 9pm for eight weeks. Gaynor, who has already hosted her own radio show in the States, will be writing the links for the shows herself.Each programme will feature a live performance by a British gospel performer recorded at concerts held in London and Oldham in recent weeks. Artists included will be Jubilant Voices, Plain Truth, Birmingham Mass Choir, Dorothy Allen, Leeds Choral Gospel Group, Merrybell Choir, Pat & Co. and Barbara Brooks. In addition to the live material, Gaynor will be playing a selection of the best American gospel music on disc, including artists like Aretha Franklin, Al Green and Albertina Walker.A special feature will be the inclusion of rare early gospel material dating back to 1913 made available to the show by a private collector. Gaynor is currently working on material for two new albums, one gospel and one for the secular market, which she will be recording in Germany for release later this year.