"We have some news After 31 years of presenting the 9:30am-midday weekday show Ken Bruce has decided to leave," a statement from the BBC read. Paul OGrady has quit his BBC Radio 2 show after station bosses made him share his Sunday afternoon slot with another presenter as part of a push to attract younger listeners. for a Royal special, tonight on ITV1 & ITVX at 9pm! Jamie Phillips In July, many listeners vented their anger as it was revealed that Steve's much-loved afternoon show was coming to an end after 23 years. @malprin. 5-min read. His last show included many of his popular segments, including providing the recipe for a Hawaiian-style cocktail and paying tribute to listeners' pets that have recently died. The 67-year-old announced in August this year that he was stepping down . Born on June 14, 1955 in Birkenhead, before he hit the big time, TV star Paul O' Grady performed as Lily Savage in the 80s. Paul O'Grady has quit his BBC Radio 2 show after station bosses made him share his Sunday afternoon slot with another presenter as part of a push to attract younger listeners.. Paul admitted it was a "marriage of convenience", saying he wedded Teresa Fernandes in 1977 to stop her from being deported. Camilla, Queen Consort, will feature in a special episode. It isnt an easy balancing act, but this shifting landscape will no doubt kick Radio 2 into gear. 15 Aug 2022. Many other shows have also been moved on the station's schedule. Not going anywhere!" We respect his decision and wish him the very best of luck in the future as hes been a much loved part of the Radio 2 family.. "So I'm not going anywhere. But in February he was forced to give up half of his shows and share the time slot with 36-year-old comedian Rob Beckett with the men swapping presenting duties every three months. "I'll miss being a part of the Wogan House family, as well as the listeners and their lives. The 67-year-old broadcaster spoke out following the newsBruce was leaving the BBC station after 45 years to go to commercial rival Greatest Hits Radio. The TV star described his show as a "Cinderella story" during which animals who were previously "scared of their own shadow" can be seen regaining confidence and happiness after being matched to the right loving families. No longer self isolating but still cautious. This article contains content provided by Instagram. Im travelling light this time but when I used to go on the road, Id take my Baby Belling oven and my electric frying pan. Fans greeted the news of his replacement with mixed reviews and branded BBC bosses' decision 'classless', but appearing on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show this morning, Kay paid tribute to his predecessor. Tags: Paul O'Grady. It posted a statement on social media, which read: "We're sad to say that after 14 years on Sunday afternoons, Paul O'Grady has decided to leave Radio 2". Gardening leave, it was reported, to avoid each day being one big advert for his new slot on their rival, Bauers Greatest Hits Radio. Pauls radio producer Malcolm announced the news today, writing on Twitter: Pauls taking #TeamPOGradio to @BoomRadioUK for the annual Christmas show!, Alongside a picture of Paul, the caption continued: Its a one-off special and, if youd like a shoutout, for your friends or family, email now.. Save. Alternative Sounds of the 90s with Dermot O'Leary. Theres a new regime now, I do 13 weeks on and then 13 off which is nothing to do with me as its a management decision. Radio 2 was always for an older audience.'. Vanessa Feltz, 61, and Craig Charles, 58, have also moved on. Read about our approach to external linking. What is their net worth? The Red Dwarf actor, 57, presented his show Craig Charles' House Party on Saturdays from 10pm to midnight since 2014, but was axed in July 2022. Join Paul and the Dogs at. He continues to host For The Love of Dogs, an ITV series following the staff at Battersea Dogs Home and the dogs they care for. Do you have a story to sell? 233 following. No offence to Rob but two completely different personalities and audiences. I like it when I get there, its the travelling I dont enjoy. Half a million listeners have already tuned out of the station in the past year, and Bruces departure will no doubt cost them more. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. 'They became frustrated by the rival station launching a marketing campaign for his show. They said: 'It shows zero respect for Ken and what he has done for Radio 2.'. He had hosted the 5pm-7pm drivetime slot solo for nine years before Jo Whiley was drafted in to be his co-host in 2018. Paul O'Grady is stepping down from his BBC Radio 2 show after hosting the Sunday afternoon slot for 14 years. #POGDOGS. More info. "Thank you very much for the kind words. Radio 2 adamantly denied her claims in a statement in which it added that the channel "is hugely proud of having a range of presenters from their 30s to 80 years old". In response to Bruces tweet, a BBC spokesperson told The Independent: Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and its always been known hes leaving in March. "I ended up talking to my pigs!" He is certainly not wrong there. Jamie Phillips "I have loved every moment with my Radio 2 'Early Birds' and will miss my Lovely Listeners, Jolly Good Fellows and beloved friends and colleagues at Radio 2 with all my heart," she told listeners via a statement. I live on a farm in Kent and I ended up talking to my pigs! Safe to say, Pauls ever-devoted fans were over the moon for him on this career news. BBC Radio 2 confirmed the news that Paul O'Grady was leaving at approximately 11 am on Tuesday, 9 August 2022. I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. "I will enjoy a dollop of energy-boosting shut-eye to swing from zip-lines with my three effervescent grandchildren and frolic with my fianc Ben, who irritatingly remains 10 years younger than me!". Thank you @BoomRadioUK, before asking: Will there be a regular spot for #teampog in the future?, The radio station saw the tweet and replied back: Well mention it to Father Christmas when we see him.. Meanwhile, the keen farmer produced his own chutney and jam - but he couldn't shake off the boredom, and was elated when the time came to return to work. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Although the presenter had fully intended to continue as contracted until the end of March, the BBC decided Friday would be his last show. The broadcaster, 67, took to the Radio 2 airwaves one last time earlier today . Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter'. On a Saturday, between the matinee and the evening show, theyd come over to us, or wed go over to them. Published: 9 Aug 2022 . I was in panto and I went for a drink afterwards with the producer. 2-min read. There's not another radio programme like it the incomparable Paul O'Grady. Many took to Twitter to express their delight for the TV and radio legend. It was then announced Ken would be swapping the BBC for Bauer at the end of March, as it was revealed he would joining Greatest Hits Radio. "So, I did the honourable thing and I honoured my contract, gave my notice and now I'm off. "This show stays," he confirmed, referring to his popular weekend programme, before reassuring fans he will be doing ''other exciting projects for Radio 2 in the future.'. Tweets. Meanwhile, Rob expressed his excitement at landing his new Radio 2 role, saying earlier this month: As someone that has inhuman levels of energy, Im incredibly grateful and excited that the BBC are letting me loose on the airwaves to try and pump up anyone feeling the end-of-weekend blues. Courteney Cox reacts to Prince Harry's claim he did mushrooms at house [REVELATIONS], Louise Minchin gave up sport 30 years ago over changing bodyshape [INTERVIEW], Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford share rare snaps with son on birthday [PICTURES]. I know youre not supposed to but I like working with kids. Care worker for Camden, the Vauxhall Tavern's drag-show compere and now Cupid on Blind Date, Paul O'Grady discusses love, loss and loathing the Tories He attended Christian Brothers School and, after his graduation, worked as a clerk in a magistrate's court. Im not good in hotels. To mark the occasion, Daily Star has taken a sneak-peek into his life. Radio 2 has changed, its not what it was. It really, really means a lot and I'm back on afternoons until the Autumn from tomorrow anyway. However, after almost 12 blissful years, I now need to step down to catch up on a much needed decades deficit of beauty sleep! ', The comments below have not been moderated, By "I was [disappointed] because I'm a great believer in continuity," he revealed, after relinquishing a slot he had held for 14 years. "We wish Paul the very best of luck and hope to work . Ken explained his reasons for leaving Radio 2 in his quote and on air, the BBC previously told The Independent when approached about allegations of ageism from listeners. Craig Charles' Radio 2 show on a Saturday night was axed last summer, amid the ongoing shake up of the BBC stations. Entertainment Daily Awards 2022: Is Paul OGrady your National Treasure? So no, Paul OGrady, Radio 2 isnt what it was, but nothing can stay the same for ever. Chris Evans, of course, left the Radio 2 Breakfast Show for Virgin in 2019. Youll get a dog coming in thats in a terrible state and terrified of its own shadow. The 67-year-old will be replaced by ex-Radio 1 host Scott Mills, 49. Paul O'Grady has quit his BBC Radio 2 show after 14 years on air. In need of constant stimulation, he struggled to thrive without human contact while he was confined to his farm in Kent. Ahead of his last show, Paul O'Grady revealed why he is quitting his BBC Radio 2 show. Dont we all! Published: Tuesday, 9th August 2022 at 11:20 am. Olga often used to visit Radio 2 to see what Paul was doing; she was seldom impressed. Within the space of three years, Radio 2 has seen many of its long-standing stars quit the show and move on . The comedian, 67 . First published on Sun 14 Aug 2022 17.10 EDT. Paul O'Grady pictured in February 2022. Graham Norton and Nick Grimshaw nominated for Metro.co.uk's top host gong at LGBT Awards. Paul's last programme will be on Sunday 14 August as he comes to the end of . The decision . Celeb obsessed? Audio Producer #TeamPOGradio with Paul O'Grady. "You're not valued in the same way, the music isn't as appealing because they've kind of changed the music of Radio 2 to appeal to the younger audience they're so desperate to get.". Theyre trying to aim for a much younger audience, which doesnt make sense because youve got Radio 1. I was disappointed, because Im a great believer in continuity, he told Metro.co.uk, adding: If you go off for 13 weeks and somebody else comes on, the listeners dont know when youre back on., He continued: Radio 2 has changed; its not what it was. Paul James O'Grady was born on 14 June 1955 in Birkenhead, England. Bruce leaving is undoubtedly the end of an era, but that doesnt mean it spells the end of the station. So what do you think of this story? He said: 'I was called in at 12.30 and told that my final show would be a week today and wasn't given any real reason that I understood. During that time he met a woman named Diane Jansen with whom he had a brief affair. Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. Paul O'Grady said in a statement on Tuesday he "loved" doing his Sunday afternoon show but feels it is the "right time to go" O'Grady and Beckett had been swapping over every 13 weeks in the slot, after a shake-up to the station's schedule. Radio 2 announces today that presenter Paul O'Grady has decided to leave his Sunday afternoon show on the network. The broadcaster's comments come after the news that veteran DJ Ken Bruce was leaving the station after 45 years to go to Greatest Hits Radio. Ive played Miss Hannigan before, in 1998 in London, and then we toured with it. He is the latest in a string of older DJs to step back, including Steve Wright, Graham Norton and Simon Mayo. Dec 19, 2022. The Drag Race UK judge began presenting his Saturday morning show in 2010, following Jonathan Ross' BBC exit, but after 10 years on-air he walked away from the gig. Paul O'Grady is set to play Miss Hannigan in Annie (Picture: Rex/Metro) TV host Paul O'Grady, 67, . Chris Evans bids farewell to BBC Radio 2. Speaking to his long-suffering colleague in their 546th and final programme, O'Grady, 67, said the show had been one of the "longest jobs I've ever held down", before addressing his listeners to tell them it "wouldn't have been the same" without them. Vanessa Feltz has also quit her early morning breakfast show, along with her BBC London presenting job, amid speculation she could be joining a revamped talkTV schedule. Paul O'Grady breaks silence as BBC Radio 2 show taken off air amid 'new regime'. 'Radio 2 has changed, it's not what it was,' he told Metro.co.uk. For starters, the figures of listeners deserting the station might seem startling 580,000 people, according to the audience research body Rajar but in the context of Radio 2s 14 million weekly listeners, there is a long way to go until its total collapse. Schedule. Meanwhile, Paul's own departure came soon after a long lockdown period during which the bubbly broadcaster admitted to being "fed up and bored". The 66-year-old presenter told fans that he will now do "13 weeks on and then 13 off" in the Paul O'Grady on the Wireless slot on Sunday, from 5-7pm.. Read more: Paul O'Grady almost died after petting wounded dog Sharing a picture along with one of his dogs, Nancy, the .