Paul O'Grady has revealed the real reason he's quit his BBC Radio 2 show, after presenting it for 14 years. I'd like to thank my producer Malcolm Prince and all the teams I've worked with for a great decade of radio. Paul OGrady reflects on another birthday, Paul OGrady recalls Malcolms movie career. Following his departure from Radio 2, the much-loved presenter has revealed that he is not only working on a second series of the NTA nominated series For the Love of Dogs but also the release of a second childrens book. He is certainly not wrong there. Paul O'Grady's Radio exit wasn't entirely amicable - with the star admitting he quit due to "not being happy" with the BBC's plans for his popular show. The comedian, 66, who used to perform as drag queen Lily Savage, presented Paul . The decision did not sit well with Simon who quit months later, after saying he'd imagined himself staying at the station until he retired. Bruce leaving is undoubtedly the end of an era, but that doesnt mean it spells the end of the station. Of course, theyd smell it down the corridor and the manager would be up saying, Are you cooking in the room?. The real story here is that commercial radio is having a moment and good for them. I always say, You dont want this again, do you, arent you sick of me? I think its popular because its a feel-good programme. "Radio 2 has changed, its not what it was. The statement concluded: "[We] will continue to be a multi-generational radio station that serves a 35-plus audience with listeners tuning in each week to our brilliant range of programmes, hosted by some of the UKs best-loved presenters.". You may want to read Metas Instagram cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. However, Paul O'Grady has admitted he is leaving his BBC Radio 2 program because he "wasn't very thrilled" with the changes made to the schedule that made him share the position with another presenter, Rob Beckett. 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. The broadcasters comments come after the news that veteran DJ Ken Bruce was leaving the station after 45 years to go to Greatest Hits Radio. The former Lily Savage star has been hosting a Sunday evening show on the station from 5pm until 7pm since 2009. 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. What I think is happening is that we are passing through a period of turbulence. InJanuary, when Bruce announced his departure, former Radio 2 DJ Vanessa feltz accused the BBC of ageism. Why do they never ask the listeners for their views? Bruces departure marks the culmination of both his 31-year career with Radio 2 and a painful week for everyone involved. he chuckled, before adding that he also used the time to pen a children's book and learnt to play the ukelele. 'To be asked to step into those big shoes it was a big deep breath, I'll be honest with you. Paul O'Grady. Comedy legend Paul O'Grady has been a regular Radio 2 host on Sunday afternoons since 2009 – but has been removed from airwaves by BBC bosses and fans are not happy about his replacement 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.. (ITV/Getty/BBC) BBC Radio 2 has been undergoing somewhat of a facelift over the last few years. MORE : Craig Revel Horwood loves playing Miss Hannigan in Annie: She despises children and shes drunk most of the time, MORE : Vernon Kay emotional as he speaks out on taking over from Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies aged 61 after brain aneurysm, Gogglebox star Ellie Warner reveals babys gender in adorable moment with sister Izzis young children, Babatunde Aleshe confirms Matt Hancock is out of Im A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Now, OGrady, who left Radio 2 in 2021 after being asked to share his slot with comedian Rob Beckett, has explained the motivation behind his decision. Maybe it is a deeply-embedded loyalty to the station I never realised I had, maybe it is blind optimism, but I dont think this is the case. In a statement shared days before his final show, Paul said: "I've loved doing my Sunday afternoon show for the last 14 years and I'm going to miss my listeners as well as the fun I've had with my producer Malcolm Prince, but I feel that now is the right time to go.". "Its been an honour and privilege to be the Breakfast voice of BBC Radio London for 20 years and although Im leaving the show, Ill continue to expect hugs from my lovely listeners when I see them on the streets of London! Four more whiskies later and Im saying, Do you know, I wouldnt mind doing a few weeks of Annie. So, Im doing seven weeks. After 14 years, you left your Radio 2 show last year, handing in your notice after being . The announcement comes after a shake-up which saw him share the slot with comedian . But Eddie, one of my other dogs, hates them all hes not interested in friends! ", He added: "Thanks very much and good luck to everyone on Radio 2 and long may it continue.". We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Half a million listeners have already tuned out of the station in the past year, and Bruces departure will no doubt cost them more. They wanted three and to tell you the truth I dont have an idea in my head for the third one! Wonderful news and love to you both, another added. He said in a lengthy Instagram post: Its my last Radio2 Sunday show for quite sometime, our listening figures have shot up so a great big thank you to everyone who listens. Ill probably get a flat, because then you can cater for yourself. Paul O'Grady. Tags: Paul O'Grady. A Radio 2 spokeswoman said:'Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and it's always been known he's leaving in March. Paul O'Grady and producer Malcolm discuss the merits of another birthday. We're delighted that we are back! Youve already lost @GrahamNortonFan and now this. 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 . Vernon Kay was this week announced as his replacement and broke down in tears while talking about his new role. #Blackpool. Graham Norton and Nick Grimshaw nominated for Metro.co.uk's top host gong at LGBT Awards. "Radio 2 has changed, it . Paul is also known for his Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs and Paul O'Grady's Animal Orphans as well as presenting BBC Radio 2's Paul O'Grady on the Wireless. 'They became frustrated by the rival station launching a marketing campaign for his show. Youd also have to be a real cynic not to be melted by the warmth of Saturday afternoons with Rylan Clark, and what is not to love about the lovely Liza Tarbuck and those uplifting listener tales? Paul O'Grady has broken his silence after it was announced his BBC Radio 2 show was being taken off air until May.. Two genuine slip ups today -- "get the incest going" instead of "get the incense going", and his mobile phone dinged to announce an SMS just after he had asked a friend to get in touch. Paul OGrady has expressed his disappointment with BBC Radio 2, saying its not what it was. Tweets. Radio 2 was always for an older audience. Paul O'Grady has addressed his BBC Radio 2 exit after 14 years. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Paul O'Grady has expressed his "disappointment" with BBC Radio 2, saying "it's not what it was". "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.". Read about our approach to external linking. And now we have Vernon Kay, who will take the helm of the midmorning show in May, while Sounds of the 80s Gary Davies keeps the seat warm in the interim. Paul O'Grady has hit out at BBC Radio 2 for allowing Ken Bruce to depart the station. It comes as a BBC source told The Sun: 'The BBC believe that every second he is on air is just free advertising for his new show on Greatest Hits Radio. BBC Radio 2, Paul OGrady lamented this week, is not what it once was. 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. Paul O'Grady and Steve Wright. Radio 2 fans have accused the BBC of ageism after Paul O'Grady quit the station today. I live on a farm in Kent and I ended up talking to my pigs! He said he was doing a national tour of Annie. BBC Radio 2 confirmed the news that Paul O'Grady was leaving at approximately 11 am on Tuesday, 9 August 2022. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? "Obviously I'm sad to be stepping away from my Radio 2 show," Graham said in a statement at the time. 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. This came after Paul bid farewell to his 14 year stint on Radio 2 in August . Paul O'Grady's regular BBC Radio 2 show will no longer be on the airwaves until May. Tweets & replies. Your news has made my Christmas! @WGBpl. Radio 2 has been attempting to attract a younger audience in recent years, while also reducing the wage bill it pays some of its leading presenters. OGrady, 67, said that Radio 2 was always for an older audience. 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. Two other big names - Vanessa Feltz and Craig Charles - have been announced in recent months as leaving the station, while Steve Wright is also vacating his weekday afternoon slot to be replaced by Scott Mills. Concluding a video message shared with his fans just before his last ever show, Paul said: "And the reason I'm leaving because everybody's asked me this. You don't think of any other DJ when you think of that slot. One passionate fan tweeted: Oh that is the best news!! BBC launches hunt to find singer's for King's coronation choir, following the newsBruce was leaving the BBC station after 45 years to go to commercial rival Greatest Hits Radio. BBC Radio 2 fans are angry after hearing fan favourite Paul O'Grady is being taken off air after 23 years - to be replaced by younger comedian Rob Beckett. The broadcaster, 67, took to the BBC airwaves for the final time in August, following his shock announcement he would be leaving his popular slot earlier in the week and speculation surrounding his departure. Read about our approach to external linking. I learnt two songs on the ukulele, I made loads of chutney and jam and I wrote a kids book. Paul O'Grady has announced that he will be departing his BBC Radio 2 show after 14 years in the job. The For The Love Of Dogs star, 66, has been a familiar voice on the radio slot . The 67-year-old will be replaced by ex-Radio 1 host Scott Mills, 49. Dont we all! Ahead of his final show, O'Grady cited the change as the reason he was going. Bruce told the Mail he was 'surprised and disappointed' by the decision. for a Royal special, tonight on ITV1 & ITVX at 9pm! The presenter, 66, has been replaced with comedian . In just a handful of years, the stations schedule has undergone so much change that the media has referred to a Radio 2 bloodbath, and OGrady is just one of those who has fallen victim. 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 Paul O'Grady signed off on Sunday from his final Radio 2 show, O'Grady with Malcolm Prince, the producer on his radio show since 2009, Harry: I feared losing memories of mum during therapy, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Canadian grandma helps police snag phone scammer, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress. Last summer O'Grady left Radio 2 after Steve Wright, 68, Graham Norton, 59, and Simon Mayo, 64, all left and were replaced with a younger lineup. "We wish Paul the very best of luck and hope to work . The veteran TV presenter went on to admit he "wasn't really happy" with controversial changes at the BBC station - including sharing his show on a '13 weeks on, 13 weeks off' basis with comedian Rob Beckett. It leaves a sour taste.'. At conservative gathering, Trump is still the favourite. Radio 2 listeners have expressed their anger as Paul O'Grady has been taken off-air until May - a decision he insists was down to show bosses. So no, Paul OGrady, Radio 2 isnt what it was, but nothing can stay the same for ever. By Molly Powell. Everyone and their dog waded in on what they thought of this, and the whole saga has been poorly handled, awkward, messy, and worst of all, a sad way to close such an esteemed three decades for Bruce. 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.. #POGDOGS. 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.. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. @malprin. Although Paul has joked that he has repeatedly asked ITV whether they really want him back for another series, it looks like keen fans certainly haven't seen the last of him yet. Paul O'Grady handed in his notice at Radio 2 after being asked to share his regular slot with Rob Beckett, who, at 37, is three decades his junior. Express. Save. Join Paul for an exclusive live afternoon chat and book signing at.