A BBC spokesperson emphasised that it was OGradys decision to quit: Were sad to say that after 14 years on Sunday afternoons, Paul OGrady has decided to leave Radio 2. The presenter will be absent from BBC Radio 2 for 13 weeks. The 67-year-old announced in August this year that he was stepping down . O'Grady, who left Radio 2 in 2021 after being asked to share his slot with comedian Rob Beckett, criticised the approach taken by bosses. 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.. They said: 'It shows zero respect for Ken and what he has done for Radio 2.'. Shes lovely, the friendliest dog on the planet. Paul O'Grady pictured in February 2022. Something went wrong, please try again later. You don't think of any other DJ when you think of that slot. "I'll miss being a part of the Wogan House family, as well as the listeners and their lives. 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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 I'd like to thank my producer Malcolm Prince and all the teams I've worked with for a great decade of radio. The TV and radio host lamented that he was "disappointed", suggesting Radio 2 was always intended for an older audience, but that producers are on a quest to make it more appealing to the younger generation. Paul will reprise his role as Miss Hannigan, who he previously played back in 1998. Paul OGrady has expressed his disappointment with BBC Radio 2, saying its not what it was. After 14 years, you left your Radio 2 show last year, handing in your notice after being . Let's enjoy the week ahead!'. "But it didnt work out like that, so it was an uncomfortable period., Speaking to the Daily Mail, Simon said he felt bosses were under 'genuine pressure from the top about improving the number of women in daytime and to make the network more contemporary.'. 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. I go in a hotel room and I look at the bed and I think, Hmm, how many people have slept in this before me? Even in a posh hotel I think that. Paul O'Grady has finished his 14-year stint on Radio 2 and confirmed reports it was because he was unhappy about sharing his Sunday afternoon slot. 19K Followers. Beckett will return to Sunday afternoons for his next 13-week run of shows next Sunday. BBC bosses made OGrady, 67, share slot with Rob Beckett in push to attract younger listeners. The 66-year-old comedian has helmed his Paul O'Grady on the Wireless show since 2009 with fans tuning in every Sunday to be warmed by his gentle humour and celebrity anecdotes from 5-7pm. BBC Radio 2, Paul O'Grady lamented this week, is not what it once was. 1:05. Camilla, Queen Consort, will feature in a special episode. However, relations between Ken and the radio station appeared to have soured in recent weeks, with the legend announcing that he had been forced to cut his contract short by the BBC. The former Coronation Street star can still be heard on BBC Radio 6 Music each weekday (1-4pm) and on The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show (Saturday nights, 6-9pm). For over 14 years, the 67-year-old had been hosting the Sunday afternoon show before a shift saw him routinely switching with . The presenter took to Instagram to share a message with his followers ahead of his final show on August 14. 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. Ahead of his last show, Paul O'Grady revealed why he is quitting his BBC Radio 2 show. #Blackpool. Bruce told the Mail he was 'surprised and disappointed' by the decision. 396 Following. Radio 2 announces today that presenter Paul O'Grady has decided to leave his Sunday afternoon show on the network. Read about our approach to external linking. Fellow celebrity Vanessa Feltz, who is 61 and also left Radio 2 last year, claimed on This Morning: "I would imagine that it's a feeling of some sense of ageism at the BBC and that once you get over a certain age, your days are numbered. Youve already lost @GrahamNortonFan and now this. 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! The decision . William and Kate worried Prince George will be overwhelmed at King Charles coronation, Beyond Paradise fans turns emotional at Ruth Madocs final on-screen appearance. Within the space of three years, Radio 2 has seen many of its long-standing stars quit the show and move on . 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. I do her far more downtrodden. Wonderful news and love to you both, another added. The tv star will not be on the airwaves until May as Rob Beckett takes over his BBC Radio 2 slot. 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 admitted it was a "marriage of convenience", saying he wedded Teresa Fernandes in 1977 to stop her from being deported. Watch: Paul O'Grady explains reasons for leaving Radio 2 after 14 years. At around the same time, veteran broadcaster Ken Bruce, 72, also left the station to transfer to Greatest Hits Radio, sparking an "ageism" row. Will you be tuning into Paul O Gradys show on Christmas Day? Published: 9 Aug 2022 . Paul O'Grady has criticised Radio 2, saying 'it's not what it was' after Ken Bruce quit his primetime show.. On a Saturday, between the matinee and the evening show, theyd come over to us, or wed go over to them. 17:24 GMT 28 Feb 2023. 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. 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 . Im going to do her a lot older, where shes got no tolerance at all for kids all she wants to do is listen to her radio and get drunk. Paul O'Grady and Steve Wright. Paul O'Grady has revealed that his BBC Radio 2 weekend show will not air again until May due to a "management decision". Paul O'Grady revealed the real reason behind his BBC Radio 2 exit ahead of his final Sunday show.. The 67-year-old icon left Radio 2 in August after 14 years at the station, saying he wasnt really happy there. If you go off for 13 weeks and somebody else comes on, the listeners dont know when youre back on. Paul O'Grady fans are over the moon as the much-loved star has revealed his next career venture following his infamous BBC Radio exit. Paul O'Grady reflects on another birthday. "I just . Youll get a dog coming in thats in a terrible state and terrified of its own shadow. Addressing the reaction on his weekend show, Steve told listeners of his Sunday Love Songs show: "Before we start the show proper, if I may, I'd just like to say thank you ever so much for all the messages that have come in, over the weekend after I announced on Friday on the afternoon that we are leaving the afternoon show. The 67-year-old has been at the station for 14 years and has hosted the Sunday afternoon slot since 2009. Vernon Kay has been announced as Bruces replacement, Reports: 3 children dead, 2 wounded in attack at Texas home, Kellyanne Conway, George Conway To Divorce After Decadeslong Marriage: Report, School punished teen girl for working out in sports bra in 100-degree Texas heat, ACLU says, U.S. court won't require FAA to make airplane seat size, spacing rules, 'Extremely dangerous': Spike in illegal crossings at Canada-Vermont border has feds sounding alarm, Ken Bruce final Radio 2 show as it happened: DJ says goodbye as fans and fellow stars share emotional tributes, Ken Bruce utters final words on Radio 2 as he leaves BBC after 45 years, Ken Bruce opens last BBC Radio 2 show and says early exit is a shame, Ken Bruce leaves Radio 2: DJ signs off show for the final time, Ken Bruce bows out from BBC Radio 2, paying tribute to world's 'finest' broadcaster. However, the For the Love of Dogs presenter has since been snapped up by Boom Radio UK for a one-off Christmas Day special. The 67-year-old broadcaster spoke out following the news Bruce was leaving the BBC . During that time he met a woman named Diane Jansen with whom he had a brief affair. "Were going to miss you lots Ken and want to congratulate you on a fantastic career at the BBC.". 15 Aug 2022. 2-min read. 736K followers. In an Instagram post on Sunday, O'Grady said: "The reason I'm leaving, because everybody's asking me this, is because I wasn't really happy with the 13 weeks on, 13 weeks off business. A Romanian sausage dog, called Sausage, or Sos I couldnt think of a name for her. The TV and radio host lamented that he was . It isnt an easy balancing act, but this shifting landscape will no doubt kick Radio 2 into gear. Last week, Bruce tweeted: 'I will be presenting my last show on Radio 2 next Friday. Many took to Twitter to express their delight for the TV and radio legend. #POGDOGS. Let's enjoy the week ahead!". We wish Paul the very best of luck and hope to work with him again in the future., Paul OGrady: Im not worried about sex, money or fame I just want a mongoose, Sign up to First Edition, our free daily newsletter every weekday morning at 7am BST, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Paul O'Grady: I feel that now is the right time to go., KenBruces Radio 2 departure handled badly, says Simon Mayo, KenBruce says BBC has hastened his Radio 2 exit, Vernon Kay confirmed as new host of Ken Bruces BBC Radio 2 slot, Its like signing Messi: Ken Bruces move a coup for Greatest Hits Radio, KenBruce to leave BBC for new radio show, BBClocal radio stations face big cuts to content made for their area, Radio presenter Tim Gough dies during breakfast show, Michael Gove lined up to become presenter on News UKs Times Radio, Steve Wright signs off from Radio 2 afternoon show after 23 years. Of course, theyd smell it down the corridor and the manager would be up saying, Are you cooking in the room?. This article contains content provided by Instagram. Ken Bruce will host his last ever Radio 2 show today, two months after he confirmed he would be moving on after 31 years at the BBC station. Paul O'Grady is leaving BBC Radio 2, saying it was "the right time to go". OGrady has said this weekends show will be his final broadcast: Ive loved doing my Sunday afternoon show for the last 14 years and Im going to miss my listeners as well as the fun Ive had with my producer, Malcolm Prince, but I feel that now is the right time to go.. Ive played Miss Hannigan before, in 1998 in London, and then we toured with it. 'They're trying to aim for a much younger audience, which doesn't make sense because you've got Radio 1. Vernon Kay has been announced as Bruces replacement, and will join fellow DJs Zoe Ball, Dermot OLeary, Rylan and Steve Wright. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? Express. He revealed yet more huge career news on Instagram in October, announcing that he will be joining the cast of Annie. Rory Tingle For Mailonline We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. 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.. He has also recently confirmed that the For the Love of Dogs Christmas special will feature a special royal guest. 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]. The For The Love Of Dogs star, 66, has been a familiar voice on the radio slot . Bruces departure marks the culmination of both his 31-year career with Radio 2 and a painful week for everyone involved. The 67-year-old icon left Radio 2 in . 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. Veteran DJ Tony Blackburn has also complained about his Golden Hour show being shunted to Sunday nights. The news comes after a recent change up at the station saw O'Grady sharing his . The 67-year-old has been at the station for 14 years and has hosted the Sunday afternoon slot since 2009. Vote now! Tweets. Safe to say, Pauls ever-devoted fans were over the moon for him on this career news. Fans reacted in horror at his shock news with actress Amanda Mealing branding the move by Radio 2 basses: a f**king farce. Besides Sausage and his other dogs, Paul also keeps pigs, chickens, sheep, goats and fluffy alpacas, meaning there's never a quiet moment on the farm. , updated 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. Paul O'Grady, 67, took to Instagram to share a picture of himself on board a speed boat after news broke this week that the presenter would be stepping down from his BBC Radio 2 show. When we were in the West End with Annie, Starlight Express was on around the corner. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. The 67-year-old will be replaced by ex-Radio 1 host Scott Mills, 49. 2-min read. Videos Tagged. Radio 2 fans have accused the BBC of ageism after Paul O'Grady quit the station today. Hes an experienced broadcaster, has put in the hours as a stand-in, and he might just surprise us. We're delighted that we are back! 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. An industry insider said the move by the BBC made the broadcaster look 'very ungracious' about Bruce's 'decades of service'. 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. The 67-year-old hosted the Sunday afternoon programme for almost 13 years . So where does that leave Radio 2? InJanuary, when Bruce announced his departure, former Radio 2 DJ Vanessa feltz accused the BBC of ageism. 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. "Obviously I'm sad to be stepping away from my Radio 2 show," Graham said in a statement at the time. O'Grady has hosted his current show for 13 years, but a recent scheduling change saw Rob Beckett taking over for two three-month stints each year. @malprin. I was a familiar sight at Victoria, dressed as Miss Hannigan with 12 orphans behind me, staggering across the street! 233 following. Paul's last programme will be on Sunday 14 August as he comes to the end of . Previously: Graham Norton/Alan Carr & Melanie Sykes/Elaine Paige/TheVictoriaWoodSongbook. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. Paul O'Grady has quit his BBC Radio 2 show after 14 years on air. The comedian, 67 . Earlier in the week, Radio 2 announced that the 67-year-old presenter Paul had decided to leave . Big Zuu profile: What is his net worth and does he have a wife? 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" Radio 2 was always for an older audience.'. On Monday, Paul gave insight into the fact his show was being taken off the air for more than three months stating that the decision was not his idea. Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox. No longer self isolating but still cautious. "Radio 2 has changed, its not what it was. 'I'm a little surprised and disappointed.'. 15:37 GMT 28 Feb 2023 "So thank you very much," he ended the personal message before moving on with his usual weekend staples. There's not another radio programme like it the incomparable Paul O'Grady. Vote now! You may want to read Metas Instagram cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. Rory Tingle For Mailonline. "Radio 2 has changed, it . His last show . Malcolm Prince. Graham Norton and Nick Grimshaw nominated for Metro.co.uk's top host gong at LGBT Awards. 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. Other casualties include some of our most beloved presenters, including Vanessa Feltz, Graham Norton and Simon Mayo who have all left their shows for other stations and now, we bid farewell to Ken Bruce, his wonderful weekday midmorning show and his dulcet Scottish tones. Its a one-off special and, if youd like a shoutout, for your friends or family, email now, But be quick: "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. In my version shes a bit raggy. He is certainly not wrong there. They always show the dog playing with the kids, catching a ball and sitting on the sofa and the new owner saying they wouldnt be without them. Paul O'Grady will now present his 5pm-7pm show in two runs of 13 . The former Lily Savage star has been hosting a Sunday evening show on the station from 5pm until 7pm since 2009. 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. I learnt two songs on the ukulele, I made loads of chutney and jam and I wrote a kids book. His replacement, Vernon Kay, has been met with scepticism, and so the whole palaver has cemented one prevailing narrative: that we are witnessing the demise of Radio 2. Paul James O'Grady was born on 14 June 1955 in Birkenhead, England. Friends say he had given a commitment not to say anything that could embarrass the BBC in the remaining weeks of his contract, making him all the more surprised by the decision to end his show earlier than expected. "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. After playing his last song, Friends by Bette Midler, he signed off with: "So you look after yourselves, stay safe and well. He added that it was time to "hang up his headphones" and "run free". 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. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. . Take it easy.. 'Whatever channel you choose to listen to, whoever is on mid-mornings, it's the Ken Bruce slot. BBC bosses have cancelled long-running shows . . (ITV/Getty/BBC) BBC Radio 2 has been undergoing somewhat of a facelift over the last few years. Im not good in hotels. 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". Some healthy competition will, in the long run, make Radio 2 a better station. Steve Wright, who earned 450,000 a year, has also lost his longstanding afternoon show. Paul O'Grady has expressed his "disappointment" with BBC Radio 2, saying "it's not what it was". . Paul O'Grady is leaving BBC Radio 2, saying it was "the right time to go". ", He added: "Thanks very much and good luck to everyone on Radio 2 and long may it continue.". Ahead of his final show, O'Grady cited the change as the reason he was going. He attended Christian Brothers School and, after his graduation, worked as a clerk in a magistrate's court. Gardening leave, it was reported, to avoid each day being one big advert for his new slot on their rival, Bauers Greatest Hits Radio. The former Radio 2 host spoke out after Ken was confirmed to be leaving in March.