For over 14 years, the 67-year-old had been hosting the Sunday afternoon show before a shift saw him routinely switching with . Paul O'Grady has hit out at BBC Radio 2 for allowing Ken Bruce to depart the station. Alternative Sounds of the 90s with Dermot O'Leary. Thats enough because Ive got other commitments with animals. 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. Another exclaimed: Brilliant news, Boom is a growing station and #TeamPOGradio will fit in well, please let this be first of many specials., A third wrote: Wonderful news, put a smile on my face on a gloomy Monday morning.. Although the presenter had fully intended to continue as contracted until the end of March, the BBC decided Friday would be his last show. 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 has broken his silence after it was announced his BBC Radio 2 show was being taken off air until May.. Some healthy competition will, in the long run, make Radio 2 a better station. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. 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Paul O'Grady fans have been left 'concerned' following the BBC 's decision to cut back his Radio 2 slot. The former Radio 2 host spoke out after Ken was confirmed to be leaving in March. But Eddie, one of my other dogs, hates them all hes not interested in friends! Safe to say, Pauls ever-devoted fans were over the moon for him on this career news. , updated 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. 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. They have to be. 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. Radio 2 announces today that presenter Paul O'Grady has decided to leave his Sunday afternoon show on the network. Paul James O'Grady MBE DL (born 14 June 1955) is an English comedian, broadcaster, actor, writer and former drag queen.He achieved notability in the London gay scene during the 1980s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage, through which he gained broader popularity in the 1990s.O'Grady subsequently dropped the character and in the 2000s became the presenter of various television and radio . Fortunately, Paul is still very much in demand with TV producers, admitting that he has "already" been asked to take part in another series of For The Love Of Dogs. We wish Ken all the best for the future. 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. "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. You may want to read Metas Instagram cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. The 67-year-old announced in August this year that he was stepping down . Paul O'Grady on playing Miss Hannigan in Annie and leaving Radio 2 Paul O'Grady - Biography - IMDb Paul O'Grady - Wikipedia BBC Radio 2 confirmed the news that Paul O'Grady was leaving at approximately 11 am on Tuesday, 9 August 2022. Remembering that his initial work for Radio 2 had been as an occasional stand-in presenter 14 years ago before he was handed his current show in 2009, he said: "I only came to do a few hours for Elaine Paige and look what happened.". A Romanian sausage dog, called Sausage, or Sos I couldnt think of a name for her. Express. He said: 'My dad is a lorry driver and I said this when I joined Radio 2 and started standing in for Steve Wright, so we've always had Radio 2 on in the background. 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? Within the space of three years, Radio 2 has seen many of its long-standing stars quit the show and move on . O'Grady, 67, had . But this week it was . Simon was the first of the big names to walk away from Radio 2 after 17 years at the station. Craig Charles' Radio 2 show on a Saturday night was axed last summer, amid the ongoing shake up of the BBC stations. Radio 2 "is not what it was" and its quest for a younger audience makes no sense, according to Paul O'Grady, who departed the station last year. Paul O'Grady | Tv-and-radio | The Guardian Paul O'Grady: Radio 2's bid for a younger audience doesn't make sense Why isn't Paul O'Grady on BBC Radio 2? | Radio Times Four more whiskies later and Im saying, Do you know, I wouldnt mind doing a few weeks of Annie. So, Im doing seven weeks. During that time he met a woman named Diane Jansen with whom he had a brief affair. for a Royal special, tonight on ITV1 & ITVX at 9pm! confirmed he would be moving on after 31 years at the BBC station, Ken Bruce quits BBC Radio 2 weekday show after 31 years amid bloodbath, announcement he would be leaving his popular slot earlier in the week, 'I DIDN'T BREAK THE LAW' Matt Hancock tells lawyers he wants immunity on care home deaths during Covid pandemic, Doctor tells Harry he believes Prince has Attention Deficit Disorder in live Q&A, Kate Garraway shares Derek's final words as he believed he was about to die, Spencer Matthews 'furious' after Disney delays Everest doc as it shows dead bodies, Cyclist pavement killer risks losing home as neighbours break silence, Prince Harry insists he is 'NOT victim' and has never looked for sympathy in livestream Q&A with controversial 'toxic trauma' doctor, DIY SOS star Nick Knowles fires back as he's FAT SHAMED by 83 year old mum, Saturday Night Takeaway fans complain minutes into show at Ant and Dec's 'suspicious' habit, Cher, 76, shares candid update on relationship with 37-year-old boyfriend, Moment sonic boom 'like a gas explosion' shakes homes as RAF Typhoon aircraft scrambled, Inside Alison King's 50th birthday party as Corrie co-stars glam up to celebrate, Amy Winehouse biopic star swigs vodka on streets of Camden in gut-wrenching scenes, Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers. Paul O'Grady - Radio 2 Digital Spy 'Doing my best' Paul O'Grady breaks silence as BBC Radio 2 show off air Reels. Bruce is the latest veteran to leave the station, but he insists it is his decision. Leave a comment if you're watching! 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. He added that it was time to "hang up his headphones" and "run free". Previously: Graham Norton/Alan Carr & Melanie Sykes/Elaine Paige/TheVictoriaWoodSongbook. Read more: Entertainment Daily Awards 2022: Is Paul OGrady your National Treasure? ', The comments below have not been moderated, By Gardening leave, it was reported, to avoid each day being one big advert for his new slot on their rival, Bauers Greatest Hits Radio. Radio 2 fans vow to 'switch off' as Paul O'Grady's replacement Why do they never ask the listeners for their views? Published: 9 Aug 2022 . 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. 'It is part of us, it is in our DNA - Ken Bruce is mid-mornings. ", He added: "Thanks very much and good luck to everyone on Radio 2 and long may it continue.". 'Returning to Wogan House for a week after a month of broadcasting the Piano Room sessions at Maida Vale provided a natural break. "Radio 2 was always for an older audience," the For The Love of Dogs star continued sorrowfully to the Metro. He started off working the drag circuit with his act across pubs and . Paul O'Grady has expressed his "disappointment" with BBC Radio 2, saying "it's not what it was". "Thank you very much for the kind words. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Hello everyone! His final programme will be this Sunday . Paul O'Grady fans disappointed as presenter quits Radio 2 show after 14 While one very upset fan responded, typing: So very sad about this management decision Paul. 'I'm a little surprised and disappointed.'. Her and one of my other dogs, Nancy, have a bit of rivalry theyll fight over balls and growl at each other, but next thing theyre sleeping together. His last show will be broadcast on Friday (3 March). O'Grady has hosted his current show for 13 years . Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. Jamie Phillips Paul O'Grady is leaving his BBC Radio 2 job after 14 years. Fans reacted in horror at his shock news with actress Amanda Mealing branding the move by Radio 2 basses: a f**king farce. and #Blackpool. 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. "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. Paul O'Grady aims new radio show jibe at BBC as he quits Radio 2 Paul O'Grady quits Radio 2 show saying it's the 'right time to go' Sorry Ken Bruce, it's sad to see you go - but Radio 2 will be OK Malcolm Prince (@malprin) / Twitter When we were in the West End with Annie, Starlight Express was on around the corner. 'They're trying to aim for a much younger audience, which doesn't make sense because you've got Radio 1. 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. Rory Tingle For Mailonline Paul O'Grady signs off final Radio 2 show - BBC News Joined December 2011. 2023 BBC. His personality, spontaneity and don't-take-this-too-seriously work so well on the radio. 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'. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. "So thank you very much," he ended the personal message before moving on with his usual weekend staples. @Battersea_. Why is Malcolm Prince Leaving Radio 2? - Mixedarticle Paul O'Grady has quit his BBC Radio 2 show after 14 years on air. 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]. And I always have a look for bed bugs! I was, because Im a great believer in continuity. Many other shows have also been moved on the station's schedule. He is the latest in a string of older DJs to step back, including Steve Wright, Graham Norton and Simon Mayo. 15:37 GMT 28 Feb 2023 We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Paul O'Grady - For the Love of Dogs (@RealPOGDogs) / Twitter It seems Paul is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. On a Saturday, between the matinee and the evening show, theyd come over to us, or wed go over to them. I know youre not supposed to but I like working with kids. They said: 'It shows zero respect for Ken and what he has done for Radio 2.'. 2021 Associated Newspapers Limited. 5-min read. Radio 2 Paul O'Grady replacement named as fans vow to switch off Pauls taking #TeamPOGradio to @BoomRadioUK for the annual Christmas show! 736K followers. If you do try a Blue Motorcycle, please drink responsibly, Paul OGrady and producer Malcolm discuss the merits of another birthday, Paul OGrady responds to a request from a loyal listener. A terrific listen today. Paul OGrady fans are over the moon as the much-loved star has revealed his next career venture following his infamous BBC Radio exit. The Paul O'Grady Show - Wikipedia Paul O'Grady reveals reason for leaving BBC Radio 2 show - Yahoo! 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. Paul O'Grady leaves Sunday Radio 2 show after 14 years Many took to Twitter to express their delight for the TV and radio legend. The exodus of stars from Radio 2 will see Ken Bruce walk away today after 31 years - joining the likes of Paul O'Grady, Steve Wright and Vanessa Feltz in moving on from the BBC station for . To mark the occasion, Daily Star has taken a sneak-peek into his life. He attended Christian Brothers School and, after his graduation, worked as a clerk in a magistrate's court. Beckett will return to Sunday afternoons for his next 13-week run of shows next Sunday. The exodus of stars from Radio 2 will see Ken Bruce walk away today after 31 years - joining the likes of Paul O'Grady, Steve Wright and Vanessa Feltz in moving on from the BBC station for pastures new. O'Grady came to prominence in the 1990s as a stand-up comedian with a Scouse drag queen persona, Lily Savage, with which he presented game show Blankety Blank and other light entertainment programmes. I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. 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. The presenter took to Instagram to share a message with his followers ahead of his final show on August 14. #POGDOGS. It isnt an easy balancing act, but this shifting landscape will no doubt kick Radio 2 into gear. 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 former Lily Savage star has been hosting a Sunday evening show on the station from 5pm until 7pm since 2009. Paul O'Grady pictured in February 2022. He has also recently confirmed that the For the Love of Dogs Christmas special will feature a special royal guest. O'Grady has hosted his current show for 13 years . Calmer skies are ahead. 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. Paul O'Grady leaves Sunday Radio 2 show after 14 years. Paul O'Grady quits Radio 2 show after 14 years in latest BBC shake-up The BAFTA . The decision to replace Bruce has sparked a backlash from loyal listeners, who hit out at the BBC over its treatment of the veteran presenter. 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. Entertainment Daily Awards 2022: Is Paul OGrady your National Treasure? Sex and the City icon Kim Cattrall responded to Pauls post to say: Rest well alongside a lipstick kiss emoji. It leaves a sour taste.'. BBC bosses made OGrady, 67, share slot with Rob Beckett in push to attract younger listeners. Your news has made my Christmas! BBC Radio 2 listeners are up in arms after hearing fan favourite Paul OGrady is being taken off air after 23 years to be replaced by younger comedian Rob Beckett. It's because I wasn't really happy with the 13 weeks on/13 weeks off business. The presenter will be absent from BBC Radio 2 for 13 weeks. "I was [disappointed] because I'm a great believer in continuity," he revealed, after relinquishing a slot he had held for 14 years. Paul O'Grady has revealed he is quitting his BBC Radio 2 show as he "wasn't really happy" with the schedule shake-up which saw him share the slot with another presenter. 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. "I just . Craig, definitely. I was in panto and I went for a drink afterwards with the producer. This came after Paul bid farewell to his 14 year stint on Radio 2 in August . The star bid farewell to Radio 2 listeners forever on Friday 26 August and went on to land a job on Talk TV. Here's how Spring 2022 looks on the BBC Radio 2 schedule The 67-year-old has been at the station for 14 years and has hosted the Sunday afternoon slot since 2009. There is Zoe Balls breakfast show, still by far the most popular breakfast show on the airwaves. February 2022. Liz, 64, worked with BBC on a number of its radio stations before she was sacked from her show on BBC Radio 6 after working for the BBC for 35 years. The comedian, 67 . So where does that leave Radio 2? Theyre trying to aim for a much younger audience, which doesnt make sense because youve got Radio 1.. Listen, Kay wouldnt have been my first choice, but lets give the man a chance. Bye bye Radio 2 on Sunday night., And another expressed similar sentiments, tweeting: What we're you thinking of by cutting Paul O Grady's radio programme on Radio 2 to only basically half of the year, having Rob Beckett instead is a complete wrong decision, I had to switch the radio off when he sat in for Claudia Winklemann, you need to rethink.. "I'll miss being a part of the Wogan House family, as well as the listeners and their lives. 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. Join Paul and the Dogs at. 03:00. Paul O'Grady's fans are seething over his removal from BBC Radio 2 and his replacement, Some Radio 2 fans are livid that Paul will be replaced by Rob Beckett and have vowed to boycott his show, Paul took to Instagram earlier this week to discuss his removal from the airwaves. . One passionate fan tweeted: Oh that is the best news!! 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 67-year-old icon left Radio 2 in August after 14 years at the station, saying he wasnt really happy there. 233 following. By "So I'm not going anywhere. So, all being well and providing Im not in India or Borneo, travel restrictions permitting, I should be back some time in May. The presenter, 66, has been replaced with comedian . I'd like to thank my producer Malcolm Prince and all the teams I've worked with for a great decade of radio. An industry insider said the move by the BBC made the broadcaster look 'very ungracious' about Bruce's 'decades of service'. What I think is happening is that we are passing through a period of turbulence. All rights reserved. The tv star will not be on the airwaves until May as Rob Beckett takes over his BBC Radio 2 slot. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. (ITV/Getty/BBC) BBC Radio 2 has been undergoing somewhat of a facelift over the last few years. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? 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.. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Hes an experienced broadcaster, has put in the hours as a stand-in, and he might just surprise us. Audio Producer #TeamPOGradio with Paul O'Grady. 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. 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. Vernon Kay was this week announced as his replacement and broke down in tears while talking about his new role. 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. "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.'. Camilla, Queen Consort, will feature in a special episode. Paul O'Grady and Steve Wright. This has led to the departure of several older hosts, a shuffling of schedules and the introduction of new presenters such as DJ Spoony and Drag Race UK star Michelle Visage. 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. and 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. Chris Evans, of course, left the Radio 2 Breakfast Show for Virgin in 2019.