Craig Charles has spoken out after being axed from BBC Radio 2.
The popular DJ says he has “mixed feelings” after his show was axed amid a station bloodbath which has seen other presenters leave the station.
Paul O’Grady, Vanessa Feltz and Steve Wright have all left Radio 2 during a schedule shake-up.
The Craig Charles House Party aired on the station from 2016 until June 18 this year when the 58-year-old's show was axed.
Known for his roles in Red Dwarf and Coronation Street, and an appearance on I'm A Celeb, Craig says he can understand why his show was removed despite it “performing well”.
“I have mixed feelings,” he admitted. “I can see their point, I’m on 6 Music six days a week, but, the Radio 2 show was performing well,” he told Radio Times.
“They couldn’t give me any reason other than they just wanted a change. You should never try and join a party if they don’t want you as a guest!
“You can’t do everything. And if something had to go, I’d rather it be that.”
In October last year, Craig took over the weekday afternoon slot on 6 Music from 1pm to 4pm, on top of his regular roles, from Shaun Keaveny.
His comments come after Paul O'Grady announced he was leaving his Radio 2 show after 14 years.
In a statement, 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."
The BBC said: "We’re sad to say that after 14 years on Sunday afternoons, Paul O’Grady has decided to leave Radio 2. We wish Paul the very best of luck and hope to work with him again in the future."
Steve Wright will also bid farewell to ‘Wright in the Afternoon’, which is broadcast each weekday from 2-5pm, at the end of September.
He will be replaced by Scott Mills, 49, who will host a brand new show from 2-4pm, launching in the autumn.
As he left Wogan House after the news was announced, the veteran DJ told waiting reporters ''That's the way it goes... You know, sometimes people want you, sometimes they don't.
"Sometimes they want to make changes, give you another offer, and that's okay, I understand that, I really understand that."
Vanessa Feltz has also bid farewell to her BBC Radio London Breakfast Show (7am-10am) after nearly 20 years and BBC Radio 2.
In a statement Vanessa said "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.
“However, after almost 12 blissful years, I now need to step down to catch up on a much needed decade’s deficit of beauty sleep!”
TalkTV has confirmed that Vanessa will be joining their team after her BBC departure.
The presenter has already made a few appearances on the show as a guest, and now she will permanently host the drivetime slot from 4 to 7pm Monday to Friday.
She will make her debut on the programme on September 5, giving her a few more weeks of rest and relaxation before the next big challenge in her life.
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