Veteran broadcaster Steve Allen has announced his departure from LBC radio station after 44 years.
On Twitter, the 68-year-old said: “Some news from me, firstly thanks for all your questions. My contract with LBC is up shortly and, following discussions, I’m stepping down from LBC today.
“I’d like to thank you all for listening over the last 44 years, it’s been an honour and a privilege."
A spokesperson from Global said: “Steve Allen’s contract with LBC is up shortly and, following discussions with him, Steve is stepping down from LBC today.
“We thank him for his enormous contribution to commercial radio over the past 44 years, making him one of the longest-serving radio broadcasters in the UK.”
Steve has worked at LBC Radio station for over four decades and is the station's longest-running presenter.
Allen first worked as a nightclub disc jockey where he met long-time friend Dale Winton and subsequently joined the United Biscuits Network - a radio station broadcasting to workers in the United Biscuits factories.
His voice was heard in Scotland, Liverpool, Manchester and London.
UBN closed in 1979, and Allen joined LBC as presenter of the Night Extra programme.
He then moved on to present The Night is Young on the station.
When LBC was separated into two stations -1152 AM and 97.3 FM, Allen presented the afternoon show for 'London Talkback Radio' (later known as LBC London News 1152) and Saturday Night Out.
Allen presented the early breakfast show on LBC between 4am and 7am from Monday to Friday.
In addition to these shows, Allen pre-recorded another programme for LBC - Steve Allen In Conversation. The final episode of this show was broadcast in spring 2020.
In 2006 and 2007, Allen embarked on a live tour visiting theatres around the London area.
Then, in 2009 and 2010, Allen continued his sell out 'audience with' stage shows at the Queen's Theatre in Hornchurch and at the Mermaid Theatre in Central London.
He was supported by fellow LBC presenter Anthony Davis. In February 2011, he performed again at the Mermaid Theatre, supported by mind-reader Graham P Jolley.
Following the shock news of his sudden departure from LBC radio, fans have flocked to share their disappointment.
After learning the news, one listener tweeted: "Honestly, I'm so gutted to hear that Steve Allen has stepped down. Absolutely love him."
"Radio just won't be the same now that Steve Allen won't be presenting," someone else echoed.
"OMG nooooooooo Steve Allen has quit LBC," someone else tweeted.
"Can't believe it!! Steve Allen has quit LBC Radio. It's the end of an era lads," another said.
