Paul O'Grady revealed the real reason behind his BBC Radio 2 exit ahead of presenting his final show.
The broadcaster, 67, took to the airwaves one last time on Sunday afternoon , following his shock announcement he would be leaving his popular slot earlier this week and speculation surrounding his departure.
In a statement shared on Tuesday, 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 veteran TV presenter admitted 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.
"Can you hear those dogs barking, honestly, I can't do anything," Paul begins in the video message shared to his 699,000 followers on Instagram.
"I just want to say that tonight is my very last show on Radio 2 after 14 years! I have never had a job for that long.
"So I want to say thank you very much for listening and for all your emails and all your messages and all the fun I've had over the years.
"And also a huge special mention to Malcolm Prince, my producer. And I've been really lucky in my time to have worked with some smashing producers, and Malcolm is way up there, believe you and me."
Paul then goes on to address the reason he decided to bid farewell to Radio 2, saying: "And the reason I'm leaving because everybody's asked me this. It's because I wasn't really happy with the 13 weeks on/13 weeks off business.
"So, I did the honourable thing and I honoured my contract, gave my notice and now I'm off.
"Anyway, thanks very much and good luck to everyone on Radio 2 and long may you continue!"
Fans, followers and famous friends quickly flooded Paul's page with compliments and well-wishes - with Carol Vorderman telling the veteran broadcaster: "don't even think about retiring."
Former EastEnders actress Cheryl Fergison added: "You did it our kid and you did it all with humour Grace and kindness you will be missed but here’s to whatever you want to do Paul cos you really are Gold … love ya."
Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden added a red heart emoji underneath the video update, while a fan of Paul's wrote: "Thank you for all the fun and laughter over the years you’ll both be sorely missed."
Fans were gutted earlier this week, when Paul shared his plans to quit his radio show - telling listeners he felt it was "the right time to go".
His departure is the latest in a string of changes to the BBC Radio schedule, with several big names having been dropped from the broadcaster recently.
Confirming Paul's pending departure on Tuesday, 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."
Paul's last show on BBC Radio 2 airs today [August 14] at 5pm.
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