Television presenter, author and media personality Paul O'Grady has revealed the real reason he is bidding farewell to his Radio 2 show after 14 years.
It comes after the Sunday afternoon show host, who launched his weekly radio slot in 2009, broke the news to the world last week that he'd be leaving. Just hours before the 67-year-old comedian commenced his final show on Sunday August 14 at 5pm, Paul took to Instagram to telling his loyal following of 699,000 that he was stepping back as host on the BBC Radio 2 show as he "wasn't really happy".
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Starting off his statement, in true comical fashion, the For the Love of Dogs presenter said: "Can you hear those dogs barking out there? Honest I can't do anything. 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 me."
He went on to clarify why he is leaving the show, which will be taken over when Rob Beckett returns on Sunday, August 21, explaining: "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 honorable thing and I honored my contract, gave my notice in and now I'm off. Anyway, thanks very much and good luck to everyone on Radio 2 and long may you continue!"
When the news of his exit was announced, head of Radio 2, Helen Thomas, said in a statement released by the BBC: “I’d like to thank Paul for so many years of his brilliant Sunday afternoon show. I’m sorry to see him go, but I wish Paul the very best of luck for the future and hope to work with him again as the door is always open to him here at Radio 2.”
Friends and fans were quick to rush to Paul's Instagram comments following his video message to offer the presenter their well wishes as his time on the BBC draws to a close.
Carol Vorderman wrote: "Love you so much Paul. Don't even think about retiring.... There's only one of you", alongside Amanda Holden who commented with a sole red heart.
User aileen.1523 commented: "Going to really miss you Paul. Sundays are not going to be the same. No one can replace you. Good luck with whatever your new adventure may be", while @jancrathorne wrote: "We didn’t like the 13 weeks either! Please don’t disappear from our lives, Paul. We need people like you. Lots of love xxx"
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