Paul O'Grady fans have reacted after the star said he won't be doing his popular BBC Radio 2 show until May.
O'Grady - who shot to fame as Lily Savage - will be replaced on the Sunday teatime show by comedian Rob Beckett for 13 weeks.
The 66-year-old wrote on Instagram: "It’s my last Radio 2 Sunday show for quite sometime, our listening figures have shot up so a great big thank you to everyone who listens.
"While I’m on the subject I’d also like to thank my producer ( sounds very grand) Malcolm Prince who is one of the best in the business and hasn’t cracked once in the 14 years we’ve been on air."
Paul, who also presents For the Love of Dogs on ITV, added: "There’s a new regime now, I do 13 weeks on and then 13 off which is nothing to do with me as it’s a management decision.
"So, all being well and providing I’m not in India or Borneo, travel restrictions permitting, I should be back some time in May. Take it easy. X @bbcradio2 @malprin."
Not everyone seems happy, with the Paul O'Grady Fan Club on twitter telling its more than 17,000 followers: "We fear the sudden schedule changes could change things for good for Sundays @BBCRadio2. We need all of you to get emailing helen.thomas.04@bbc.co.uk expressing your concerns that Paul needs to stay on his weekly slot. #SaveTeamPOGr2"
On twitter Safiya Outlines wrote: "Cannot believe they are doing this to such a popular and well-loved show."
Di Price tweeted: "Save our national treasure Paul O Grady, can’t beat #TeamPOGr2 on a Sunday afternoon.. This man has the whole family crying with laughter and we love him."
