Paul O’Grady reveals reason behind exit as he leaves BBC Radio 2

Please enable JavaScript to view this video and consider upgrading to a web browser that:
supports HTML5 video

Paul O’Grady revealed the real reason behind his BBC Radio 2 output prior to his last Sunday show.

Earlier in the week, Radio 2 announced that 67-year-old presenter Paul had decided to… leaves his sunday afternoon show on the network, and have stated that they are “sorry to see him leave.”

For years, Paul “The Grinch” O’Grady hosted a Christmas Day special on the network, featuring messages and initiations from listeners around the world, as well as an eclectic seasonal playlist.

The For The Love of Dogs frontman addressed his departure on Instagram, sending a special shout-out to his adoring fans.

‘I just want to say that tonight is my very last show on Radio 2 after 14 years! I’ve never had a job for so long,” he says.

“So I just want to say thank you so much for listening and for all your emails and all your messages and all the fun I’ve had over the years.

The star has hosted the show for 14 years (Picture: BBC)

Speaking about his decision to step down, he added: “And the reason I’m leaving is because everyone has 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 fulfilled my contract, resigned and now I’m free.”

‘Anyway, thank you very much and good luck to everyone on Radio 2 and long may you continue!’

Fans and fellow celebrities wished the star the best of luck with his future projects, declaring that he will be sadly missed.

Rob Beckett will replace Paul in upcoming shows (Picture: PA)

Host Carol Vorderman replied: ‘Love you so much Paul ❤️❤️ don’t even think about retiring…. There’s only one of you ‘

While former EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison added: ‘You did it our kid and you did it all with humor. Grace and kindness, you will be missed, but here’s whatever you want to do Paul, because you really are Gold… love you.”

Following the announcement, head of Radio 2 Helen Thomas thanked Paul for “so many years of his brilliant Sunday afternoon show” and wished him the best of luck, while also suggesting that he would always be welcome back.

Paul’s final episode airs this afternoon, with comedian Rob Beckett replacing him on Sunday, August 21.

Rob returns for a previously scheduled 13-week run of shows, with future plans for Paul’s vacant spot to be announced at a later date.

Do you have a story?

If you have any celebrity story, video or photos, please contact the metro.co.uk animation team by emailing [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or visiting our Submit things page – we’d love to hear from you.

LAKE : Radio legend Howard Stern, 68, announces his father has died aged 99

LAKE : Newlyweds Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck fly out of town for his 50th birthday