Paul O'Grady's Radio exit wasn't entirely amicable - with the star admitting he quit due to "not being happy" with the BBC's plans for his popular show. Paul O'Grady has revealed he is quitting his BBC Radio 2 show as he "wasn't really happy" with the schedule shake-up which saw him share the slot with another presenter. They added that the age range "hasn't changed in decades" and that Ken Bruce had been with them since the age of 32. The exodus of stars from Radio 2 will see Ken Bruce walk away today after 31 years - joining the likes of Paul O'Grady, Steve Wright and Vanessa Feltz in moving on from the BBC station for . Craig, definitely. Paul admitted it was a "marriage of convenience", saying he wedded Teresa Fernandes in 1977 to stop her from being deported. #Blackpool. However, after almost 12 blissful years, I now need to step down to catch up on a much needed decades deficit of beauty sleep! I was in panto and I went for a drink afterwards with the producer. He has also recently confirmed that the For the Love of Dogs Christmas special will feature a special royal guest. How old is Paul O'Grady and is he married? - The Sun | The Sun Paul O'Grady leaves Sunday Radio 2 show after 14 years Safe to say, Pauls ever-devoted fans were over the moon for him on this career news. Many other shows have also been moved on the station's schedule. Why do they never ask the listeners for their views? Paul O'Grady quit BBC Radio 2 as he 'wasn't happy with change' Paul O'Grady handed in his notice at Radio 2 after being asked to share his regular slot with Rob Beckett, who, at 37, is three decades his junior. Joined December 2011. The comedian, 67, has hosted a Sunday afternoon programme on the UKs most popular radio station for the last 14 years. READ MORE: Paul O'Grady forced to halt final BBC Radio 2 show as he bids emotional farewell. The 67-year-old confessed he "wasn't really happy" with the schedule shake-up which saw him share the . Paul O'Grady - Wikipedia BBC Radio 2 accused of 'clear cut ageism' by Liz Kershaw as Ken Bruce The comedian, 66, who used to perform as drag queen Lily Savage, has taken to social media and addressed the . Paul O'Grady breaks silence as 'fabulous' BBC Radio 2 show - mirror Now, OGrady, who left Radio 2 in 2021 after being asked to share his slot with comedian Rob Beckett, has explained the motivation behind his decision. In just a handful of years, the station's schedule has undergone so much change that the . I was disappointed, because Im a great believer in continuity, he told Metro.co.uk, adding: If you go off for 13 weeks and somebody else comes on, the listeners dont know when youre back on., He continued: Radio 2 has changed; its not what it was. So, all being well and providing Im not in India or Borneo, travel restrictions permitting, I should be back some time in May. confirmed he would be moving on after 31 years at the BBC station, Ken Bruce quits BBC Radio 2 weekday show after 31 years amid bloodbath, announcement he would be leaving his popular slot earlier in the week, 'I DIDN'T BREAK THE LAW' Matt Hancock tells lawyers he wants immunity on care home deaths during Covid pandemic, Doctor tells Harry he believes Prince has Attention Deficit Disorder in live Q&A, Kate Garraway shares Derek's final words as he believed he was about to die, Spencer Matthews 'furious' after Disney delays Everest doc as it shows dead bodies, Cyclist pavement killer risks losing home as neighbours break silence, Prince Harry insists he is 'NOT victim' and has never looked for sympathy in livestream Q&A with controversial 'toxic trauma' doctor, DIY SOS star Nick Knowles fires back as he's FAT SHAMED by 83 year old mum, Saturday Night Takeaway fans complain minutes into show at Ant and Dec's 'suspicious' habit, Cher, 76, shares candid update on relationship with 37-year-old boyfriend, Moment sonic boom 'like a gas explosion' shakes homes as RAF Typhoon aircraft scrambled, Inside Alison King's 50th birthday party as Corrie co-stars glam up to celebrate, Amy Winehouse biopic star swigs vodka on streets of Camden in gut-wrenching scenes, Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers. Paul O'Grady has quit his BBC Radio 2 show after 14 years on air. Paul O'Grady QUITS his Radio 2 show after 14 years in latest BBC shake-up. Paul O'Grady takes swipe at BBC Radio 2 Paul O'Grady handed in his notice at Radio 2 after being asked to share his regular slot with Rob Beckett, who, at 37, is three decades his junior. 'Whatever channel you choose to listen to, whoever is on mid-mornings, it's the Ken Bruce slot. For starters, the figures of listeners deserting the station might seem startling 580,000 people, according to the audience research body Rajar but in the context of Radio 2s 14 million weekly listeners, there is a long way to go until its total collapse. Paul James O'Grady MBE DL (born 14 June 1955) is an English comedian, broadcaster, actor, writer and former drag queen.He achieved notability in the London gay scene during the 1980s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage, through which he gained broader popularity in the 1990s.O'Grady subsequently dropped the character and in the 2000s became the presenter of various television and radio . BBC bosses made OGrady, 67, share slot with Rob Beckett in push to attract younger listeners. A keen animal lover, Paul has five dogs, with the most recent canine addition to his family being a wire-haired dachshund by the name of Sausage. Im going to do her a lot older, where shes got no tolerance at all for kids all she wants to do is listen to her radio and get drunk. Radio 2 was always for an older audience. Goodbye Radio 2, hello Greatest Hits Radio: How Ken Bruce's new station is battling the BBC, Ken Bruce's final show reminded us he doesn't just talk to everyone, he listens to them, too, How many episodes of The Last of Us there are and when the series ends, Leaving Radio 2 early is a shame - but now I can play the music I like, says Ken Bruce, Where to get Greatest Hits Radio on FM and DAB and when Ken Bruce starts, Finding Michael: Spencer Matthews' Disney+ film quest for his brother's body on Everest, The best new books to read in March 2023, including Sophie Mackintosh's Cursed Bread, Michael Rosen: 'Nearly dying is very good for your career', Gun N Roses is everything Glastonbury should not represent, Fix Radio to tackle mental health crisis and 'macho' culture among building workers, Peter Doig channels van Gogh in his beguiling Courtauld Gallery show, Josie Long: Re-Enchantment provides buoyant musings on life with a tough political core, When Glastonbury 2023 tickets will go on resale and how much they cost, Do not sell or share my personal information. The broadcaster's comments come after the news that veteran DJ Ken Bruce was leaving . Meanwhile, the keen farmer produced his own chutney and jam - but he couldn't shake off the boredom, and was elated when the time came to return to work. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. Paul O'Grady signs off final Radio 2 show - BBC News Chris Evans bids farewell to BBC Radio 2. MORE : Craig Revel Horwood loves playing Miss Hannigan in Annie: She despises children and shes drunk most of the time, MORE : Vernon Kay emotional as he speaks out on taking over from Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies aged 61 after brain aneurysm, Gogglebox star Ellie Warner reveals babys gender in adorable moment with sister Izzis young children, Babatunde Aleshe confirms Matt Hancock is out of Im A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! And now we have Vernon Kay, who will take the helm of the midmorning show in May, while Sounds of the 80s Gary Davies keeps the seat warm in the interim. Of course, theyd smell it down the corridor and the manager would be up saying, Are you cooking in the room?. Watch: Paul O'Grady explains reasons for leaving Radio 2 after 14 years. Youve already lost @GrahamNortonFan and now this. The Paul O'Grady Show is a British comedy chat show presented by comedian Paul O'Grady, first shown on 11 October 2004.The programme is a teatime chat show consisting of a mixture of celebrity guests, comic stunts, musical performances, and occasionally viewer competitions.. Paul O'Grady fans have been left 'concerned' following the BBC 's decision to cut back his Radio 2 slot. The real story here is that commercial radio is having a moment and good for them. All the victims of the 'Radio 2 bloodbath' as Ken Bruce hosts final The TV star described his show as a "Cinderella story" during which animals who were previously "scared of their own shadow" can be seen regaining confidence and happiness after being matched to the right loving families. He attended Christian Brothers School and, after his graduation, worked as a clerk in a magistrate's court. Their daughter, Sharyn, was born in 1974. Paul O'Grady reveals real reason he quit Radio 2 show The 67-year-old has been at the station for 14 years and has hosted the Sunday afternoon slot since 2009. He said: 'I was called in at 12.30 and told that my final show would be a week today and wasn't given any real reason that I understood. What I think is happening is that we are passing through a period of turbulence. Paul O'Grady is leaving BBC Radio 2, saying it was "the right time to go". "Anyway, thanks very much and good luck to everyone on Radio 2 and long may you continue!". Paul's last programme will be on Sunday 14 August as he comes to the end of . Simon was the first of the big names to walk away from Radio 2 after 17 years at the station. The exodus of stars from Radio 2 will see Ken Bruce walk away today after 31 years - joining the likes of Paul O'Grady, Steve Wright and Vanessa Feltz in moving on from the BBC station for pastures new. Some healthy competition will, in the long run, make Radio 2 a better station. I always say, You dont want this again, do you, arent you sick of me? I think its popular because its a feel-good programme. The TV and radio host lamented that he was "disappointed", suggesting Radio 2 was always intended for an older audience, but that producers are on a quest to make it more appealing to the younger generation. He had hosted the 5pm-7pm drivetime slot solo for nine years before Jo Whiley was drafted in to be his co-host in 2018. Leave a comment if you're watching! Paul O'Grady pictured in February 2022. Comedy legend Paul O'Grady has been a regular Radio 2 host on Sunday afternoons since 2009 but has been removed from airwaves by BBC bosses and fans are not happy about his replacement. Its a Cinderella story. Paul O'Grady announces BBC Radio 2 exit after 14 years - Digital Spy I'd like to thank my producer Malcolm Prince and all the teams I've worked with for a great decade of radio. You may want to read Metas Instagram cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. However, Paul O'Grady has admitted he is leaving his BBC Radio 2 program because he "wasn't very thrilled" with the changes made to the schedule that made him share the position with another presenter, Rob Beckett. Express. Published: Tuesday, 9th August 2022 at 11:20 am. Im really looking forward to it, because I havent done theatre for a while. Meanwhile, Rob expressed his excitement at landing his new Radio 2 role, saying earlier this month: As someone that has inhuman levels of energy, Im incredibly grateful and excited that the BBC are letting me loose on the airwaves to try and pump up anyone feeling the end-of-weekend blues. By The comedian, 66, who used to perform as drag queen Lily Savage, presented Paul . As always you can unsubscribe at any time. "I just . Born on June 14, 1955 in Birkenhead, before he hit the big time, TV star Paul O' Grady performed as Lily Savage in the 80s. When we were in the West End with Annie, Starlight Express was on around the corner. Read about our approach to external linking. In just a handful of years, the stations schedule has undergone so much change that the media has referred to a Radio 2 bloodbath, and OGrady is just one of those who has fallen victim. There is Zoe Balls breakfast show, still by far the most popular breakfast show on the airwaves. Reels. Whatsapp group, Peter Andre sets strict rules for Princess after signing major deal with online fashion retailer, ITV News makes huge error mistaking late journalist Derek Jameson for Ken Bruce, London black cab fares rise to help get women home safely at night, Futuristic digital displays could soon start appearing at London bus stops, Its been two years since Sarah Everard was murdered Im so scared to be a woman in London that Ive quit my job, Craig Revel Horwood loves playing Miss Hannigan in Annie: She despises children and shes drunk most of the time, Vernon Kay emotional as he speaks out on taking over from Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2, Do not sell or share my personal information. Paul is also known for his Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs and Paul O'Grady's Animal Orphans as well as presenting BBC Radio 2's Paul O'Grady on the Wireless. The broadcaster, 67, took to the Radio 2 airwaves one last time earlier today . At first, I thought, I dont want to go to Thailand. I went a bit sulky! Comedy legend Paul O'Grady has been a regular Radio 2 host on Sunday afternoons since 2009 – but has been removed from airwaves by BBC bosses and fans are not happy about his replacement Radio 2 has changed, its not what it was. His final programme will be this Sunday . The 67-year-old icon left Radio 2 in . The former Lily Savage star has been hosting a Sunday evening show on the station from 5pm until 7pm since 2009. Paul O'Grady and producer Malcolm discuss the merits of another birthday. (PA) Paul O'Grady has issued a lengthy statement explaining the BBC 's decision to take his radio show off air until May. Paul OGrady reflects on another birthday, Paul OGrady recalls Malcolms movie career. Paul O'Grady reveals very different new role after leaving BBC Radio 2 Returning to Wogan House for a week after a month of broadcasting the Piano Room sessions at Maida Vale provided a natural break. Paul O'Grady bid farewell to his loyal listeners on Sunday afternoon, as he presented his final show on BBC Radio 2.. 'To be asked to step into those big shoes it was a big deep breath, I'll be honest with you. "Were going to miss you lots Ken and want to congratulate you on a fantastic career at the BBC.". To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's visitMetro's London news hub. 2023 BBC. Paul O'Grady presents his last BBC Radio 2 show as reveals he quit Paul O'Grady fans disappointed as presenter quits Radio 2 show after 14 and Going to miss you and Malcolm so much.. Scott Mills' departure from Radio 1 last year ruffled some feathers at its sister station, thanks to the long-time radio star replacing Steve Wright in the afternoons on Radio 2. To view this content choose accept and continue. A Radio 2 spokeswoman said:'Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and it's always been known he's leaving in March. Paul O'Grady taken off Radio 2 | Daily Mail Online Ken Bruce quitting Radio 2 is a total catastrophe for the BBC "We have some news After 31 years of presenting the 9:30am-midday weekday show Ken Bruce has decided to leave," a statement from the BBC read. (ITV/Getty/BBC) BBC Radio 2 has been undergoing somewhat of a facelift over the last few years. The 66-year-old presenter told fans that he will now do "13 weeks on and then 13 off" in the Paul O'Grady on the Wireless slot on Sunday, from 5-7pm.. Read more: Paul O'Grady almost died after petting wounded dog Sharing a picture along with one of his dogs, Nancy, the . We wish Paul the very best of luck and hope to work with him again in the future., Paul OGrady: Im not worried about sex, money or fame I just want a mongoose, Sign up to First Edition, our free daily newsletter every weekday morning at 7am BST, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Paul O'Grady: I feel that now is the right time to go., KenBruces Radio 2 departure handled badly, says Simon Mayo, KenBruce says BBC has hastened his Radio 2 exit, Vernon Kay confirmed as new host of Ken Bruces BBC Radio 2 slot, Its like signing Messi: Ken Bruces move a coup for Greatest Hits Radio, KenBruce to leave BBC for new radio show, BBClocal radio stations face big cuts to content made for their area, Radio presenter Tim Gough dies during breakfast show, Michael Gove lined up to become presenter on News UKs Times Radio, Steve Wright signs off from Radio 2 afternoon show after 23 years. Audio Producer #TeamPOGradio with Paul O'Grady. Ken Bruce will host his last ever Radio 2 show today, two months after he confirmed he would be moving on after 31 years at the BBC station. William and Kate worried Prince George will be overwhelmed at King Charles coronation, Beyond Paradise fans turns emotional at Ruth Madocs final on-screen appearance. If you go off for 13 weeks and somebody else comes on, the listeners dont know when youre back on. , updated This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Four more whiskies later and Im saying, Do you know, I wouldnt mind doing a few weeks of Annie. So, Im doing seven weeks. Also leaving the station is his producer Malcolm Prince, whom he jokingly insulted on every show. InJanuary, when Bruce announced his departure, former Radio 2 DJ Vanessa feltz accused the BBC of ageism. At around the same time, veteran broadcaster Ken Bruce, 72, also left the station to transfer to Greatest Hits Radio, sparking an "ageism" row. There are currently no available episodes, Paul shares another recipe. Ahead of his final show, O'Grady cited the change as the reason he was going. He is certainly not wrong there. Veteran DJ Tony Blackburn has also complained about his Golden Hour show being shunted to Sunday nights. Ta-ra everyone.". Do you have a story to sell? They said: 'It shows zero respect for Ken and what he has done for Radio 2.'. It's because I wasn't really happy with the 13 weeks on/13 weeks off business. A BBC spokesperson emphasised that it was OGradys decision to quit: Were sad to say that after 14 years on Sunday afternoons, Paul OGrady has decided to leave Radio 2. The TV and radio host lamented that he was . However, relations between Ken and the radio station appeared to have soured in recent weeks, with the legend announcing that he had been forced to cut his contract short by the BBC. There is Sara Coxs upbeat drivetime slot, Jo Whileys pure-joy Shiny Happy Playlist to accompany cooking our evening meal, and Trevor Nelsons stellar late-night Rhythm Nation. It isnt an easy balancing act, but this shifting landscape will no doubt kick Radio 2 into gear. Paul O'Grady has criticised Radio 2, saying 'it's not what it was' after Ken Bruce quit his primetime show.. Paul O'Grady says he can 'run free' after hosting final Radio 2 show But this week it was . But this week it was announced that Paul will be absent for the next 13 weeks and that his show will now only run for 13 week seasons at a time. Paul O' Grady jokes he's 'free' on final Radio 2 show after saying he We respect his decision and wish him the very best of luck in the future as hes been a much loved part of the Radio 2 family.. 19K Followers. Paul O'Grady signs off final Radio 2 show - BBC News Save. 'Shame on BBC!' Radio 2 listeners 'appalled' by Paul O'Grady departure Paul O'Grady will now present his 5pm-7pm show in two runs of 13 . Bruce leaving is undoubtedly the end of an era, but that doesnt mean it spells the end of the station. They always show the dog playing with the kids, catching a ball and sitting on the sofa and the new owner saying they wouldnt be without them. Paul O'Grady - For the Love of Dogs (@RealPOGDogs) / Twitter