O’Grady, 67, had hosted the Sunday afternoon program for nearly 14 years before a schedule change meant he shared the hosting role with comic Rob Beckett, swapping every 13 weeks. In a social media message posted before the show, he said his departure was due to the new arrangement. “The reason I’m leaving, because everyone asked me that, is because I wasn’t really happy with the 13 weeks after, the 13 weeks off,” he said in an Instagram post on Sunday. “So I did the decent thing, honored my contract, gave my notice and now I’m leaving. Many thanks and good luck to everyone at Radio 2 and may it continue.” During his last show, he reflected on his time in the hot seat of producer Malcolm Prince. “This is Paul O’Grady’s last Sunday show here on Radio 2 ever. It’s hard to say that, Malcolm, because it’s been almost 14 years, hasn’t it? “You know this is one of the biggest jobs I’ve ever held. I just came to do a few hours for Elaine Paige and see what happened.” Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. He continued: “Anyway, I always said I was running from the building and there was a big bubble that would catch me in Oxford Street and bring me back as a prisoner, but it’s not today and I can run free. O’Grady thanked his listeners for tuning in and participating over the years. He also thanked his producer, saying: “I really appreciate it because, let’s face it, it wouldn’t be the same without you, would it?” After playing his final song, Friends by Bette Midler, he added: “From all of us here, from me and from Malcolm and everyone, thank you for tuning in to these past 546 programs. This is how you take care of yourself, stay safe and well. Hi everyone.” The BBC has confirmed that Beckett will return for at least another 13 weeks of broadcasts from 21 August. O’Grady is the latest major anchor to leave the station. Steve Wright, also 67, was replaced by Scott Mills, 48, after 24 years at the network. And in July, Vanessa Feltz, 60, announced she was leaving her shows on Radio 2 and BBC Radio London. The BBC has been approached for comment.
