'It's the best quiz on radio': Will PopMaster's devoted fans follow Ken Bruce to Greatest Hits? Join Paul for an exclusive live afternoon chat and book signing at. In the meantime, lets look at what we still have. The former Coronation Street star can still be heard on BBC Radio 6 Music each weekday (1-4pm) and on The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show (Saturday nights, 6-9pm). This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. 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. Secret husband On a Saturday, between the matinee and the evening show, theyd come over to us, or wed go over to them. The former Lily Savage star has been hosting a Sunday evening show on the station from 5pm until 7pm since 2009. Producer: The Paul O'Grady Show. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Hes an experienced broadcaster, has put in the hours as a stand-in, and he might just surprise us. I am absolutely over the moon, I really am.'. February 2022. Celeb obsessed? Tags: Paul O'Grady. The 67-year-old confessed he "wasn't really happy" with the schedule shake-up which saw him share the . In response to Bruces tweet, a BBC spokesperson told The Independent: Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and its always been known hes leaving in March. In July last year, Vanessa Feltz decided to turn her early alarm off for good and quit quit BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio London. READ MORE: Paul O'Grady forced to halt final BBC Radio 2 show as he bids emotional farewell. In a statement shared days before his final show, Paul said: "I've loved doing my Sunday afternoon show for the last 14 years and I'm going to miss my listeners as well as the fun I've had with my producer Malcolm Prince, but I feel that now is the right time to go.". The tv star will not be on the airwaves until May as Rob Beckett takes over his BBC Radio 2 slot. "I'll miss being a part of the Wogan House family, as well as the listeners and their lives. For over 14 years, the 67-year-old had been hosting the Sunday afternoon show before a shift saw him routinely switching with . We're delighted that we are back! , updated Paul O'Grady reflects on another birthday. Of course, theyd smell it down the corridor and the manager would be up saying, Are you cooking in the room?. ', The comments below have not been moderated, By The BAFTA . 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. Schedule. Vernon Kay has been announced as Bruces replacement, Reports: 3 children dead, 2 wounded in attack at Texas home, Kellyanne Conway, George Conway To Divorce After Decadeslong Marriage: Report, School punished teen girl for working out in sports bra in 100-degree Texas heat, ACLU says, U.S. court won't require FAA to make airplane seat size, spacing rules, 'Extremely dangerous': Spike in illegal crossings at Canada-Vermont border has feds sounding alarm, Ken Bruce final Radio 2 show as it happened: DJ says goodbye as fans and fellow stars share emotional tributes, Ken Bruce utters final words on Radio 2 as he leaves BBC after 45 years, Ken Bruce opens last BBC Radio 2 show and says early exit is a shame, Ken Bruce leaves Radio 2: DJ signs off show for the final time, Ken Bruce bows out from BBC Radio 2, paying tribute to world's 'finest' broadcaster. he chuckled, before adding that he also used the time to pen a children's book and learnt to play the ukelele. At conservative gathering, Trump is still the favourite. BBC bosses have cancelled long-running shows . BBC Radio 2 confirmed the news that Paul O'Grady was leaving at approximately 11 am on Tuesday, 9 August 2022. 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. I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. While one very upset fan responded, typing: So very sad about this management decision Paul. 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. "Radio 2 was always for an older audience," the For The Love of Dogs star continued sorrowfully to the Metro. The real story here is that commercial radio is having a moment and good for them. Going to miss you and Malcolm so much.. TV host Paul OGrady, 67, on cooking a naughty breakfast in hotels, saying goodbye to Radio 2 and the joy of seeing rescue dogs rehomed. Tweets. In an Instagram post on Sunday, O'Grady said: "The reason I'm leaving, because everybody's asking me this, is because I wasn't really happy with the 13 weeks on, 13 weeks off business. The BBC's Eurovision Song Contest's commentator Graham Norton kicked off the exodus of stars moving on from Radio 2 in 2020, when the presenter quit his weekend slot at the station. Many took to Twitter to express their delight for the TV and radio legend. Ahead of his final show, O'Grady cited the change as the reason he was going. I know youre not supposed to but I like working with kids. BBC launches hunt to find singer's for King's coronation choir, following the newsBruce was leaving the BBC station after 45 years to go to commercial rival Greatest Hits Radio. 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. By Reels. 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 . "Its been an honour and privilege to be the Breakfast voice of BBC Radio London for 20 years and although Im leaving the show, Ill continue to expect hugs from my lovely listeners when I see them on the streets of London! Paul O'Grady has quit his BBC Radio 2 show after 14 years on air. Im really looking forward to it, because I havent done theatre for a while. Vote now! (ITV/Getty/BBC) BBC Radio 2 has been undergoing somewhat of a facelift over the last few years. His personality, spontaneity and don't-take-this-too-seriously work so well on the radio. His last show included many of his popular segments, including providing the recipe for a Hawaiian-style cocktail and paying tribute to listeners' pets that have recently died. He is certainly not wrong there. 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. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. "Were going to miss you lots Ken and want to congratulate you on a fantastic career at the BBC.". The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 2-min read. All rights reserved. 'Returning to Wogan House for a week after a month of broadcasting the Piano Room sessions at Maida Vale provided a natural break. Camilla, Queen Consort, will feature in a special episode. Following his departure from Radio 2, the much-loved presenter has revealed that he is not only working on a second series of the NTA nominated series For the Love of Dogs but also the release of a second childrens book. Other casualties include some of our most beloved presenters, including Vanessa Feltz, Graham Norton and Simon Mayo who have all left their shows for other stations and now, we bid farewell to Ken Bruce, his wonderful weekday midmorning show and his dulcet Scottish tones. Im travelling light this time but when I used to go on the road, Id take my Baby Belling oven and my electric frying pan. Bruces departure marks the culmination of both his 31-year career with Radio 2 and a painful week for everyone involved. The Drag Race UK judge began presenting his Saturday morning show in 2010, following Jonathan Ross' BBC exit, but after 10 years on-air he walked away from the gig. Published: Tuesday, 9th August 2022 at 11:20 am. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Simon was the first of the big names to walk away from Radio 2 after 17 years at the station. But in February he was forced to give up half of his shows and share the time slot with 36-year-old comedian Rob Beckett with the men swapping presenting duties every three months. 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 . The presenter took to Instagram to share a message with his followers ahead of his final show on August 14. Paul O'Grady and Steve Wright. "You're not valued in the same way, the music isn't as appealing because they've kind of changed the music of Radio 2 to appeal to the younger audience they're so desperate to get.". Read more: Entertainment Daily Awards 2022: Is Paul OGrady your National Treasure? Us passengers might be panicking, but those in the cockpit are not. its first come first served, #NotTheSameWithoutYOU pic.twitter.com/FUfKJWKYJN, #TeamPOGradio is back (@malprin) November 21, 2022. Bruce told the Mail he was 'surprised and disappointed' by the decision. The For the Love of Dogs host announced the news last week, saying he feels that . He added that it was time to "hang up his headphones" and "run free". Ahead of his last show, Paul O'Grady revealed why he is quitting his BBC Radio 2 show. BBC Radio 2 listeners are up in arms after hearing fan favourite Paul OGrady is being taken off air after 23 years to be replaced by younger comedian Rob Beckett. 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. In need of constant stimulation, he struggled to thrive without human contact while he was confined to his farm in Kent. Safe to say, Pauls ever-devoted fans were over the moon for him on this career news. When we were in the West End with Annie, Starlight Express was on around the corner. Wonderful news and love to you both, another added. Paul James O'Grady was born on 14 June 1955 in Birkenhead, England. 'To be asked to step into those big shoes it was a big deep breath, I'll be honest with you. 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.. At first, I thought, I dont want to go to Thailand. I went a bit sulky! Earlier in the week, Radio 2 announced that the 67-year-old presenter Paul had decided to leave . Their daughter, Sharyn, was born in 1974. InJanuary, when Bruce announced his departure, former Radio 2 DJ Vanessa feltz accused the BBC of ageism. The staff in Battersea Dogs And Cats Home are so good that youll see it blossom and go off to a really nice home. The veteran TV presenter went on to admit he "wasn't really happy" with controversial changes at the BBC station - including sharing his show on a '13 weeks on, 13 weeks off' basis with comedian Rob Beckett. Vernon Kay was this week announced as his replacement and broke down in tears while talking about his new role. And I always have a look for bed bugs! It really, really means a lot and I'm back on afternoons until the Autumn from tomorrow anyway. Paul O'Grady and producer Malcolm discuss the merits of another birthday. He said he was doing a national tour of Annie. You don't think of any other DJ when you think of that slot. Fans reacted in horror at his shock news with actress Amanda Mealing branding the move by Radio 2 basses: a f**king farce. Radio 2 listeners have expressed their anger as Paul O'Grady has been taken off-air until May - a decision he insists was down to show bosses. It comes as a BBC source told The Sun: 'The BBC believe that every second he is on air is just free advertising for his new show on Greatest Hits Radio. Paul O'Grady has finished his 14-year stint on Radio 2 and confirmed reports it was because he was unhappy about sharing his Sunday afternoon slot. The For The Love Of Dogs star, 66, has been a familiar voice on the radio slot . 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. His final show was in August 2022, which devastated regular listeners who had come to enjoy his broadcasts. Paul O'Grady has hit out at BBC Radio 2 for allowing Ken Bruce to depart the station. It seems Paul is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The 67-year-old announced in August this year that he was stepping down . Joined December 2011. This has led to the departure of several older hosts, a shuffling of schedules and the introduction of new presenters such as DJ Spoony and Drag Race UK star Michelle Visage. I was a familiar sight at Victoria, dressed as Miss Hannigan with 12 orphans behind me, staggering across the street! The statement concluded: "[We] will continue to be a multi-generational radio station that serves a 35-plus audience with listeners tuning in each week to our brilliant range of programmes, hosted by some of the UKs best-loved presenters.". Posts. The comedian, 66, who used to perform as drag queen Lily Savage, has taken to social media and addressed the . Radio 2 has changed, its not what it was. Four more whiskies later and Im saying, Do you know, I wouldnt mind doing a few weeks of Annie. So, Im doing seven weeks. Gardening leave, it was reported, to avoid each day being one big advert for his new slot on their rival, Bauers Greatest Hits Radio. Let's enjoy the week ahead!'. "So, I did the honourable thing and I honoured my contract, gave my notice and now I'm off. Bruce revealed on Friday (24 February) that he had been asked to leave before fulfilling his contract for another month. Paul O'Grady signed off on Sunday from his final Radio 2 show, O'Grady with Malcolm Prince, the producer on his radio show since 2009, Harry: I feared losing memories of mum during therapy, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Canadian grandma helps police snag phone scammer, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress. He went on to host a number of chat shows, first with ITV and later with Channel 4, and a revival of dating show Blind Date. I was, because Im a great believer in continuity. 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. He reportedly broke a clause that he himself had created in his TV contract to be able to adopt the pup, who originally arrived at Battersea Cats and Dogs Home in search of a new owner. Theres a new regime now, I do 13 weeks on and then 13 off which is nothing to do with me as its a management decision. 'They're trying to aim for a much younger audience, which doesn't make sense because you've got Radio 1. This came after Paul bid farewell to his 14 year stint on Radio 2 in August . Paul has recently decided to quit BBC Radio 2 after 14 years and his final show aired on Sunday (August 14). Chris Evans, of course, left the Radio 2 Breakfast Show for Virgin in 2019. The broadcaster, 67, took to the Radio 2 airwaves one last time earlier today . Listen live. Paul O'Grady revealed the real reason behind his BBC Radio 2 exit ahead of his final Sunday show.. After 14 years, you left your Radio 2 show last year, handing in your notice after being . Paul O'Grady QUITS his Radio 2 show after 14 years in latest BBC shake-up. Paul O'Grady said in a statement on Tuesday he "loved" doing his Sunday afternoon show but feels it is the "right time to go" "Anyway, thanks very much and good luck to everyone on Radio 2 and long may you continue!". Do you have a story to sell? I havent got one. 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. At around the same time, veteran broadcaster Ken Bruce, 72, also left the station to transfer to Greatest Hits Radio, sparking an "ageism" row. I'd like to thank my producer Malcolm Prince and all the teams I've worked with for a great decade of radio. "Radio 2 has changed, its not what it was. 'I'm a little surprised and disappointed.'. Save. O'Grady, who left Radio 2 in 2021 after being asked to share his slot with comedian Rob Beckett, criticised the approach taken by bosses. . The star bid farewell to Radio 2 listeners forever on Friday 26 August and went on to land a job on Talk TV. A Radio 2 spokeswoman said:'Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and it's always been known he's leaving in March. Speaking via a statement issued at the time, Craig said: "Every party must come to an end and although I'm packing up my Trunk of Funk on Radio 2, I've loved bringing the party to its funky listeners each Saturday night.". What is their net worth? I like it when I get there, its the travelling I dont enjoy. "So I'm not going anywhere. 'Obviously I am over the moon and so are my parents and Tess and the kids, but it's the Ken Bruce show and the man has raised the bar so high that I'm just so excited to be able to take the reins. In my version shes a bit raggy. "So thank you very much," he ended the personal message before moving on with his usual weekend staples. The 66-year-old comedian has helmed his Paul O'Grady on the Wireless show since 2009 with fans tuning in every Sunday to be warmed by his gentle humour and celebrity anecdotes from 5-7pm. Read about our approach to external linking. Paul O'Grady has expressed his "disappointment" with BBC Radio 2, saying "it's not what it was". and Losing the host of the UKs most popular radio show (8.2 million weekly listeners) feels like a crucial moment, and as though the stations future hangs in the balance. She was a little raggy thing when I got her but shes cock of the walk now. 17:24 GMT 28 Feb 2023. 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. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Care worker for Camden, the Vauxhall Tavern's drag-show compere and now Cupid on Blind Date, Paul O'Grady discusses love, loss and loathing the Tories Then somebody said, You get on with elephants, whats up with you? And its true. He attended Christian Brothers School and, after his graduation, worked as a clerk in a magistrate's court. We wish Ken all the best for the future.. The 67-year-old icon left Radio 2 in . 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. Thats enough because Ive got other commitments with animals. Paul O'Grady is leaving BBC Radio 2, saying it was "the right time to go". The TV and radio host lamented that he was . They wanted three and to tell you the truth I dont have an idea in my head for the third one! 1:05. Why do they never ask the listeners for their views? He said: 'My dad is a lorry driver and I said this when I joined Radio 2 and started standing in for Steve Wright, so we've always had Radio 2 on in the background. Bruce leaving is undoubtedly the end of an era, but that doesnt mean it spells the end of the station. Watch: Paul O'Grady explains reasons for leaving Radio 2 after 14 years. Express. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. But Eddie, one of my other dogs, hates them all hes not interested in friends! Will you be tuning into Paul O Gradys show on Christmas Day? 2023 BBC. "We wish Paul the very best of luck and hope to work . "But it didnt work out like that, so it was an uncomfortable period., Speaking to the Daily Mail, Simon said he felt bosses were under 'genuine pressure from the top about improving the number of women in daytime and to make the network more contemporary.'. However, after almost 12 blissful years, I now need to step down to catch up on a much needed decades deficit of beauty sleep! The format was originally devised by Granada Television and was broadcast on ITV until December 2005, before moving to . 233 following. Paul O'Grady thanked his listeners and said he can now "run free" as he signed off from his final BBC Radio 2 show on Sunday. Chris Evans bids farewell to BBC Radio 2. He's achieved fame uisin his comedic drag queen chairacter, "Lily Savage", an later becam weel kent for presentin TV programmes as himsel, sic as The Paul O'Grady Show . Addressing the reaction on his weekend show, Steve told listeners of his Sunday Love Songs show: "Before we start the show proper, if I may, I'd just like to say thank you ever so much for all the messages that have come in, over the weekend after I announced on Friday on the afternoon that we are leaving the afternoon show. First published on Sun 14 Aug 2022 17.10 EDT. Paul O'Grady, Simon Mayo, and Ken Bruce are just some of the big names to exit Radio 2 in recent years. Also leaving the station is his producer Malcolm Prince, whom he jokingly insulted on every show. Pauls taking #TeamPOGradio to @BoomRadioUK for the annual Christmas show! The announcement comes after a shake-up which saw him share the slot with comedian . Paul OGrady reflects on another birthday, Paul OGrady recalls Malcolms movie career.