No longer self isolating but still cautious. Its a one-off special and, if youd like a shoutout, for your friends or family, email now, But be quick: Chris Evans, of course, left the Radio 2 Breakfast Show for Virgin in 2019. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. 03:00. 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. 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. Paul O'Grady has hit out at BBC Radio 2 for allowing Ken Bruce to depart the station. Vote now! Wonderful news and love to you both, another added. Paul James O'Grady was born on 14 June 1955 in Birkenhead, England. Tags: Paul O'Grady. 233 following. However, after almost 12 blissful years, I now need to step down to catch up on a much needed decades deficit of beauty sleep! Oh thats brilliant news Malcolm thank you for sharing, one fan penned. 5-min read. We wish Ken all the best for the future. Youve already lost @GrahamNortonFan and now this. BBC Radio 2 is introducing some schedule changes on a Sunday afternoon and has announced its special programming for the Spring. To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's visitMetro's London news hub. Jamie Phillips Read about our approach to external linking. Paul OGrady reflects on another birthday, Paul OGrady recalls Malcolms movie career. 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. The format was originally devised by Granada Television and was broadcast on ITV until December 2005, before moving to . Joined December 2011. The announcement comes after a shake-up which saw him share the slot with comedian . Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? 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. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Ken explained his reasons for leaving Radio 2 in his quote and on air, the BBC previously told The Independent when approached about allegations of ageism from listeners. You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know. Paul O'Grady revealed the real reason behind his BBC Radio 2 exit ahead of his final Sunday show.. Join Paul for an exclusive live afternoon chat and book signing at. The For The Love Of Dogs star, 66, has been a familiar voice on the radio slot . At conservative gathering, Trump is still the favourite. "I will enjoy a dollop of energy-boosting shut-eye to swing from zip-lines with my three effervescent grandchildren and frolic with my fianc Ben, who irritatingly remains 10 years younger than me!". The 67-year-old has hosted the Sunday . Paul O'Grady is stepping down from his BBC Radio 2 show after hosting the Sunday afternoon slot for 14 years. His personality, spontaneity and don't-take-this-too-seriously work so well on the radio. #Blackpool. 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 continues to host For The Love of Dogs, an ITV series following the staff at Battersea Dogs Home and the dogs they care for. The star bid farewell to Radio 2 listeners forever on Friday 26 August and went on to land a job on Talk TV. Four more whiskies later and Im saying, Do you know, I wouldnt mind doing a few weeks of Annie. So, Im doing seven weeks. Schedule. 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 67-year-old broadcaster spoke out following the news Bruce was leaving the BBC . The news comes after a recent change up at the station saw O'Grady sharing his . When I was in a hotel room, Id put a shower cap over the fire alarm and make myself breakfast. 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 67-year-old icon left Radio 2 in . During that time he met a woman named Diane Jansen with whom he had a brief affair. Leave a comment if you're watching! Paul will reprise his role as Miss Hannigan, who he previously played back in 1998. Entertainment Daily Awards 2022: Is Paul OGrady your National Treasure? (PA) Paul O'Grady has issued a lengthy statement explaining the BBC 's decision to take his radio show off air until May. Paul O'Grady has broken his silence after it was announced his BBC Radio 2 show was being taken off air until May.. Why do they never ask the listeners for their views? In need of constant stimulation, he struggled to thrive without human contact while he was confined to his farm in Kent. Ahead of his final show, O'Grady cited the change as the reason he was going. A Radio 2 spokeswoman said:'Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and it's always been known he's leaving in March. Speaking to his long-suffering colleague in their 546th and final programme, O'Grady, 67, said the show had been one of the "longest jobs I've ever held down", before addressing his listeners to tell them it "wouldn't have been the same" without them. Maybe it is a deeply-embedded loyalty to the station I never realised I had, maybe it is blind optimism, but I dont think this is the case. 'Returning to Wogan House for a week after a month of broadcasting the Piano Room sessions at Maida Vale provided a natural break. It seems Paul is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The broadcaster, 67, took to the Radio 2 airwaves one last time earlier today . Remembering that his initial work for Radio 2 had been as an occasional stand-in presenter 14 years ago before he was handed his current show in 2009, he said: "I only came to do a few hours for Elaine Paige and look what happened.". 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. 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. When we were in the West End with Annie, Starlight Express was on around the corner. 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 . 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 In just a handful of years, the station's schedule has undergone so much change that the . "Obviously I'm sad to be stepping away from my Radio 2 show," Graham said in a statement at the time. Hello everyone! Concluding a video message shared with his fans just before his last ever show, Paul said: "And the reason I'm leaving because everybody's asked me this. It isnt an easy balancing act, but this shifting landscape will no doubt kick Radio 2 into gear. 15:37 GMT 28 Feb 2023 Vanessa Feltz has also quit her early morning breakfast show, along with her BBC London presenting job, amid speculation she could be joining a revamped talkTV schedule. She was a little raggy thing when I got her but shes cock of the walk now. Read about our approach to external linking. Of course, theyd smell it down the corridor and the manager would be up saying, Are you cooking in the room?. The 67-year-old announced in August this year that he was stepping down . I'd like to thank my producer Malcolm Prince and all the teams I've worked with for a great decade of radio. We're delighted that we are back! 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. Last summer O'Grady left Radio 2 after Steve Wright, 68, Graham Norton, 59, and Simon Mayo, 64, all left and were replaced with a younger lineup. The 67-year-old will be replaced by ex-Radio 1 host Scott Mills, 49. @Battersea_. I am absolutely over the moon, I really am.'. Paul O'Grady reflects on another birthday. . Paul O'Grady pictured in February 2022. He said he was doing a national tour of Annie. The For the Love of Dogs host announced the news last week, saying he feels that . I go in a hotel room and I look at the bed and I think, Hmm, how many people have slept in this before me? Even in a posh hotel I think that. You don't think of any other DJ when you think of that slot. "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. 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. The station has also lost Paul O'Grady, Vanessa Feltz and Graham Norton. I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. By O'Grady has hosted his current show for 13 years . 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" He has also recently confirmed that the For the Love of Dogs Christmas special will feature a special royal guest. In July, many listeners vented their anger as it was revealed that Steve's much-loved afternoon show was coming to an end after 23 years. Absence explained. And I always have a look for bed bugs! Tweets & replies. 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. InJanuary, when Bruce announced his departure, former Radio 2 DJ Vanessa feltz accused the BBC of ageism. Paul O'Grady claims that BBC Radio 2 'has changed' (Credit: ITV) Paul finished his stint on Radio 2 last August. Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox. Radio 2 has been attempting to attract a younger audience in recent years, while also reducing the wage bill it pays some of its leading presenters. Ticket includes the latest edition of Eddie Albert & The Amazing Animal Gang - The Curse of the Smugglers' Treasure (Out Now) @HarperCollinsCh. and 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. Within the space of three years, Radio 2 has seen many of its long-standing stars quit the show and move on . A terrific listen today. Paul O'Grady leaves Sunday Radio 2 show after 14 years. Im not good in hotels. I learnt two songs on the ukulele, I made loads of chutney and jam and I wrote a kids book. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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. You can unsubscribe at any time. The broadcaster's comments come after the news that veteran DJ Ken Bruce was leaving the station after 45 years to go to Greatest Hits Radio. The presenter will be absent from BBC Radio 2 for 13 weeks. 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. 'I'm a little surprised and disappointed.'. All rights reserved. The decision to replace Bruce has sparked a backlash from loyal listeners, who hit out at the BBC over its treatment of the veteran presenter. I was so fed-up and bored. The presenter, 66, has been replaced with comedian . Paul O'Grady has spoken out about recent changes at Radio 2, admitting he feels the station is "not what it was".. Last year, the former talk show host stepped down from his BBC radio show after 14 years, which came shortly after it was announced he'd be alternating in his regular slot with comedian Rob Beckett. 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. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. 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. The 67-year-old hosted the Sunday afternoon programme for almost 13 years . Returning to Wogan House for a week after a month of broadcasting the Piano Room sessions at Maida Vale provided a natural break. However, the For the Love of Dogs presenter has since been snapped up by Boom Radio UK for a one-off Christmas Day special. Everyone and their dog waded in on what they thought of this, and the whole saga has been poorly handled, awkward, messy, and worst of all, a sad way to close such an esteemed three decades for Bruce. The 67-year-old has been at the station for 14 years and has hosted the Sunday afternoon slot since 2009. Paul O'Grady and Steve Wright. Vote now! Some healthy competition will, in the long run, make Radio 2 a better station. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. The 67-year-old icon left Radio 2 in August after 14 years at the station, saying he wasnt really happy there. Many took to Twitter to express their delight for the TV and radio legend. Then somebody said, You get on with elephants, whats up with you? And its true. Also leaving the station is his producer Malcolm Prince, whom he jokingly insulted on every show. Radio 2 has changed, its not what it was. Videos Tagged. 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. Posts. "This show stays," he confirmed, referring to his popular weekend programme, before reassuring fans he will be doing ''other exciting projects for Radio 2 in the future.'. For tickets see here. for a Royal special, tonight on ITV1 & ITVX at 9pm! They added that the age range "hasn't changed in decades" and that Ken Bruce had been with them since the age of 32. 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. 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. Fans reacted in horror at his shock news with actress Amanda Mealing branding the move by Radio 2 basses: a f**king farce. Download Podcasts. Safe to say, Pauls ever-devoted fans were over the moon for him on this career news. 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. What is their net worth? The comedian, 67 . Another exclaimed: Brilliant news, Boom is a growing station and #TeamPOGradio will fit in well, please let this be first of many specials., A third wrote: Wonderful news, put a smile on my face on a gloomy Monday morning.. '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. 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. Radio 2 was always for an older audience.'. Its a Cinderella story. He is certainly not wrong there. 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 . O'Grady came to prominence in the 1990s as a stand-up comedian with a Scouse drag queen persona, Lily Savage, with which he presented game show Blankety Blank and other light entertainment programmes. Paul O'Grady's fans are seething over his removal from BBC Radio 2 and his replacement, Some Radio 2 fans are livid that Paul will be replaced by Rob Beckett and have vowed to boycott his show, Paul took to Instagram earlier this week to discuss his removal from the airwaves. BBC Radio 2 confirmed the news that Paul O'Grady was leaving at approximately 11 am on Tuesday, 9 August 2022. Paul O'Grady, best known for hosting For the Love of Dogs, has filled the Sunday evening BBC Radio 2 slot from 5pm . Fans greeted the news of his replacement with mixed reviews and branded BBC bosses' decision 'classless', but appearing on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show this morning, Kay paid tribute to his predecessor. Friends say he had given a commitment not to say anything that could embarrass the BBC in the remaining weeks of his contract, making him all the more surprised by the decision to end his show earlier than expected. 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"Anyway, thanks very much and good luck to everyone on Radio 2 and long may you continue!". Bruce revealed on Friday (24 February) that he had been asked to leave before fulfilling his contract for another month. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 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. By Molly Powell. His final programme will be this Sunday . "Radio 2 has changed, its not what it was. Ill probably get a flat, because then you can cater for yourself. Fortunately, Paul is still very much in demand with TV producers, admitting that he has "already" been asked to take part in another series of For The Love Of Dogs. Big Zuu profile: What is his net worth and does he have a wife? So what do you think of this story? They said: 'It shows zero respect for Ken and what he has done for Radio 2.'. Radio 2 "is not what it was" and its quest for a younger audience makes no sense, according to Paul O'Grady, who departed the station last year. Us passengers might be panicking, but those in the cockpit are not. It leaves a sour taste.'. Courteney Cox reacts to Prince Harry's claim he did mushrooms at house [REVELATIONS], Louise Minchin gave up sport 30 years ago over changing bodyshape [INTERVIEW], Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford share rare snaps with son on birthday [PICTURES]. Pauls radio producer Malcolm announced the news today, writing on Twitter: Pauls taking #TeamPOGradio to @BoomRadioUK for the annual Christmas show!, Alongside a picture of Paul, the caption continued: Its a one-off special and, if youd like a shoutout, for your friends or family, email now.. Camilla, Queen Consort, will feature in a special episode. He added that it was time to "hang up his headphones" and "run free". He said in a lengthy Instagram post: Its my last Radio2 Sunday show for quite sometime, our listening figures have shot up so a great big thank you to everyone who listens. "Happily with the chat show, Eurovision and Drag Race the BBC continues to be my perfect TV home.". 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. The presenter took to Instagram to share a message with his followers ahead of his final show on August 14. Paul O'Grady is leaving BBC Radio 2, saying it was "the right time to go". 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. 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's last programme will be on Sunday 14 August as he comes to the end of . 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. The real story here is that commercial radio is having a moment and good for them. On Monday, Paul gave insight into the fact his show was being taken off the air for more than three months stating that the decision was not his idea. 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. 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. "I'll miss being a part of the Wogan House family, as well as the listeners and their lives. Their daughter, Sharyn, was born in 1974. Paul O'Grady will now present his 5pm-7pm show in two runs of 13 . "We wish Paul the very best of luck and hope to work . The comedian, 66, who used to perform as drag queen Lily Savage, presented Paul . The broadcaster, 67, took to the BBC airwaves for the final time in August, following his shock announcement he would be leaving his popular slot earlier in the week and speculation surrounding his departure. February 2022. Paul O'Grady and producer Malcolm discuss the merits of another birthday. 736K followers. However, he announced his decision to part ways with the station last year, insisting that it was "the right time to go" under the circumstances. Offeecial Radio 2 show page Paul James O'Grady , MBE (born 14 Juin 1955) is an Inglis comedian, telly presenter, actor, writer an radio disc jockey. The BAFTA . Ta-ra everyone.". 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. Elsewhere on radio, Jane Garvey, Fi Glover . Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. He is certainly not wrong there. Olga often used to visit Radio 2 to see what Paul was doing; she was seldom impressed. 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. Paul O'Grady bid farewell to his loyal listeners on Sunday afternoon, as he presented his final show on BBC Radio 2.. He is the latest in a string of older DJs to step back, including Steve Wright, Graham Norton and Simon Mayo. Craig Charles' Radio 2 show on a Saturday night was axed last summer, amid the ongoing shake up of the BBC stations. 'It's the best quiz on radio': Will PopMaster's devoted fans follow Ken Bruce to Greatest Hits? Read about our approach to external linking. Although the presenter had fully intended to continue as contracted until the end of March, the BBC decided Friday would be his last show.