Entertainment
BBC Radio 2 listeners ‘disappointed’ as Paul O’Grady is off-air until May due to ‘management decision’
Paul O’Grady will return to BBC Radio 2 in May (Picture: BBC/Rex)
Listeners of Radio 2 have expressed their disappointment after finding out Paul O’Grady won’t be on air on the station until May.
The presenter, 66, will be replaced by comedian Rob Beckett, 36, for his Sunday evening slot on BBC Radio 2 from 5pm until 7pm each week until his return in May.
Paul told his followers on Instagram: ‘I’m doing my best to look benign but Sausage has just spotted Nancy dragging a tea towel down the hall and as you can see she wants a bit of the action.
‘It’s my last Radio2 Sunday show for quite sometime, our listening figures have shot up so a great big thank you to everyone who listens.
‘While I’m on the subject I’d also like to thank my producer ( sounds very grand) Malcolm Prince who is one of the best in the business and hasn’t cracked once in the 14 years we’ve been on air.’
Paul revealed that his time off was a ‘management decision’ rather than of his own volition, adding: ‘There’s a new regime now, I do 13 weeks on and then 13 off which is nothing to do with me as it’s a management decision.
Viewers were sad that Paul wouldn’t be on the show for the next few months (Picture: ITV/RICHARD LEA-HAIR/REX/Shutterstock)
‘So, all being well and providing I’m not in India or Borneo, travel restrictions permitting, I should be back some time in May. Take it easy. X’
Listeners took to Twitter to share their sadness that Paul would not be on the show for the next few months, tweeting: ‘So Paul O’Grady (and Malcolm) are being taken away from us. The best show on Radio 2, I look forward to curling up with a mug of tea and some toast and marmalade on Sunday afternoons. Now what am I going to do? Depressed.’
Others added: ‘Won’t be listening to Radio 2 if Paul O’Grady is going. Grew up watching Paul and now love listening to his radio show’ and ‘@BBCRadio2 big mistake taking Paul O’Grady off for months, you should listen to your listeners, very disappointed’.
Rob Beckett will take over the slot for 13 weeks (Picture: PA)
A BBC spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘Paul’s a brilliant presenter and very much remains part of the Radio 2 family.
‘As we confirmed two weeks ago, we’ve changed the broadcast pattern of Paul’s show so that he’s now on air for two 13 week series each year.
More: BBC
‘This doesn’t significantly alter the number of shows he’s been signed up to do on Radio 2, but having this consistent pattern will make it a lot easier for us to signpost for listeners when he’s on air.
‘Rather than have a range of deputies host the show throughout the year, we’ll now have Rob Beckett on Sunday afternoons with his own series, alternating with Paul’s.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Celebs Go Dating star Rob Beckett ‘lands his own ITV show’: ‘The big break he deserves’
