Entertainment
Iain Lee ‘retiring’ from broadcasting as he hands in notice at radio station to focus on career in counselling-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro
He’s ‘tired’ after 30 years in the industry.
Iain Lee has decided on a career change after 30 years in broadcasting (Picture: Getty)
Iain Lee is set to start a new chapter in his life after handing in his notice at Jack FM.
The radio presenter now wants to focus on his counselling work, after realising a career behind the microphone was no longer for him.
After 30 years in broadcasting, the 49-year-old – whose career began in the 1990s as a stand-up comedian – has admitted he’s ‘really tired’, and is keen for change.
Announcing the news, the former TV presenter wrote in a statement: ‘Hey everyone, a bit of news, a few weeks ago I handed my notice in at Jack FM.
‘Not sure how long I’ve got left (maybe nothing after this tweet!). It wasn’t working for me with no producer, podcast or daily best bits.’
Iain continued to his 102.5k Twitter followers: ‘It’s also made me realise I don’t want to work in radio anymore so I’m announcing my retirement from broadcasting to focus full time on my counselling work.’
The presenter will now focus on his work as a counsellor (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The broadcaster has won several awards during his career (Picture: Richard Lewis/WireImage)
However, he said there are ‘exceptions’, as he will continue to do voiceover work and ‘the odd gig on 4 Extra’.
‘I’ll still consider offers but won’t chase them,’ he stated.
Iain concluded by sharing a link to his Patreon, where fans can support him and Katherine Boyle in creating podcasts.
Those curious about working with him as a therapist can email hello@iainleecounselling.com or check out iainleecounselling.com.
Signing off, he wrote: ‘I’ve been working in this industry for 30 years and I’m really tired. So, onto new and better adventures. Thank you radio, for most of it it was a blast. X’
Iain added that he was supposed to be back on Jack FM in two days time (Wednesday), but he’s uncertain what will happen now he’s announced his departure on social media.
Iain has presented on radio stations including Jack FM and LBC (Picture: YouTube)
‘Thanks for all your kind words,’ he said.
The star was met with a wealth of love and support following the news, with one fan tweeting: ‘I’ll miss you on the airwaves. Massively underrated I’ve always thought. Best of luck in your counselling career.’
Friend Gordon Astley wrote: ‘You will be fine. I finished with radio a while back. After 40 years on air I think I ran out of anything new to say ! My life is full and fun now and the word ‘retired’ is not in my lexicon! Call if you need a chat. X’, to which Iain said he is both ‘nervous but also excited’ and he now feels ‘alive.’
With regards to his counselling qualifications, Iain states on his website that he has a diploma in humanistic creative counselling.
Ian started off as a stand-up comedian in the 1990s (Picture: Getty)
Remember strawberry gate on I’m A Celeb? Yup, that was him and Amir Khan (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Iain placed third in the jungle in 2017 (Picture: James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock)
‘I believe that everybody has the inherent desire and ability to lead a more fulfilling life,’ he writes, explaining that his training focuses on the ‘Gestalt, Person Centred and Existential schools of counselling.’
He also has been diagnosed as being bipolar and having ADHD, and covers grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, and addictions.
As for his career in entertainment, Iain first gained nationwide fame as co-host of The 11 O’Clock Show from 1998 until 2000, and the breakfast show RI:SE in 2003.
He embarked on a full-time radio career in 2005, hosting talk-based shows including BBC Radio WM and talkRADIO.
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In TV, in November 2017, Iain took part in the 17th series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, entering the show on day five and then finishing in third place, with Georgia ‘Toff’ Toffolo crowned winner.
It’s safe to say radio fans have been with Iain through the highs and lows, whether it be his candid discussions on mental health and drug addictions, or when he came out as bisexual on his radio show in 2019.
He’s won several awards during his career, including the RadioTimes Moment of the Year in 2020, when an overdosing man called him live on air.
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