08 February 2024 , 17:58
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Tony Blackburn has announced he is stepping down from his BBC show after 14 years.
The radio legend, who is still working at 81, took to social media earlier today to reveal the news to shocked fans and said that his last episode of his local afternoon show, that airs on Sundays, will be next month.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, he shared: “Hi there, just wanted to let you know that I have decided to end my @BBCLOCALRADIO Sunday afternoon show that goes out on @BBCBerkshire @BBCoxford @BBCRadioSolent and @BBCSounds.
“My last show will be on March 24th. I have been a part of the Berkshire line up since 2012 and have loved doing the show bringing music from the 50’s up to the present day. I have loved the callers and the fun we’ve had. At some stage, I might come back to BBC Local radio but, for now, I’m going to focus on my @BBCRadio2 shows Sounds Of The Sixties and the Golden Hour and my theatre tour which comes back in March."
It is the second radio show Tony Blackburn, 81, has quit in recent weeks (REX/Shutterstock)Devastated fans were quick to comment underneath with one saying: “We will miss this big time Tony. It’s a Sunday ritual tuning in.” Another wrote: “I’ve loved listening to you on the sounds app. You’ll be missed by thousands, but I’m selfishly glad that you’ll still be on the air at least, just in a smaller way.”
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A third chimed in: “Thank you for your service, Tony. Time to back-pedal a bit. Looking forward to seeing you in Cornwall in October with some special friends who also love 60s music.” A fourth said: “Listened to you since the Radio Caroline days and loved every minute. You deserve a little rest. Hope your health keeps improving. Love to you and your family.”
While a fifth added: “That’s so sad. I had the pleasure of chatting to you on the show and had a great laugh talking about jingles and Doris Day amongst other things. Thank goodness for BBC Sounds which has several of those mint 4 hr shows. You once said that OBE stood for ‘Out Before Easter’. Spot on.”
Tony was the first DJ to broadcast on BBC Radio 1 when it launched in 1967 (Getty Images)Tony’s latest announcement comes weeks after he revealed he had also quit his Soul on Sunday programme, which he presented on BBC Radio London, after 40 years. The veteran DJ, who first found fame on pirate station Radio Caroline in the 1960s before joining the BBC as their very first presenter in 1967, said: “Hi everyone, just thought I’d let you know that after many happy years on @BBCRadioLondon I have decided to leave the station and this Sunday will be my last Soul on Sunday.”
He added: “Over the years we have had a lot of fun with some fantastic live shows for Children In need and have played some great music... This is totally my decision and thanks to the many happy years there, but time to move on. Thanks for listening.”