A HUGE boyband star has revealed his "very difficult decision" to quit his hit radio show after seven years.
The Irish popstar told how he'd had an "incredible" response from his breakfast show listeners, yet was eager to get back to "really important" moments of family time which he'd "missed".
Ronan Keating, 47, left listeners to his Magic Radio Breakfast Show stunned as he broke the news in an emotional statement on Thursday's live programme, leaving co-host Harriet Scott looking choked up.
He will say a final farewell to the station at the end of July.
The Boyzone star gave a candid monologue as the show wrapped and said: "It’s been very difficult for me to come to this conclusion, and to make this decision.
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"I wanted our listeners, our Magic Breakfast listeners and our Magic Radio listeners be the first to know that after seven years and so many incredible shows, I’ve decided to stand down from Magic Breakfast at the end of July.
"I have loved every single minute, this has not been an easy decision at all.
"I came on board as you know [Harriet] for a year, maybe two and I’ve loved the job so much that I’ve stayed here for seven."
Making reference to the coronavirus pandemic the Life Is A Rollercoaster hitmaker continued: "We’ve had an amazing time and we’ve been through some incredibly emotional times with people at home.
"Those two years that the world changed - it was an honour to be able to be in people’s homes and communicate with them like we did."
Ronan, who is married to wife Storm Keating, is a dad-of-five.
He revealed the toll of the early morning alarms - and how he was excited about tapping back into the regular routine of family life.
The chart star added: "Although I won’t be waking the nation up anymore with you [Harriet], I look forward to, I guess reconnecting with what I did before this – you know getting back to my music and touring.
"Even though I’ve been doing it, trying to do both together has not been easy at times.
"Getting back to being with my family – you know doing school runs and those things that I’ve missed out on. Waking up with my wife in the morning, you know?
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"I know it sounds ridiculous but it’s really important and I’ve missed that."
Ronan then paid tribute to his co-host and loyal fans and added: "What I’ve realised is how incredible it is to connect with people.
"The medium of radio is so powerful, more powerful than anything else in this modern age.
"It's been a real honour to broadcast and be considered a radio broadcaster."
He flagged Harriet's role in his success and concluded with the sweet words: "You've shown me how to do this and it’s been an honour, and I’m not leaving the Magic Radio family, just Magic Breakfast for me – it’s time for me to go.
"A massive thank you to everybody for the love you’ve shown me, the love you’ve shown this show for the last seven years. It’s been incredible."
"Getting back to being with my family – you know doing school runs and those things that I’ve missed out on. Waking up with my wife in the morning, you know?
Ronan Keating
Back in 2017, we reported on Ronan bagging the top radio gig.
After making his name in Irish boyband Boyzone, Ronan enjoyed success as a solo artist and stage performer.
He also starred in wartime drama Another Mother's Son.
FAMILY FIRST
Ronan's career reveal comes just weeks after he sparked fears over his wife.
He branded Storm a "warrior" in a recent emotional tribute.
"I have loved every single minute, this has not been an easy decision at all
Ronan Keating
He shared a heart-felt message for his wife, who he said faces "a challenge ahead."
Ronan posted a photo of his tattoo on the back of his arm, which is dedicated to Storm, and said: "For you my warrior today and every day.
"My Stormy. A challenge ahead but your strength blows my mind.
"With you every step. Love you baby."
