Simon Mayo is leaving BBC Radio 2, and the Drivetime show he hosts with Jo Whiley will come to an end.
The DJ had hosted the 5-7pm slot on the station since 2010, but was joined by Whiley for an extended 5-8pm edition in a shake-up to the schedule earlier this year.
The move was met with criticism from listeners, and Radio 2 was forced to issue a response following the backlash, asking fans to let the show “settle” and to “give it a chance”.
So. A few things to say. Very sadly, I have decided to move on from Radio 2. Sad to leave the show, sad to leave Jo, sad to leave Wogan House (I thought I’d be dragged out aged 120). But circumstances change…
— Simon Mayo (@simonmayo) October 22, 2018
On top of that my Itch books are about to be filmed for television in Australia and the work turning Mad Blood Stirring into a movie continues apace.
— Simon Mayo (@simonmayo) October 22, 2018
I’ll continue with the (flagship) film show on 5Live with Mark Kermode and, beyond that, other radio adventures beckon! But for now it’s just the sadness of leaving. Radio 2 has been a wonderful place for me-my happiest radio I think. Our listeners are really quite extraordinary.
— Simon Mayo (@simonmayo) October 22, 2018
Mayo said he is “sad to leave the show, sad to leave Jo, sad to leave Wogan house” in a series of messages on Twitter, adding that he thought he would be “dragged out aged 120” from the building, the home of Radio 2.
He added: “But circumstances change…
“Juggling my writing and radio has become increasingly tricky (a nice problem to have). I’ve just signed a new 2 book deal with the nice folk at Transworld and they’ll be expecting something half decent before too long.
“On top of that my Itch books are about to be filmed for television in Australia and the work turning Mad Blood Stirring into a movie continues apace.
“I know, I know, I’m as surprised at this turn of events as you. But at my grand old age to be setting off on these brand new trails is enormous fun. And all the more so for being so unexpected. There are, however, only so many hours in a day.”
Mayo, 60, said he will remain at the BBC for the 5 Live Film review he co-hosts with Mark Kermode, but that “other radio adventures beckon”.
“But for now it’s just the sadness of leaving. Radio 2 has been a wonderful place for me – my happiest radio, I think. Our listeners are really quite extraordinary,” he added.
Addressing reports of a rift between himself and Whiley, he said: “One other thing. Maybe it needs to be said, maybe not but so there is no room for argument I’ll be clear.
“I’ve loved working with the exceptional Jo Whiley and when the show was ‘reconfigured’ she was my first and only choice.
Some of the abuse she has had here has been appalling. Support for a show is one thing, assaulting the dignity of a warm-hearted and loyal friend is another.
— Simon Mayo (@simonmayo) October 22, 2018
Thanks to each and every one.Onwards.
— Simon Mayo (@simonmayo) October 22, 2018
“Some of the abuse she has had here has been appalling. Support for a show is one thing, assaulting the dignity of a warm-hearted and loyal friend is another.
“So by all means discuss what’s happening here, but let’s keep some civility. Thank you. Here endeth the lesson.”
Whiley said: “I’m incredibly sad that Simon has decided to leave Radio 2. He’s a brilliant broadcaster, a great friend and I really will miss working with him.”
Mayo and Whiley’s Drivetime show has no end date as yet, the BBC said.
Jo Whiley will be launching a brand new show in January, Monday – Thursday 7-9pm, featuring the very best new music and amazing live sessions. pic.twitter.com/1d3R6BdMqR
— BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) October 22, 2018
The broadcaster said further details of the early evening Radio 2 schedule will be announced in the near future.
Prior to his Drivetime show, Mayo hosted the Radio 2 Album Chart Show from 2001 until 2007, as well as presenting 5 Live’s afternoon show between 2001 and 2009.
Whiley started her Radio 2 career in 2009 covering for various presenters, and hosted the In Concert series from 2010, before launching her own evening show in 2011.
She will launch a new show in January in the 7-9pm slot on Mondays to Thursdays, while continuing her In Concert series and filling in for Ken Bruce whenever he is away in 2019.
Whiley said: “I’m very much looking forward to hosting a new show for a new year which will have music at the very heart of it as well as guests and live sessions. Dream show, actually. Can’t wait!”