Paul O’Grady: broadcaster announces BBC Radio 2 exit, reason why explained - who will replace him

TV and radio star Paul O’Grady is leaving BBC Radio 2, it has been confirmed.

O’Grady will bring an end to his 14-years at the British broadcaster, where he has hosted his weekly show every Sunday since 2009.

His exit follows a string of popular BBC Radio 2 names leaving for pastures new, with the likes of Steve Wright, Tony Blackburn, Craig Charles and Vanessa Feltz losing timeslots.

But why is Paul O’Grady leaving BBC Radio 2 and when will his last show air? Here is everything you need to know.

When was it announced?

BBC Radio 2 confirmed the news that Paul O’Grady was leaving at approximately 11 am on Tuesday, 9 August 2022.

It posted a statement on social media, which read: “We’re sad to say that after 14 years on Sunday afternoons, Paul O’Grady has decided to leave Radio 2”.

“We wish Paul the very best of luck and hope to work with him again in the future”.

In a post published by Mr O’Grady, the star of For The Love of Dogs said: “I’ve loved doing my Sunday afternoon show for the last 14 years and I’m going to miss my listeners, as well as the fun I’ve had with my producer Malcolm Prince”.

“But I feel that now is the right time to go,” he concluded.

The announcement of the broadcaster’s departure came soon after a cryptic Instagram post that was published on Sunday, 8 August.

Showing a picture of a microphone with the official BBC Radio 2 logo whilst referencing the hot-tempered weather that the country will experience after yet another extreme heat warning, O’Grady wrote: “Penultimate show today. Hope you’re enjoying the sun unless you are somewhere where it’s raining then ignore that.”