Paul O'Grady has broken his silence after it was announced his BBC Radio 2 show was being taken off air until May.
The comedian, 66, who used to perform as drag queen Lily Savage, presented Paul O'Grady on the Wireless on Sunday from 5-7pm - however there's now been a change to the billing.
Taking to Instagram with a pic of him wearing headphones holding his dog, Sausage, Paul wrote: "I’m doing my best to look benign, but Sausage has just spotted Nancy dragging a tea towel down the hall and as you can see she wants a bit of the action.
"It’s my last Radio2 Sunday show for quite sometime, our listening figures have shot up so a great big thank you to everyone who listens.
"While I’m on the subject I’d also like to thank my producer (sounds very grand) Malcolm Prince who is one of the best in the business and hasn’t cracked once in the 14 years we’ve been on air."
The star added: "There’s a new regime now, I do 13 weeks on and then 13 off which is nothing to do with me as it’s a management decision.
"So, all being well and providing I’m not in India or Borneo, travel restrictions permitting, I should be back some time in May. Take it easy. X @bbcradio2 @malprin."
While Paul's post appeared to be relatively upbeat - fans were fuming with the news.
One wrote: "It’s a f**king farce, babe. You’d be forgiven for thinking you made radio shows for the public, not for middle management to have something to do of a day."
While another mused: "So very sad about this 'management' decision Paul.
"Why do they never ask the listeners for their views?
"Do not want to rush the year over but roll on May! Must make most of today but a few tears will be shed at 7.00. Thank You for all the laughs and the wonderful music."
Paul shot to fame with his drag persona Lily Savage in the nineties during which the irreverent, chain-smoking, bottle-blonde from Birkenhead was a regular on TV.
However the comedian now says his alter-ego is 'dead' and there's 'not enough money in the world to bring her back'.
Speaking to the Mirror he said: “ There’s not enough cash on earth to get me dragged up. God no.
"It’s always been, ‘Why don’t you be Lily Savage again?’ Well, because one, I’m too old. And two, I couldn’t be bothered."
