BBC Radio 2 listeners are up in arms after hearing fan favourite Paul O’Grady is being taken off air after 23 years – to be replaced by younger comedian Rob Beckett.
The 66-year-old comedian has helmed his Paul O'Grady on the Wireless show since 2009 with fans tuning in every Sunday to be warmed by his gentle humour and celebrity anecdotes from 5-7pm.
But this week it was announced that Paul will be absent for the next 13 weeks – and that his show will now only run for 13 week seasons at a time.
In Paul's absence, 36-year-old Celebs Go Dating narrator and stand up comedian Rob will be taking over the Sunday evening time slot – with some loyal listeners threatening to boycott the station in protest.
One furious fan tweeted: “Whose idea is it to replace @PaulOGradyShow with @robbeckettcomic even for 13 weeks? You’ve already lost @GrahamNortonFan and now this.
“No offence to Rob but two completely different personalities and audiences. Bye bye Radio 2 on Sunday night.”
And another expressed similar sentiments, tweeting: “What we're you thinking of by cutting Paul O Grady's radio programme on Radio 2 to only basically half of the year, having Rob Beckett instead is a complete wrong decision, I had to switch the radio off when he sat in for Claudia Winklemann, you need to rethink.”
On Monday, Paul gave insight into the fact his show was being taken off the air for more than three months – stating that the decision was not his idea.
He said in a lengthy Instagram post: “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.
“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.”
Fans reacted in horror at his shock news – with actress Amanda Mealing branding the move by Radio 2 basses: “a f**king farce”.
Sex and the City icon Kim Cattrall responded to Paul’s post to say: “Rest well” – alongside a lipstick kiss emoji.
While one very upset fan responded, typing: “So very sad about this ‘management’ decision Paul. Why do they never ask the listeners for their views? Going to miss you and Malcolm so much.”
Meanwhile, Rob expressed his excitement at landing his new Radio 2 role, saying earlier this month: “As someone that has inhuman levels of energy, I’m incredibly grateful and excited that the BBC are letting me loose on the airwaves to try and pump up anyone feeling the end-of-weekend blues.
“Whether your football team lost, your plans got cancelled, or you burnt your roast dinner, we will put a smile on your face – and if you’re already smiling, then expect a full Cheshire Cat grin.”
