Axed BBC DJ Steve Wright has hinted that he didn’t want to leave his afternoon show, telling BBC News ‘sometimes people want you, sometimes they don’t’, as listeners brand the Radio 2 reshuffle ‘another diabolical decision’.
The host quit his Radio 2 show live on air today, after more than 40 years with the broadcaster because bosses want to ‘try something different’ in the slot — sparking listener fury as Radio 1’s Scott Mills is brought in to replace him.
‘That’s the way it goes,’ he told BBC News. ‘You know, sometimes people want you, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes they want to make changes, give you another offer, and that’s okay, I understand that, I really understand that.’
Speaking on air this afternoon, Steve revealed that he would be bowing out after 24 years as the show’s host in September, as the station moves to ‘something different’, adding that the BBC has ‘always been fair and kind’ to him.
Fans of the DJ, who has been with the corporation for more than 40 years after joining in 1980 to present a Radio 1 Saturday night show, said they will stop listening to the afternoon slot when he leaves.
One called it a ‘diabolical’ decision, with another Tweeting: ‘Ending his show is a terrible mistake BBC. There goes your audience.’
Another listener said: ‘His show is honestly what gets me through my work each day. Once he’s gone, the radio will be turned off for good.’
‘He should’ve had his job for life,’ another added. Others called it a ‘big mistake’ and a ‘sad and bad move’ from the BBC.
The decision was also met with praise, with listeners saying that it was time for a change of host.
