Tony Blackburn has taken to social media to announce he's leaving his post on BBC Radio London.
The 80-year-old has fronted his BBC London show for over four decades but confirmed this Sunday will be his final Soul on Sunday.
Announcing the news on X, formerly Twitter, Blackburn penned: "Hi everyone, just thought I’d let you know that after many happy years on @BBCRadioLondon.
"I have decided to leave the station and this Sunday will be my last Soul On Sunday. Over the years we have had a lot of fun with some fantastic live shows for Children in Need and have played some great music.
"I will still be continuing @BBCBerkshire, @BBCOxford and @BBCRadioSolent on Sunday afternoon and off course on the great @BBCRadio2.
"This is totally my decision and thanks to the many happy years there, but time to move on. Thanks for listening."
Tony Blackburn is leaving his post at BBC Radio London
BBC
With Blackburn revealing he's still remaining at the corporation on various other stations, fans shared their reactions to news of his Radio London exit.
And when many hinted Blackburn may be looking to "cut back" time or consider "retirement", the veteran broadcaster stood firm.
Replying to one fan who described the news as a "shame" to see him "cut back", Blackburn replied: "I’m certainly not going to be cutting back."
Elsewhere, another of Blackburn's followers misread the statement as they penned to him: "Will really miss your programmes at the weekend, I always look forward to your shows.
"Thanks for all the years of listening pleasure you have given and wishing you a happy retirement!"
Pouring water on any fears he was ending his career on the airwaves as a whole, Blackburn defiantly replied: "No I’m not retiring and never will."
He reiterated this is in another post to a fan named Sheila as he posted in response to her retirement probe: "No Sheila I’m not ever going to think of retiring."
While Blackburn will be staying on with the BBC across its radio platforms, news of his exit from Radio London comes following a number of other broadcasters who've decided to leave their respective stations.
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Hi everyone, just thought I’d let you know that after many happy years on @BBCRadioLondon I have decided to leave the station and this Sunday will be my last Soul On Sunday. Over the years we have had a lot of fun with some fantastic live shows for Children in Need and have…
— Tony Blackburn (@tonyblackburn) December 13, 2023
Earlier this week, Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo announced she was quitting her role on Future Sounds with the station.
And last month, Claudia Winkleman decided she'd be leaving her slot on BBC Radio 2 in the new year.
Helen Skelton also broke down in tears on air earlier this year when she quit Radio 5 Live after a short period with the station.
