Tony Blackburn, 81, has spoken out about his future on the airwaves after he recently scaled back his time on BBC radio.
On March 24, Blackburn said farewell to listeners on BBC Radio Berkshire, Solent and Oxford in order to focus on his flagship Radio 2 show.
He first broke the news of his local radio departure in February, just two months after he said it was "totally his decision" to end Soul on Sunday on BBC Radio London in December.
Despite the past few months being filled with major career moves, Blackburn has previously insisted it wasn't done in order to retire.
He also avoided any mention of retirement in his final local radio sign-off, telling listeners: "Well, 43 years on BBC local radio and and that's it as far as I'm concerned. Thank you so much...
"I look forward to being with you, you know, in other places, let's put it that way.
Tony Blackburn has addressed the possibility of calling time on his career
BBC
"Once again, thanks very much indeed for all the memories and for all the love and music. So from me, Tony Blackburn, to BBC local radio, bye-bye."
However, since his final BBC local radio show ended, Blackburn has addressed packing in work for good.
Especially after suffering a health scare last year which saw him collapse at his home and develop sepsis.
Speaking out on why he's decided to scale back and what the future holds, he told Radio Times: "These days, you have to do four hours, it’s too much.
Here we go my final @BBCLOCALRADIO pic.twitter.com/zLAB5nGPlG
— Tony Blackburn OBE. (@tonyblackburn) March 24, 2024
"(But) I can’t stand the idea of not working. It’s important to keep your brain going. Lots of people go to pieces when they retire."
Blackburn went on: "I don’t want to overstay my welcome.
"If I turn up one day and don’t know where I am, I will give up but, at the moment, it seems all right."
On Sunday, Blackburn also took to X with a behind-the-scenes clip from the studio ahead of his final show.
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Tony Blackburn waves during his final farewell on BBC local radio
BBC
Inevitably, it didn't take long for fans to send their well wishes to the 81-year-old after spending over four decades on local radio.
One fan replied: "Thank you for all the pleasure you have given us during the years put your feet up tony."
A second added: "Sending very best wishes... I spoke with you on a Radio show phone in 40+ years ago... have a great day!"
While a third praised: "Thank you for all your fabulous shows on BBC local radio enjoyed listening over the years." (sic)
