Paul O’Grady has left Radio 2 after 13 years, following Steve Wright and Tony Blackburn.
The TV and radio personality, 67, held the Sunday evening 5-7pm slot since 2009 until trading with comedian Rob Beckett.
O’Grady, better known as drag queen Lily Savage, hinted on Instagram that BBC management may have pushed his hand.
His final show will air on August 14, when his cycle concludes.
O’Grady’s departure is the latest in a succession of changes to the BBC Radio schedule, with Wright, Blackburn, and Craig Charles all losing spots.
It comes amid a ‘brain drain’ of talent, including journalists Dan Walker, Jon Sopel, Emily Maitlis, and Andrew Marr.
He stated, ‘I’ve enjoyed doing my Sunday afternoon show for 14 years and I’ll miss my listeners and my producer Malcolm Prince, but this is the appropriate time to depart.’
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said, ‘I’d want to congratulate Paul for his wonderful Sunday afternoon programme.’
I’m sad to see him depart, but I wish Paul the best and hope to work with him again at Radio 2.
Paul ‘The Grinch’ O’Grady debuted his Sunday afternoon programme in 2009 and has presented his Christmas Day special on the network for many years.
After listeners complained about the timetable shift in February, the BBC stated plans ‘evolve’
‘Paul is much-loved by many of our listeners, and he remains a strong favourite here at Wogan House,’ it added.
His farewell broadcast will include Lost TV Theme, Thank You Letter Of The Week, and an unexpected playlist. Beckett will return for 13 more weeks starting August 21.
Radio 2 supporters criticised the BBC for replacing Steve Wright with Radio 1’s Scott Mills to ‘try something fresh’
Wright told reporters it was ‘good of you to come over’ as he left Wogan House in July, wearing a purple shirt, red striped tie, and suit jacket. People don’t always desire you.
Sometimes they want to make modifications or give you another offer, and that’s OK.
Wright announced his retirement and claimed the BBC has ‘always been fair and kind’ to him.
He promises ‘new initiatives’ in October. Love Songs will continue air on Sundays.
Fans of the DJ, who joined the organisation in 1980 to host a Radio 1 Saturday night programme, say they would quit listening when he left.
One dubbed it a ‘diabolical’ action, while another said it was a ‘bad error’ It’s over.
Another listener remarked, ‘His show helps me through each day.’ Once he’s gone, I’ll switch off the radio.’
Another said, ‘He should’ve kept his job’ Others branded it a ‘huge error’ and a’sad and awful action’
Listeners praised the decision, claiming a new presenter was needed.
Vanessa Feltz resigned her early morning breakfast programme in July.
Feltz claimed she had to step down to catch up on a decade’s worth of beauty sleep and frolic with her fiancé Ben Ofoedu, who is 10 years younger than her.
The singer claimed she would ‘try not to weep’ as she delivered the news on her programme.
She added, ‘I have something to tell you, and I know you know I love you – oh I knew I was going to weep but I’ll try not to…’ It’s been an honour to spend the morning with you.’
Tony Blackburn criticised the BBC for moving his Radio 2 programme in June.
In a social media statement, the 79-year-old DJ blamed ageism for the decision.
Blackburn’s Golden Hour programme switched from Fridays to Sundays in mid-July.
Blackburn called the decision ‘wacky’ on Twitter, and supporters rallied to back him. One said the BBC was “making several blunders” by rearranging the schedule.
Craig Charles’ Saturday House Party is also cut from Radio 2’s schedule.
Michelle Visage, Angela Griffin, and DJ Spoony will have new programmes on the channel. According to an insider, “many DJs are upset right now.”
BBC management are trying to stay popular with younger people despite a number of high-profile exits in the previous year.
Andrew Marr will join LBC and Classic FM after 21 years at the BBC, including 16 years hosting his own Sunday morning political show.
He claimed he was ‘eager to have my own voice back’ and will now concentrate on radio and print writing.
Dan Walker left his £295,000-a-year BBC Breakfast job in April to become Channel 5’s top anchor.
Louise Minchin departed Breakfast last year to spend more time with her family.
After Walker’s departure, the BBC downplayed the ‘brain drain’ as ‘people come, people leave’
Insiders said there’s a ‘natural moment when individuals move on,’ but there are worries the Corporation will lack experienced presenters.
A BBC insider told MailOnline, ‘People come and go, but we have loads of established talent and new and developing stars, so people move on naturally.’